Staff Nurse – Day of Surgical Admission and Pre Assessment

Staff Nurse – Day of Surgical Admission and Pre Assessment

Job Background/Context

Our client is a 112 bed private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Each Ward provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in nursing services.

Job Title: Staff Nurse – Day of Surgical Admission (DOSA) and Pre Assessment

Department: Day of Surgical Admission (DOSA) and Pre Assessment (PAC)

Reporting to: ADON DOSA and PAC

Location: Lucan

Job Purpose:

The Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) Unit is a pre- operative unit where patients are prepared for theatre on the day of their surgery. Operating Monday to Saturday, DOSA cares for patients undergoing surgical procedures across a large number of specialties and provides pre-operative care for patients having major surgery. DOSA strives to make the patient journey to theatre as efficient as possible.

The Pre Assessment Clinic (PAC) is a nurse led unit where patients are assessed pre – operatively to ensure they are optimally fit for their surgery by carrying out a systematic systems review to include documenting an accurate clinical history, medication review, physical examination including but inclusive of Vital Signs, Height, Weight, ECG and the ordering of relevant laboratory/ microbiology/cardiology tests as determined by the pre-assessment history.

The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of nursing practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the general registered nurse will demonstrate strong clinical skills and facilitate effective communication with colleagues in the hospital. The position requires a collaborative and supportive approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the implementation of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.

Essential Criteria:

Knowledge/Experience

• Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI

• Have at least two years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting, with one year in a surgical setting

• Hold an up-to-date Basic Life Support course

• Experience in Anaesthetics is an advantage

Skills/ Competencies

· Clinical Skills

· Management skills

· Leadership skills

· IT skills

· Quality focus

· Risk Management

· Clinical audit

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Professional Expectations

• Function within the limits of NMBI and hospital policies, procedures and standards.

• Support the Mission Statement of Hermitage Clinic, Blackrock Health

• Observe appropriate lines of authority.

• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other areas of the hospital as required.

• Set annual goals and objectives with CNM.

• Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills.

• Seek and take education opportunities in addition to those provided by the hospital.

• Provide direct supervision to other members of the nursing team when appropriate.

• Participate in working groups to develop and promote quality care within Blackrock Clinic.

• Participate in the education of learners and assist with the orientation of new personnel.

• Present a professional appearance and is punctual.

• Accept responsibility for “Acting Up” in specific instances, as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation

• Utilising assessment skills and techniques to determine patient needs on admission.

• Carry out comprehensive and accurate nursing assessment of patients, plan and implement care and evaluate the achievement of identified outcomes..

• Use a structured approach in the process of assessment and collection of data regarding the health and functional status of the patient.

• Analyse and interpret data accurately

• Collaborate with the patient and family/carers in identifying expected health care outcomes and patient needs.

• Update the written or computerised care plan as indicated.

• Develop appropriate and individualised patient education and discharge planning and utilise available ward resources for same.

• Formulate a patients plan of care, outcomes including timeframes for achievement, and continuity in collaboration with other health professionals and the patient

• Develop and plan discharge criteria from time of pre assessment in PAC and admission to DOSA.

• Plan work to allow time for training, meetings etc.

• Provide safe, comprehensive nursing based on current standards and research, perform procedures according to established policy and procedures.

• Administer the developed care plan in a consistent and flexible manner.

• Fulfil prescribed orders completely and accurately.

• Provide care with minimal supervision in a timely accurate and safe manner.

• Maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and colleagues.

• Advocate as necessary for the patients, respecting their dignity and confidentiality.

• Function effectively in an emergency situation.

• Adapt to changing workloads.

• Know and practice within legal requirements including those set down by NMBI.

• Evaluate and update care plans appropriately.

• Evaluate personal nursing practice as compared to standards of care and know own ability and competence.

• Participate in quality assurance by assisting to identify recurrent nursing problems and co-operate in data collection and problem solving.

• You must comply with all hospital policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control. Every employee has a responsibility to know how to reduce infection in their role

• Work as a member of the nursing team on day duty and perform duties as allocated by the Clinical Nurse Manager 1and/or 2.

• Ensure that controlled drug records are kept in accordance with standard recognised legal and professional practice.

• Ensure safe practice is adhered to in the storage and administration of all drugs in accordance with local policy and Department of Health / NMBI guidelines, keeping patient and staff safety a priority.

• Be aware of the multifaceted needs of emergency, medical and surgical patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families.

• Keep accurate, comprehensive, up-dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations.

Other responsibilities.

• Ensure correct and economical use of unit stocks and material and the safe and correct use of all equipment.

• Ensure the safekeeping of patient’s belongings in accordance with hospital policy where necessary.

• Document all necessary care given on the Meditech Patient information system.

• Be willing to be deployed to other areas of the hospital if requested to do so.

• Document and report to the CNM, in a timely and comprehensive manner, any incidents, accidents, near misses or complaints and participate in any subsequent investigation as requested.

• Participate in staff meetings, team meetings and committees as required.

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