Sister/Charge Nurse - Band 6

Job Overview An exciting opportunity as a Sister/Charge Nurse has arisen within the team on Ward 28A at North Bristol NHS Trust. Ward 28A specialises in caring for patients with respiratory conditions and provides HDU beds looking after patients with level 2 care or post‑ICU high dependency needs. This is an excellent position that will allow you to further enhance your acute medical skills and begin taking on a junior management role.

The role of the Sister/Charge Nurse on 28A involves managing the daily flow of patients through the ward, caring for acutely unwell respiratory patients and being a supportive, positive role model for junior team members. You will also be expected (following training) to deputise for the ward manager in their absence. The successful applicant will be entered on the One NBT management program to support their development into this role to learn skills in appraisal, recruitment, sickness and performance management.

You would also be expected to be a lead on quality improvement initiative. Significant experience of caring for patients with high dependency needs is essential to undertake this role (skills‑specific training will be offered to suitable candidates). The post involves the full rotation of shifts as the area has senior staff working at all times.

Responsibilities In the absence of the ward Sister, lead and coordinate teams of nursing staff in the delivery of high standards of evidence based nursing care. To be responsible for ensuring the appropriate assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based care to all patients in the clinical area. To act efficiently and effectively upon any significant changes in a patient’s condition or circumstances.

Responsible for taking charge of the ward / department on a daily basis in the absence of the ward Sister. To contribute towards health promotion for patients and carers by providing education, support and advice. Ensure referral to appropriate professionals or agencies as required.

Ensure the safe ordering, administration and custody of patients’ medication according to Trust policies and procedures. To be responsible for delegation of appropriate work to other qualified staff, health care assistants and students. (Team to ensure arrangement of efficient, safe and timely discharge or transfer according to Trust policy.) Responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients undergoing treatment or investigations. To work cooperatively and professionally as a member of the ward team and within the directorate.

To organise and participate in meetings with families, other members of the multidisciplinary team or within the directorate. To have a working knowledge of safeguarding and ensure the nursing team are fully informed and promote care and actions that minimises any risk. To communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and colleagues.

To liaise regularly with other ward teams in the directorate. To ensure effective dissemination of information to all levels of staff in the absence of the ward Sister. To work closely with the Clinical site managers and bed managers to ensure best use of beds and staff.

To actively promote team working through organisation of team meetings as required. Ability to provide verbal reports and maintain written reports on the patients condition for nurses and professionally qualified workers. To take responsibility for ensuring that all members of the care team treat patients with courtesy at all times and ensure the individual needs of patients are respected and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

To effectively take telephone enquiries and forward calls to relevant departments or individuals as the need arises. Participate in ward, department, directorate or multidisciplinary meetings in the absence of the ward Sister. In the absence of the ward Sister take responsibility for supervising and coordinating efficient management of patient care delivery.

To be able to take charge and act in emergency situations and have expert knowledge of emergency procedures including fire and resuscitation. To be responsible for the support and direction of qualified and junior staff in such situations according to Trust policy. To be responsible for ensuring provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients, relatives, visitors and colleagues.

Ensure the readiness for use of special equipment and the availability of nursing supplies. Ensure the safe custody of patients’ valuables and property according to Trust policies. In the absence of the ward manager take responsibility for managing and reporting all complaints, incidents or accidents involving self, staff, patients, visitors and complete relevant documentation according to Trust procedure.

Be responsible for reporting and documenting any broken or damaged equipment according to Trust policy. Make arrangements for suitable disposal or repair of equipment in the absence of the ward Sister. With the support of the ward Sister liaise with works/estates departments to ensure all equipment is properly maintained in accordance with Trust policy.

To have detailed knowledge of Manual handling regulations particularly with regards to the lifting and moving of patients. To be responsible for ensuring assessment of patients’ manual handling needs are carried out and ensure junior staff and students follow these requirements in the course of care delivery. Attend mandatory theoretical and practical training as agreed with the ward Sister.

Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health in accordance with Trust policy. Ensure availability of facilities for disposal of sharps, toxic / cytotoxic waste in accordance with trust policy. With the assistance of the ward Sister ensure all staff are regularly updated in relation to health & safety issues and organise their attendance to statutory days.

Take responsibility for reporting any health & safety issues related to patients, relatives staffing, manual handling, infection equipment or maintenance to the matron or Head of nursing in the absence of the ward Sister. With the support of the ward Sister be responsible for the economical use of supplies, equipment and staffing within the allocated annual budget. Authorise invoices / timesheets as required in the absence of the ward manager.

Ensure the most effective and economical use of supplies and equipment, monitor and report to ensure stock levels are maintained. Monitor the use of supplies by all staff to promote efficient use of all supplies. Detailed knowledge of the protocols and procedures concerning the use of bank and agency staff.

Personal responsibility to keep up to date with new developments in nursing and maintain registration with the NMC including evidence in a professional development portfolio. Take responsibility to ensure that Trust and local policies are known and followed by all staff. Attend mandatory professional update days as agreed with the ward Sister.

To take part in learning activities to develop individual competence and facilitate the provision of a positive learning environment in the ward / department. Undertake additional nursing skills development or maintain existing skills by update training as required for IV drug administration, ECG, male catheterisation, cannulation, and venepuncture. To act in a professional manner towards all staff within the team or directorate.

Undertake management training in relation to personnel management, appraisal training, recruitment, budget management as agreed with the ward /department Sister. Participate in clinical audit and research activities as the service requires. To have sound knowledge of nursing research and current developments to provide evidence based nursing care.

To have access to the intranet and internet to access latest research. To attend clinical governance days in the absence of the ward Sister to provide up to date knowledge for the nursing team. With the support of the ward Sister implement changes to nursing practice based on the recommendations of audit or research.

To be responsible for dissemination of research information to all staff in the absence of the ward Sister. To be responsible for teaching and assessing student nurses as required and regularly act as mentor/assessor for other staff and students as agreed with the ward Sister. To maintain continuing assessment and written reports for students or junior staff as required.

Actively participate in the teaching and mentoring of qualified and junior staff and students by demonstrating and assessing procedures as agreed with the ward Sister. To be actively involved with the facilitation of new students and staff to develop their competence. With the support of the ward Sister take responsibility for organising and planning ward or department teaching programmes.

Actively participate in teaching within the ward or directorate. To contribute towards the provision of a positive learning environment within the clinical area. With the support of the ward Sister ensure that there are clear, relevant and up to date orientation and teaching packages available for staff and students.

Take responsibility for reviewing these on a regular basis. To ensure all staff are aware of their own responsibilities according to their job descriptions and take responsibility to support and assist all staff to achieve their objectives within that role. Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.

With the support of the ward Sister, be responsible for the organisation and delivery of a high quality service including patient care, the ward / unit environment and facilities and communication with patients, relatives, visitors and all members of the clinical and multidisciplinary team. To regularly act as a bleep holder within the directorate. This role requires the post holder to act as a clinical resource, provide support to other nursing teams and take responsibility for the management/ deployment of nursing staff in relation to workload and dependency issues.

To have detailed knowledge of requirements for staffing the ward or department. To have detailed knowledge of the actions to take to maintain staffing levels and skill mix. Undertake aspects of ward administration as agreed by the ward Sister i.e. rostering, monitoring sickness or absence, providing monthly financial reports, maintaining records of annual leave, bank or agency usage, appraisals, completion of time sheets.

With the support of the ward Sister actively participate in the recruitment of staff. With the support of the ward Sister assess the learning needs of team members and arrange necessary training or updates to promote skill development. Participate in multi professional meetings and represent the directorate at Trust meetings as agreed with the ward Sister.

Person Specification Acute Nursing experience – Essential criteria 18 months – 2 years experience in an acute environment familiar with "level 2" patients such as Respiratory/HDU/ICU/ED/CCU/AMU. Acute Nursing experience – Desirable criteria Experience managing patients with acute & chronic respiratory conditions. Specialist courses relevant to Respiratory/ Acute Care modules.

Mentor/Assessor (nursing) – Essential criteria Current mentor. Experience coordinating wards – Essential criteria Previous experience co‑ordinating inpatient wards. Leadership skills, professionalism and assertiveness.

Flexible/ able to work a rotational shift pattern to support management of the ward. Experience coordinating wards – Desirable criteria Previous B6 experience/management experience. Experience driving a quality improvement initiative.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people. The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band.

Progression through the scale is by annual increments. Pre‑employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post. #J-18808-Ljbffr