Staff Nurse - ICU/Neuro ICU

Job Title - Staff NurseDepartment - ICU/ Neuro ICUReporting to - ADONLocation - Blackrock Health Hermitage ClinicJob PurposeThe role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of ICU/HDU nursing practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the Staff Nurse in ICU 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/ContextThe Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. The ICU provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in ICU services.Key Responsibilities Operations• Work as a member of the nursing team on duty and perform duties as allocated by the CNM 1/Nurse in charge.• Manage a caseload of patients as identified by CNM/ nurse in charge• Assess the care needs of critically ill patients responding appropriately and in a timely manner to changes in condition.• In conjunction with the MDT review the effectiveness of interventions and establish appropriate goals in patient care.• Maintain accurate clinical observations of a patient’s condition and respond appropriately to any changes in condition• Ensure all data relating to a patient’s condition is interpreted and acted on in a timely way.• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and update care plans to take account of the changing needs of the patient.• Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive information. Communicate very sensitive, complex condition related information to consultants, patients and relatives.• Advocate proactively for the patient when required. • Deliver skilled practical care to ICU patients and participate in the monitoring of the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised patient care, ensuring a patient centred focus.• Be aware of the multifaceted needs of critically ill patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families.• 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  NMBI guidelines, keeping patient and staff safety a priority.• 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• Provide emotional, psychological and practical support to the patient and their family/carer throughout their pathway and facilitate communication between patients, families and professionals • Ensure safe practice to minimise the risk of infection to patients and staff in accordance with national and• Keep accurate, comprehensive, up-dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations.• 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 and report to the CNM 3, 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.• Take charge of the unit when requested to do so in the CNMs absence.Learning and Education• Contribute to the requirements of NMBI and code of conduct for professional nursing are met and upheld including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice.• Demonstrate a high commitment to professional and personal development to ensure that professional competencies are maintained and developed to continue to meet the needs of the service.• 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 and sharing knowledge with other staff members.• 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.• Identify and inform the Nurse Practice 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.• Supervise the nursing practice of less experienced staff members of the nursing team and participate in the educational aspects of that practice.Quality Improvement and Risk Management• Ensure compliance with all relevant Blackrock Health Hermitage 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 CriteriaKnowledge/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 and a minimum of one year’s nursing experience ICU/HDU  • A recognised post-registration nursing course - Higher Diploma or Post Grad course in Neurosciences nursing /ICU Nursing or equivalentSkills/ Competencies • Clinical Skills• IT skills• Quality focus• Risk Management• Clinical audit• Team work• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Desirable • Neuro surgical intensive care experience Skills/ Competencies 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.Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is an Equal Opportunities Employer