Staff Nurse (Dual Qualified Paeds) - UPMC Waterford

Staff Nurse (Dual Qualified Paeds) - UPMC Waterford

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital

Job type: Permanent

Overview of role:

To work as a member of a team of nurses at the Ambulatory Day Ward in UPMC Whitfield Hospital, providing high quality, patient - centred care for paediatric and adult patients, and their families. To develop and maintain good relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team. To work closely with nursing colleagues, developing innovative practice within the unit delivering evidence-based care. To develop specialist knowledge of nursing practice relating to his/her clinical area.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Professional Responsibilities

The Dual Qualified Staff Nurse will:

Practice Nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and Professional Clinical Guidelines.

Comply with national, regional and local UPMC Whitfield Hospital guidelines, policies, protocols and legislation.

Work within their scope of practice and take measures to develop and maintain the competence necessary for professional practice.

Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for their practice.

Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to their area of practice.

Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient

Follow appropriate lines of authority within the Nurse Management Structure.

Clinical:

Provide safe, holistic, evidence-based nursing care to paediatric and adult patients throughout their hospital journey, preoperatively and post operatively up to safe discharge.

Carry out comprehensive nursing assessments, care planning, implementation and evaluation in line with hospital policies and national guidelines.

Monitor and manage the recovery of post operative patients, recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in both paediatric and adult patients.

Administer medications safely and accurately, considering age related dosage adjustments and patient specific factors, in line with UPMC Medication Management policies.

Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including , consultants, consultant anaesthetists, HCA’s and Allied Health professionals

Paediatric Specific Duties

Deliver age appropriate emotional and clinical support to children and their families, ensuring a child friendly and anxiety reducing environment.

To act as an advocate for the child and family ensuring the provision of appropriate information and support services.

Ensure safeguarding standards and child protection guidelines are adhered to at all times.

To communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events.

Educate parents/guardians regarding post operative care, pain management and signs of concern.

Ensure that discharge planning is commenced at the point of admission, liaising with the multidisciplinary team, other departments and community services as necessary.

Develop and maintain the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to provide clinically effective, holistic, evidence-based nursing care. This includes expanded role responsibilities, within the Scope of Professional Practice, following appropriate training.

To be competent in the administration and adhere to UPMC Whitfield Hospital Medication Policy at all times.

Communicate effectively, promoting open and trusting relationships.

To be aware of the uses, safety precautions and handling of equipment in the Day ward.

Assist in the development and review of policies and standards for the safe use of equipment and any new equipment introduced to the department. Staff Nurse Job Description

Promote the health, welfare and social wellbeing of all patients.

Endeavour to ensure that care is carried out in an empathetic and ethical manner and that the dignity and spiritual needs of the patient are respected.

Promote and recognise the patients’ social and cultural dimensions of care.

Collaborate and work closely with the patient, their family, the multi-disciplinary team, external agencies and services to facilitate discharge planning, continuity of care and specific care requirements.

General Duties

Ensure the delivery of the highest possible standard of care to all patients.

Act as preceptor to pre-registration students, mentor new clinical staff and new nonclinical staff. Support and guide all colleagues when needed.

Liaise with link lecturers from affiliated nurse education departments with particular regard to developing and maintaining UPMC Whitfield Hospital as a recognised learning environment for student nurses.

Develop and maintain effective communication and interpersonal relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a good team spirit and collaborative working practices.

Support the unit manager by meeting agreed responsibilities as set out by the Unit Manager , Assistant Director of Nursing or the Director of Nursing at any time.

Identify and discuss nursing/patient needs with consultants/nursing team, multidisciplinary team, patients and carers.

Accept responsibility and be accountable for the holistic care of a named group of patients on a shift basis.

Ensure that the highest possible standards of patient care and patient safety are maintained at all times.

Demonstrate and promote a patient centred style of clinical practice, acting as patient advocate at all times and provide emotional and psychological support to patients admitted to the unit for treatment.

Maintain high standards of communication, both written and verbal at all times. Have a working knowledge of all NMBI publications to include the Scope of Practice Framework and Code of Professional Misconduct.

Maintain own professional registration and submit to HR department for verification yearly.

Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the following and always practice within the guidelines and policies written at both unit and hospital level:

Clinical risk reporting policy

Occupational Health

Facilities Management

Patient Moving and Handling

Resuscitation / Basic Life Support

Health and Safety

Departmental Financial & Budgetary Controls

It is the responsibility of all UPMC Whitfield Hospital employees to ensure they are aware of and competent in the reporting of Clinic Risk and all Health and Safety concerns.

Understand and participate in projects within the Hospital.

Undertake a pro-active approach in achieving and maintaining accreditation standards within UPMC Whitfield Hospital and have an in-depth knowledge of departmental and hospital-wide policies.

Quality & Audit:

Participate and lead as required in clinical audit and research activity within the field, promoting a positive attitude towards the implementation of evidence- based practice.

Undertake clinical audit as necessary, and to participate in local audits in preparation for annual accreditation.

Health and Safety:

To uphold UPMC Whitfield Hospital’s policy requirements in relation to Fire, Infection Control, Radiation Safety and Health and Safety at work regulations and to attend updates.

Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors