Registered General Nurse (RGN)

Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension

Blue Light Card

Cycle to Work

Free hospice parking

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent is seeking an experienced registered nurse to provide high-quality palliative care in an in-patient unit across Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, deliver compassionate care, manage clinical emergencies, and contribute to teaching and supervision of staff and students.

The post requires a strong commitment to patient choice, accurate documentation, and effective use of EMIS/Ashton systems, with involvement in discharge

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with palliative care experience.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Competence in IT systems used for patient management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality palliative nursing care on the in-patient unit.
• Support ward management during absence of Ward Manager/ Ward Sister.
• Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and carers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and use of EMIS/Ashton systems.
• Contribute to teaching, induction, and supervision of staff and students.

Skills

Palliative care

Registered nurse

Multi-disciplinary team

IT literacy

Teaching/mentoring

Driving

Education

Post registration Nursing Course (Palliative Care Dip/Degree, ENB 931, 237 or equivalent)

Tools

EMIS

Ashton electronic patient management

Job description

The post holder is responsible for providing a high standard of palliative nursing care which reflectsevidence based practice, encompasses patient choice and makes best use of valuable resources.This includes assessing, planning and implementing individualised and effective patient care andevaluating the outcome. The post holder will be expected to communicate with members of theinternal and external multi-disciplinary team to ensure the best care for patients whilst on the wardand on discharge. In addition the post holder will facilitate training, education and inductionprogrammes for other qualified and unqualified staff.

Main duties of the job

• Work as part of a team to deliver high quality palliative care in the in-patient unit at either PHA/PHC/PHT.
• Support the operational management by taking responsibility for the ward in the absence of the Ward Manager and Ward Sister, ensuring patient care is maintained.
• Will be a registered nurse accountable for the direct delivery of patient care within an in-patient unit caring for patients with palliative needs.
• Maintain a high level of nursing care through direct delivery of personal, emotional and psychological care for patients.
• Successfully manage clinical emergencies specifically related to palliative care through swift recognition, instigating and carrying out any immediate actions and reporting and sharing information quickly.
• Maintain continuity of patient care through accurate verbal reports and electronic and written documentation.
• Ensure all patient information is electronically recorded in a safe, accurate and contemporaneous manner through familiarity with and daily use of EMIS and Ashtons electronic patient management system and adherence to Hospice IT protocols.
• Provide sensitive and empathetic emotional and psychological support for patients and carers during the delivery of bad news, of terminal care and during and after the event of death.
• Ensure the safety of patients, visitors and other staff by maintaining a safe environment, recognising any hazards and responding appropriately.

About us

As an award-winning employer, Pilgrims provides end of life care services to patients and their families across east Kent.

Our commitment is to provide open, compassionate care and expertise for patients and their families both in the community and in-patient units.

Our Vision

Of a community where people with a terminal illness, and their family and friends, are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life.

Other Benefits

As an Employer of Choice, our commitment to supporting our employees and volunteers is a key priority.

Our hospices offer:

• Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments
• Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning
• Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme
• A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause
• A sense of wellbeing
• A good work-life balance
• Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links
• NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Free hospice parking

Job responsibilities

Job Dimensions

• The post holder will work as part of a team to deliver high quality palliative care in the in-patientunit at either Ashford/Canterbury/Thanet but may be required to work at any of the othersites upon request.
• The post holder will support the operational management by take responsibility for the ward in theabsence of the Ward Manager and Ward Sister, ensuring patient care is maintained.
• Although not responsible for a budget, the post holder will be expected to be aware of costimplications and make the best use of valuable resources.
• The post holder will contribute to the learning environment, acting as practicesupervisor/assessor to qualified/unqualified colleagues and students, to facilitate andassist in achieving learning objectives.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Dimensions

• The post holder will work as part of a team to deliver high quality palliative care in the in-patientunit at either Ashford/Canterbury/Thanet but may be required to work at any of the othersites upon request.
• The post holder will support the operational management by take responsibility for the ward in theabsence of the Ward Manager and Ward Sister, ensuring patient care is maintained.
• Although not responsible for a budget, the post holder will be expected to be aware of costimplications and make the best use of valuable resources.
• The post holder will contribute to the learning environment, acting as practicesupervisor/assessor to qualified/unqualified colleagues and students, to facilitate andassist in achieving learning objectives.

Nature and scope of the role

• The post holder will be a registered nurse accountable for the direct delivery of patient care withinan in-patient unit caring for patients with palliative needs.
• Work will be undertaken in line with Pilgrims Hospice, local and national policy and guidance andthe NMC professional codes of conduct.
• The post holder will work within the multidisciplinary team and will influence the decisions of patientcare from a nursing perspective. On a day to day basis the post holder will work under indirectsupervision making decisions based on best practice and evidence based research.
• Working within a team structure the registered nurse will ensure all incidents, complaints, difficultiesand complex situations are documented and any remedial actions taken by the multi-disciplinary. In addition the post holder will ensure the Ward Sister or Ward Manager are notified and awareof such occurrences.

Principle accountabilities and responsibilities

Clinical and professional

• Maintain a high level of nursing care through direct delivery of personal, emotional andpsychological care for patients. Through effective assessment of each patients needs andpreferences the post holder will plan evidence based nursing care, implement andcontinuously evaluate the care given and ensure this meets the needs of individualizedpatient care.
• Undertake patient care as directed in the patients care plan in order to meet each patientscare needs whilst maintaining independence as much as possible and maintaining privacyand dignity at all times. This will include for example hygiene and elimination needs,assisting eating and drinking and ensuring nutrition is maintained.
• Successfully manage clinical emergencies specifically related to palliative care through swiftrecognition, instigating and carrying out any immediate actions and reporting and sharinginformation quickly.
• Whilst responsible to the ward sister/team leader, the post holder will work competently andconfidently without direct supervision to complete delegated work load, including maintainingskill mix and staff planning.
• To maintain effective operation, the post holder will take responsibility for the ward, delegatethe workload and supervise trained and untrained staff as needed.
• Maintain continuity of patient care through accurate verbal reports and electronic and writtendocumentation including the use of electronic patient management systems ensuring patientconfidentiality at all times.
• Ensure all patient information is electronically recorded in a safe, accurate andcontemporaneous manner through familiarity with and daily use of EMIS and Ashtonselectronic patient management system and adherence to Hospice IT protocols.
• Expedite successful discharge where appropriate with good quality planning for patientsneeds.
• Provide sensitive and empathetic emotional and psychological support for patients andcarers during the delivery of bad news, of terminal care and during and after the event ofdeath. Ensure high standard of care for patient and carers after death by followingappropriate hospice protocols.
• Maintain safe and effective drug administration by administering all medications, and settingup and maintaining subcutaneous syringe drivers according to the Hospice and NMC codesand guidelines.
• Maintain safe nursing practice by attaining and maintaining competency in clinicalinterventions as set out within the knowledge and skills framework.
• Ensure high standard of care through awareness and implementation of Hospice policies,procedures and guidelines especially in relation to infection control, manual handling, healthand safety and fire.

Management

• Ensure the safety of patients, visitors and other staff by maintaining a safe environment,recognising any hazards and responding appropriately.
• Participates in the induction of new staff and facilitates the training of new and existingcolleagues through mentorship and supervision as required. In addition is required to act aspractice supervisor/assessor for student health professionals, assisting with learning andproviding documented evidence as required.
• Contributes to the organization and running of the ward by undertaking administrative tasksas requested i.e. ward staff rota
• Maintain adequate levels of drugs, dressings and general stores by ordering according tohospice practice.
• Promote a high level of consistent nursing care by participating in the development andimplementation of clinical policies and protocols.
• Maintain knowledge and skills competencies and high standards of care, through continuedprofessional development set out within the performance management process includingannual appraisal, attending and successfully completing mandatory training and reviewingprogress with the line manager alongside a personal development plan.
• Provides teaching sessions to ward based colleagues as required, either on an individualbasis or small groups as required, e.g. in manual handling, infection control or NVQ modules.These may be pre-planned or impromptu as time allows.
• Facilitate any internal or external research projects by participating and/or auditing asrequested by the Ward Manager.

Measures of Success

• Achievement of a safe, effective ward in which palliative nursing care is successfullyaccomplished.
• High level of satisfaction from patients and relatives, low level of adverse comments orcomplaints.
• Effective understanding and successful implementation of the Hospices policies and procedures
• Successful supervision of untrained staff.
• Effective use of all physical and IT based resources including stocks, supplies, data systems andthe patient management system (EMIS/Ashtons)

Communications & Relationships

Internal - Nurse Manager and Ward Sister, Lead Nurse Patient Safety and QualityConsultant, Multi Disciplinary Team, AdministratorVolunteers

External - General practitioners, Community Nurses, Hospital CNS Teams

• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings to provide nursing opinion on patient and clinical issuesensuring that open and focused discussion is practiced.
• Meet with patients carers to address and advise on nursing care, clinical practice, and patientrelated inquiries. Ensure patients and carers are informed with regard to patient choice,treatment and progress, whilst maintaining respect for the privacy and dignity of the patient.
• Effectively communicate with other agencies to ensure continuity of care between the Hospice,community and continuing care setting.
• Ensure patients understanding and compliance for treatment or intervention is maintained evenwhen communication is impaired, e.g. due to visual, hearing or cognitive impairment by using allverbal and non verbal communication skills.
• Ensure continuity of care by providing effective verbal and written reports on individual patientsconditions and any changes in treatment to members of nursing team at handover to next shiftand to recognise the need to report to senior nurse or doctor when appropriate.
• Negotiate and advocate on behalf of patients, relatives and staff, providing information that can bedifficult for people to understand or can cause distress for example giving pre / postbereavement support, information, advice to patients, families, children, next of kin, friends andrecognise the need to refer to other expert counsellors and agencies.
• Ensure effective channels of communication with individuals, the multidisciplinary team, otherdepartments, outside agencies, managers and staff. This can take the form of receivingand acting on information, giving advice, and attending meetings.
• Adopt standards of behaviours in keeping with Pilgrims Hospice mission and core values and theNMC Professional code of conduct.
• Attend meetings within the Hospice, for example ward nursing staff/ multidisciplinary teamhandover, Health and Safety and relevant meetings and briefings as directed by the WardManager.

Education/Training/Teaching

• Ensures own knowledge is up to date, undertaking mandatory training and attending workshopsand training courses for the benefit of continued personal development, to learn new skills andincrease knowledge.
• Takes responsibility for ensuring that new staff receive support and education during induction andacts as a positive role model.
• Promotes the work of the Hospice through collaborative working with clinical and alliedprofessionals, participating in a multi-professional team working approach to support patients,families and careers irrespective of setting.
• Contributes to the delivery of formal and informal education within Pilgrims Hospices.
• Directly supervise student nurses in the clinical areas acting as a practice supervisor/assessor andassisting learners to achieve learning objectives.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Post registration Nursing Course (Palliative Care Dip/Degree, ENB 931, 237 or equivalent)

Experience

• Sound experience as registered nurse in specialist palliative care setting or to transfer skills from an associated environment
• Experience with mentoring student/junior nurses.
• Practice Supervisor / Practice Assessor or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Other Requirements

• Must hold valid, unrestricted right to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship
• Organisational and managerial skills
• Teaching skills
• Supervision and staff support skills
• Knowledge of IT and ability to use IT appropriately in the workplace.
• Ability to work in a multi-professional environment
• Flexible approach to working patterns and the changing needs of healthcare
• Knowledge of IT & ability to use IT appropriately in the workplace
• Neat, tidy and professional appearance
• Strong motivation to work at Pilgrims Hospice
• Car Driver / Access to a vehicle

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.