Staff Nurse - Emergency Department

Job Title Staff Nurse Department Emergency Department Job Function Nursing Reporting to CNM 2 Location Hermitage  Clinic Job Purpose The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of Emergency Department nursing practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the Staff Nurse in the Emergency Department 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. Job Background/Context The Hermitage  Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. The Emergency Department provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in Emergency Department services. Key Responsibilities  OperationsPromote the delivery of a high standard of care to all Emergency patients. 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.Supervise the nursing practice of less experienced staff members of the nursing team and participate in the educational aspects of that practice.Be aware of the multifaceted needs of emergency, medical and surgical patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families.Be aware of community based support for medical and surgical patients.Keep accurate, comprehensive, up-dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations.Participate in the safe custody of medications, in accordance with hospital policy.Ensure correct and economical use of Unit stocks and material and the safe and correct use of all equipment.Ensure the safe keeping of patient’s belongings in accordance with hospital policy where necessary.Document all necessary care given on the Meditech Patient information system.Be in charge of the Ward/Unit when requested to do so in the CNMs absence.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.  Learning and EducationContribute to the requirements of NMBI for the practice of professional nursing are met and upheld including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice.Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research. Attend and participate in staff development programmes on an ongoing basis.Assist with the orientation and induction of new staff and be available to provide orientation as deemed necessary, helping them to integrate as members of the Unit team.Assist in the training of nursing support staff together.Identify and inform the Learning and Education Team of any training and professional development requirements.Attend all mandatory training days and ensure that all mandatary training is in date.Comply with all HR system and policy requirements.·      Promote a patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect and choice is maintained in their care.  Quality Improvement and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all relevant Hermitage Medical Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. ·      Participate in the continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team where required.·      Assist in promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department. ·      Be aware of the core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the service and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standards.Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process.Participate in the requirements of the hospital’s risk management programme.Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.·      Work with members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard Operating Procedures for the development of the Unit.Assist in ensuring a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.  Essential Criteria Knowledge/Experience ·      Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI·      Have at least three years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting with at least one years’ Emergency Department nursing experience·      Hold an up-to-date Basic Life Support course or be in pursuit of same Skills/ Competencies ·      Clinical Skills·      IT skills·      Quality focus·      Risk Management·      Clinical audit·      Team work·      Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Desirable Skills Knowledge/ Experience    This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment. The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested.