JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DETAILS:
Job Title: Staff Nurse
Band: 5
Directorate: Surgical Care Directorate
Department: Montacute Ward
Base: Various
Responsible Senior Ward Sister
to:

Job Purpose:
Delivery of patient care on a daily basis, using the systems in place on the ward for a
multi-disciplinary approach to patient-centred care delivery, which builds on the
philosophy of greater involvement of patients and their relatives/carers by using the
Trusts patient and public involvement strategy.

Experienced Band 5 post holders will also provide effective clinical and managerial
leadership of a ward, in the absence of the Senior and Junior Ward Sister, which
empowers staff to deliver patient-centred, evidence-based nursing care.

Date of Job Description: April 2020

Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and Key Working Relationships
 Plans, implements, carries out and evaluates care given by self and other
support nursing staff to patients and their relatives
 Communicate with patients, relatives and carers sensitive clinical information in
a way that takes into account the level of understanding and any barriers that
may have an impact on the individual receiving and understanding the
information, face to face and via the telephone on a frequent daily basis.
 Patients, relatives and carers, multi-disciplinary team, Matrons, A.D.N, support
service staff. Regular attendance at regular ward/team meetings, multi-
disciplinary patient meetings, multi-disciplinary specialty meetings.
 Provide statements in response to formal complaints or resolve with patients or relatives
any verbal complaints or if necessary pass on to the senior nursing staff /Matron/PALS
services any that cannot be resolved. Support the senior nursing staff to use the
learning as a result of incidents and complaints and take action in a positive way to
develop or change practice.
 Communicate with patients, relatives and staff in an empathetic way, both face
to face or by telephone giving reassurance and developing co-operation in
achieving good outcomes on a frequent daily basis.
 Attend regular ward/team meetings to be kept informed of changes to
policies/procedures and up to date with changes within the organisation, including team
brief

Planning and Organisation

 Maintain and develop own clinical expertise and competence within the ward speciality by
working clinically as part of the team, undergoing training and updating by external or
internal courses and by reading and keeping up to date with changes in practice

Analytics

Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy

 Maintain accurate clinical observations and records, interpret the significance of
these and ask for advice on appropriate care from senior nursing and medical
staff
 Work in other areas / Wards as required according to service / patient needs when
requested
 Make decisions, following discussion with a senior member of nursing or medical staff
with regard to the clinical intervention required, based on the analysis and interpretation
of complex clinical facts (such as blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and
temperature and fluid balance) on a daily basis and in crisis situations.
 Use local and national research, guidelines and policies to establish a model of
evidence-based care, which is patient- centred and ensure discharge planning is
commenced on admission by staff and that patients are discharged without
unnecessary delays, according to the Trust discharge policy.
 Respond frequently to requests for information on patient conditions, bed state, and
requests from medical staff and other enquires relating to the ward from internal and
external sources, via the telephone, and assistance in emergency situations and when
more junior staff requires support with clinical interventions.
 As per the Trust Drug policy follow the safe ordering, storage and administration of
medicines.

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  Is visible and accessible to patients, visitors and users of the service.

Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility

 Take responsibility as an individual, that the Trust policy for clinical incident
reporting is followed. Support the Senior Ward Sister/Matron to use the learning
from incidents in a positive way to develop or change practice.
 Responsible for infection control and cleanliness standards on a shift by shift basis by
following National and Trust policy.
 Read and adhere to all Trust policies including clinical governance/COSHH/Health and
Safety/Clinical Waste/Manual Handling/PEAT.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources

 Responsible for the repair and maintenance of ward equipment on a shift by shift
basis and shared responsibility for the safe keeping of patient property.
 Experienced Band 5 post holders: Authorised signatory of bank nurse/agency
timesheets. May request authorisation of bank nurses and overtime under the direction
of the Matron or Associate Director of Nursing.

Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management

 Responsible, on a shift by shift basis for the supervision, performance and management
of staff comprising, nurses, health care assistants, ward receptionists, ward assistants,
house keepers. Leads a team of Nurses, HCAs and WA’s within a ward, plans allocates
and supervises work.
 Delivers training for one to one induction for new and temporary staff, and regular
mentorship for students
 Responsible for the teaching of core nursing skills on a one to one or group
basis and those relating to the speciality of the area, to support staff and
students on a daily basis


Information Resources & Administrative Duties

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

 Use the Trust computer system to update patient information and respond to e
mails on a daily basis

Experienced Band 5 post holders will also:

 Take overall responsibility when leading a shift for ensuring that the complement of
staff is appropriate to deliver the service from a skill mix and skills perspective.
Adjusting the roster and providing cover in emergency situations.
 Deliver training for one to one induction for new and temporary staff, mentorship for
students and preceptorship for newly qualified staff on a frequent basis. Act as a
mentor to qualified staff and students.
 Contribute to creating an environment that is conducive to learning, by providing
teaching sessions for a group of staff, or on a one to one basis and give support to staff
undertaking new or advanced roles
 Undertake performance reviews and contribute to personal development plans for
junior staff, as delegated by the ward sister

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 Take decisions with regard to the clinical intervention required, based on the analysis
and interpretation of complex clinical facts (such as blood pressure, pulse, respiratory
rate, and temperature and fluid balance) on a daily basis and in crisis situations.
 Take responsibility as an individual for ensuring that the Trust policy for clinical incident
reporting is followed.
 Use the learning as a result of incidents and complaints to take action in a positive way
to develop or change practice.
 Take responsibility for holding the unit bleep (out of hours as required by specialty
area), to provide bed management, staffing advice and redeployment across the unit,
requests for bank and responding to fire or major incident, to support the Clinical Site
Manager. Deal with other ad hoc requests for help, information or decision making
required as they arise.
 Provide clinical specialty advice to other clinical areas
 Take responsibility for infection control and cleanliness standards on a shift by shift
basis by ensuring that self and staff follow National and Trust policy.
 Act as a link nurse for nutrition, diabetes or control of infection by attending meetings
held by the appropriate specialist nurse and bringing back and communicating to ward
staff through the regular monthly ward meetings any changes in practice

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Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity
and will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to
be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.

General Information
At all times promote and maintain the safety of children by working according the
Trust's Child Protection Policy and supporting guidance. Being pro-active and
responsive to child protection concerns by early reporting, recording and referral of
issues according to Trust arrangements. Attending child protection training that is
appropriate to your role.

Confidentiality
The post holder will maintain appropriate confidentiality of information relating to
commercially sensitive matters in regard to Trust business, and also to personal
information relating to members of staff and patients. The post holder will be
expected to comply with all aspects of the General Data Protection Act (2018), the
Staff Code of Confidentiality and the IT Security and Acceptable Use Policy.

Equality & Diversity

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for
all staff and for those who access services. You must work in accordance with equal
opportunity policies/procedures and promote the equality and diversity agenda of the
Trust.

Safeguarding
All employees have a duty for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and vulnerable adults. Staff must be aware of the Trust’s procedure for raising
concerns about the welfare of anyone with whom they have contact.

Risk Management / Health and Safety

Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them for ensuring the
safety of our patients, service users, visitors and colleagues under the Trust’s Risk
Management Strategy and policy and under the Health & Safety at Work Act
1974. All employees are expected to be familiar with and comply with the Trust’s
risk and health and safety policies and procedures and all other policies and
procedures relevant to their role.

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Records Management
The post holder has responsibility for the timely and accurate creation, maintenance
and storage of records in accordance with Trust policy, including email documents
and with regard to the General Data Protection Act, The Freedom of Information Act
and any other relevant statutory requirements.

Clinical Governance
The post holder will be expected to participate in clinical governance activities to
assist the Trust to provide high quality services.

Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infection

The post holder is expected to comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and
conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of
healthcare associated infection.

Smoking
The Trust operates a ‘non-smoking’ policy. Employees are not permitted to smoke
anywhere within the premises of the Trust or when outside on official business.

Policies & Procedures

Trust employees are expected to follow Trust policies, procedures and guidance as
well as professional standards and guidelines. Copies of Trust policies can be
accessed via the staff intranet or external website or via your manager.

Sustainability Clause
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a sustainable business.
Staff employed by the Trust, are required to think about their actions in the course of
their work and make positive steps to reducing, reusing and recycling wherever and
whenever possible.

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 Person Specification
This is a specification of the Qualifications, Skills, Experience, Knowledge, Personal
Attributes and Other Requirements which are required to effectively carry out the
duties and responsibilities of the post (as outlined in the Job Description).

Table 1 – Preceptor Band 5

Requirement Essential / How

Desirable Assessed
BEHAVIOURS ALIGNED WITH TRUST VALUES

 Outstanding care E Interview &

 Listening and leading E Application
 Working together E form

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Evidence of Qualifications required
 RGN E
 Diploma and working or willing to work towards degree E
level
 Willingness to undertake training and develop E
competencies in the specialist skills of the ward
speciality

KNOWLEDGE

EXPERIENCE

SKILLS & ABILITIES

 Analytical skills to deal with interpreting complex clinical E
information
 Ability to communicate in a professional way with E
people at all levels of understanding either face to face,
on the telephone, e-mail or written communication by
dealing with incident reports, writing statements and
letters to staff
 Able to undertake the higher level clinical skills required E
for the specialist area
 Basic computer literacy in I.H.S system in the E
organisation and basic word processing, email
 Knowledge of relevant NHS legislation to include clinical E
governance/COSHH/Health and Safety/Infection
Control/Clinical Waste/Manual
Handling/PEAT/Confidentiality and the Data Protection
Act E
 Basic knowledge of the Patient and Public Involvement
E
agenda
 Ability to prioritise own time and time of others
E
 Up to date knowledge of current evidence based
practice in nursing E
 Ability to assess clinical situations and act appropriately

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COMMUNICATION SKILLS
 Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English
language skills E
PLANNING & ORGANISING SKILLS

PHYSICAL SKILLS
 Physically able to carry out the duties of the post, E
including bending, stretching, kneeling and walking
for long periods of the shift
 Empathy when giving sensitive information E
 Ability to motivate self and others E
 Influencing and persuasion skills E
 Ability to work on own initiative as required and E
within agreed policies and procedures
 Decision making skills E
 Confident and able to relate to staff, patients and
relatives in a professional manner relevant to the E
environment
 Able to lead and work as an integral part of the
E
ward team
 Accountability for own professional actions
E
 Maintain NMC registration by undertaking the E
minimum clinical hours required to maintain
registration and work within the NMC code of
professional conduct

OTHER
 Willingness to use technology to improve standards
of care and support to our patients E

SUPPORTING BEHAVIOURS

To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to
Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours:
Outstanding Care:

 We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.

 We involve patients, relatives, carers and colleagues in decision-making.
 I ensure that my actions contribute to outstanding care regardless of my role.
 I admit mistakes, apologise and learn from them.
 I champion the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives, carers and
colleagues.
 I speak up when others cannot.

Listening and Leading:

 I lead with empathy, taking responsibility for how my emotions and actions
affect others.
 I inspire others to embrace change, encouraging them to see their part in the
bigger picture.

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  I strive to be the best I can be.
 I value the opinions and contributions of colleagues, patients and others.
 I encourage innovation and am open to new ideas.
 I listen with interest and take action if I am able.

Working Together:

 I collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.

 I communicate clearly and appropriately.
 We work together to overcome challenges.
 I ask for help and always assist those in need.
 I thank colleagues for their contributions and celebrate shared successes.
 I use resources effectively, treating every £ as if it were my own.

Table 2 – Generic Band 5 Post person specification

Requirement Essential / How

Desirable Assessed
BEHAVIOURS ALIGNED WITH TRUST VALUES

 Outstanding care E Interview &

 Listening and leading E Application
 Working together E form

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Evidence of Qualifications required
 RGN E
 Diploma and working or willing to work towards degree E
level
 Willingness to undertake training and develop E
competencies in the specialist skills of the ward
speciality
 Speciality course or competencies in clinical skills D
relevant to the speciality of the ward
 First Level/Supervisory
D

KNOWLEDGE

EXPERIENCE

SKILLS & ABILITIES

 Analytical skills to deal with interpreting complex clinical E
information
 Ability to communicate in a professional way with E
people at all levels of understanding either face to face,
on the telephone, e-mail or written communication by
dealing with incident reports, writing statements and
letters to staff

9
 Able to undertake the higher-level clinical skills required E
for the specialist area
 Basic computer literacy in I.H.S system in the E
organisation and basic word processing, email
 Knowledge of relevant NHS legislation to include clinical E
governance/COSHH/Health and Safety/Infection
Control/Clinical Waste/Manual
Handling/PEAT/Confidentiality and the Data Protection
Act E
 Basic knowledge of the Patient and Public Involvement
agenda E
 Ability to prioritise own time and time of others
 Up to date knowledge of current evidence-based E
practice in nursing
 Ability to assess clinical situations and act appropriately E

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
 Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English
language skills E
PLANNING & ORGANISING SKILLS

PHYSICAL SKILLS
 Physically able to carry out the duties of the post, E
including bending, stretching, kneeling and walking
for long periods of the shift
 Empathy when giving sensitive information E
 Ability to motivate self and others E
 Influencing and persuasion skills E
 Ability to work on own initiative as required and E
within agreed policies and procedures
 Decision making skills E
 Confident and able to relate to staff, patients and
relatives in a professional manner relevant to the E
environment
 Able to lead and work as an integral part of the
E
ward team
 Accountability for own professional actions
E
 Maintain NMC registration by undertaking the E
minimum clinical hours required to maintain
registration and work within the NMC code of
professional conduct

OTHER
 Willingness to use technology to improve standards
of care and support to our patients E

SUPPORTING BEHAVIOURS

To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to
Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours:
Outstanding Care:

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  We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.
 We involve patients, relatives, carers and colleagues in decision-making.
 I ensure that my actions contribute to outstanding care regardless of my role.
 I admit mistakes, apologise and learn from them.
 I champion the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives, carers and
colleagues.
 I speak up when others cannot.

Listening and Leading:

 I lead with empathy, taking responsibility for how my emotions and actions
affect others.
 I inspire others to embrace change, encouraging them to see their part in the
bigger picture.
 I strive to be the best I can be.
 I value the opinions and contributions of colleagues, patients and others.
 I encourage innovation and am open to new ideas.
 I listen with interest and take action if I am able.

Working Together:

 I collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.

 I communicate clearly and appropriately.
 We work together to overcome challenges.
 I ask for help and always assist those in need.
 I thank colleagues for their contributions and celebrate shared successes.
 I use resources effectively, treating every £ as if it were my own.

SUPPLIMENTARY INFORMATION
Physical Effort Yes No If yes – Specify details here - including
duration and frequency
Working in No
uncomfortable /

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unpleasant physical
conditions
Working in physically No
cramped conditions
Lifting weights, Yes
equipment or patients
with mechanical aids
Lifting or weights / No
equipment without
mechanical aids
Moving patients without No
mechanical aids
Making repetitive No
movements
Climbing or crawling No
Manipulating objects No
Manual digging No
Running If cases of emergency situation e.g. resus call
Standing / sitting with Yes
limited scope for
movements for long
periods of time
Kneeling, crouching, No
twisting, bending or
stretching
Standing / walking for Yes
substantial periods of
time
Heavy duty cleaning No
Pushing / pulling trolleys Yes
or similar
Working at heights No
Restraint ie: jobs No Opportunity to undertake PMVA Course
requiring training /
certification in physical
interventions
Mental Effort Yes No If yes - Specify details here - including
duration and frequency
Interruptions and the Yes
requirement to change
from one task to another
( give examples)
Carry out formal student Yes Only if Practice Supervisor or Practice Assessor
/ trainee assessments
Carry out clinical / social Yes
care interventions
Analyse statistics No
Operate equipment / Yes Ward equipment in accordance with medical
machinery competency assessment
Give evidence in a court Yes Unlikely but if required
/ tribunal / formal
hearings
Attend meetings Yes Ward Meetings or relevant to position e.g. champion

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(describe role) roles
Carry out screening Yes Collecting samples
tests / microscope work
Prepare detailed reports No
Check documents No
Drive a vehicle No
Carry out calculations Yes Drug Calculations
Carry out clinical No
diagnosis
Carry out non-clinical Yes To report any faulty equipment
fault finding
Emotional Effort Yes No If yes - Specify details here - including
duration and frequency
Processing (eg: typing / Yes
transmitting) news of
highly distressing events
Giving unwelcome news Yes Occasionally
to patients / clients /
carers / staff
Caring for the terminally Yes
ill
Dealing with difficult Yes Occasionally
situations /
circumstances
Designated to provide Yes Team work
emotional support to
front line staff
Communicating life Yes Occasionally
changing events
Dealing with people with Yes
challenging behaviour
Arriving at the scene of Yes Potential
a serious incident
Working conditions
– does this post Yes No If yes - Specify details here - including
involve working in duration and frequency
any of the following:
Inclement weather No
Excessive temperatures No
Unpleasant smells or Yes
odours
Noxious fumes No
Excessive noise &/or No
vibration
Use of VDU more or No
less continuously
Unpleasant substances / Yes Bodily fluid
non household waste
Infectious Material / Foul Yes
linen
Body fluids, faeces, Yes
vomit
Dust / Dirt Yes

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Humidity No
Contaminated Yes
equipment or work
areas
Driving / being driven in No
Normal situations
Driving / being driven in No
Emergency situations
Fleas or Lice No
Exposure to dangerous No
chemicals / substances
in / not in containers
Exposure to Aggressive Yes Occasionally
Verbal behaviour
Exposure to Aggressive Yes
Physical behaviour

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 Department Organisational Chart

Department Core Purpose

The Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) outline for this post which demonstrates the
skills and competencies required once in post should be considered in conjunction with this
document.
Job Profile Agreement

Agreed and Date:

(Manager)
Signed:

Agreed and Date:

(Post Holder)
Signed:
Date Role Description is Effective From:

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