A Vacancy at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. We are currently one of the UKs largest and most experienced cardio-thoracic centres providing care for a variety of complex patients. Since March we have been one of the highest performing cardiac centres in the UK providing urgent/emergency surgery whilst continuing with the transplant programme. We care for a variety of patients following complex cardiothoracic procedures including coronary revascularization, valve surgery, primary angioplasty, heart transplantation, lung transplantation, and insertion of Ventricular Assist Devices. Nurses on our unit acquire specialist skills in the management of patients requiring interventions such as advanced modes of ventilation, IABP, CVVHDF, nitric oxide, ECMO and cardiac pacing. Our mentorship programme, supported by our Practice Education Team, aims to provide all new staff with the essential knowledge and skills required to settle into this busy, friendly unit. As a highly motivated Band 6 nurse you will have an excellent opportunity to develop yourself further in mentoring/supporting colleagues, contributing to key projects, shift management, performing staff appraisals and acting as ‘Bay Leader’. You will be expected to follow the Band 6 Development Plan. Applicants must be able to present evidence of advanced critical care skill development, successful teaching / mentoring contributions, and significant contributions to departmental projects. Advert closing: 29th April 2024 at Midnight Interview date: 6th May 2024 Job summary: 1.Supporting and deputising for the Sister/Charge Nurse in the management of the clinical area. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in conjunction with the ward sister/charge nurse in emergency or unforeseen situations. 2. To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular group of staff delegated by the sister/charge nurse. 3. Act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff providing daily unit management, continuity of care and a high standard of excellent nursing care. 4. Provide specialist nursing practice to support and facilitate high quality, individualised care to patients/clients and relatives/carers without supervision in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team. 5. To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover for any area specified. 6. Lead and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCA’s to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care. Due to our everchanging and evolving critical care service we have band 6 vacancies. We are currently one of the UKs largest and most experienced cardio-thoracic centres providing care for a variety of complex patients. Since March we have been one of the highest performing cardiac centres in the UK providing urgent/emergency surgery whilst continuing with the transplant programme. We care for a variety of patients following complex cardiothoracic procedures including coronary revascularization, valve surgery, primary angioplasty, heart transplantation, lung transplantation, and insertion of Ventricular Assist Devices. Nurses on our unit acquire specialist skills in the management of patients requiring interventions such as advanced modes of ventilation, IABP, CVVHDF, nitric oxide, ECMO and cardiac pacing. Our mentorship programme, supported by our Practice Education Team, aims to provide all new staff with the essential knowledge and skills required to settle into this busy, friendly unit. Main tasks & responsibilities: Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect) To lead the provision of care in accordance with the Trust Policies reflecting current trends and developments in nursing and the NHS. In conjunction with the staff team, to assist in developing and maintaining of the Ward/Department ethos and to the delivery of a standard approach to excellent nursing care. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the patient. A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological; pathological; spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific speciality. Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways. Planning for care pathways for discharge. Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the Ward/Department. To comply with and participate in the Trust’s framework for Clinical Governance within the Ward or Department area. To take charge of the clinical area, utilising resources effectively and to ensure that safe staffing levels are maintained for their shifts. In conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers. Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with the Trust risk management policy. Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with the Trust policies and lead in any investigations where required to do so by the sister/charge nurse. In the absence or as delegated by the sister/charge nurse initiate investigations of untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and other relevant information. Monitor the quality of nursing care and action audit information to achieve agreed standards under the direction of the Ward / Department Manager. Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records) Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained. Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives/carers and staff. To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients & staff in line with national strategy requirements. Communication Provide support mechanisms for sharing good practice within the Ward/Department and Trust wide. Assist in the programme and provide clinical supervision, as required for all registered nurses working in the Ward / Department. Delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members and evaluate outcomes in conjunction with the Ward / Department Manager. Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and other Wards / Departments, including developing your formal presentation skills. Promote the corporate image of the Trust to all individuals, groups and organisations both within the Trust and to the community at large. Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive ward team and the achievement of team objectives Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors. Contribute to Directorate / Site bleep cover arrangements as required. Policy development Lead on delegated projects relating to local policy development. To be actively involved in the development of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, the implementation and reinforce their use. People management Assist in the management of staff attendance, poor performance, disciplinary and grievance issues in the clinical area. Actively manage own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure and as delegated help others to do the same. Assist in the recruitment, retention and selection of staff. Participate in the Trust appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with their manager at least annually. Service development To participate in staff education and development, including orientation and supervision and act as a mentor and resource for learners and the nursing team and the multi-professional teams. Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, using the Trust’s Performance Review System, enabling standards of patient care to be constantly monitored and improved. To participate in the business planning process, helping to identify areas for service development. Resource management Assist the ward / department manager in the effective and efficient use of resources by adhering to the procedures for the use of supplies. Ensure appropriate activation of Bank and Agency staff when permanent staff are unavailable. Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix are scheduled to reflect the workload and meet the needs of the patient. To be a role model to other staff in adopting a flexible approach to personal duty rostering. Information management Identify areas where local audit is needed, conduct the audit and analyse the data with support. Arranges for the collection and analysis of audit and research data as required. To have an active intranet account and act as role model for others. Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required. Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care. Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development. Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and under development. Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the PAS system. Further sections • To maximise the potential of all team members. • To ensure in conjunction with the ward/departmental managers that identified members have a meaningful appraisal/personal development plan that includes feedback to the individual from a selection of internal customers and team members. • To provide a safe and attractive working environment for team members within available resources. • To attend and play a major role in corporate groups as a representative of the directorate and team. • To represent the clinical area on working groups as appropriate and at relevant conferences at regional and national level and on working groups as appropriate. This advert closes on Monday 29 Apr 2024