Senior Staff Nurse

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Staff Nurse to join the team in the Gastroenterology Investigation Unit (GIU). The gastroenterology department at GOSH is one of the UK’s leading centres of excellence in treating complex diseases affecting the gut and other associated organs. Working in the GIU you will be part of a team dedicated to performing and analysing the investigations that the children and young people require.

The GIU is formed of a small team of Nurses and Healthcare Assistants that work alongside the multi-disciplinary team which includes Gastroenterologists, Anaesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Pre Admission Nurses, Administration staff and Research Personnel. The work in GIU is varied. Nurses assist with endoscopies which are currently performed four days a week in our theatre. There are also procedure rooms where our team carries out motility tests and investigations.

With the support of the Sister, Practice Educator and unit nursing team, you would learn to assist in the endoscopy theatre, carry out motility tests, and set up, consent for and run nurse led tests and investigations. Further to this you would need to offer support to your colleagues and junior members of the team. The unit is committed to training, development and education of staff, and the team are supported by a Sister and Practice Educator. A variety of study opportunities exist through the hospital and in partnership with Southbank University.

Main duties of the job

• To be a clinical expert within the specialty.
• To ensure the provision of excellent, evidence based nursing care for the children and their families at all times.
• Ensure that each child is assessed, and that their care is planned, implemented and evaluated in negotiation with the family, and that this is accurately documented.
• Promote Family Centred Care and ensure the provision of a welcoming, caring, clean and safe environment for the children and their families.
• To act as an advocate for the child and family ensuring the provision of appropriate information and support services.
• To communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events.
• Ensure that discharge planning is commenced at the point of admission, liaising with the multidisciplinary team, other departments and community services as necessary.
• To develop and maintain clinical skills and knowledge necessary to provide holistic, evidence based nursing care. This includes completion of the Trusts clinical skills competency framework and expanded role responsibilities, following appropriate training.
• To be competent in the administration of medication including under patient group directives.
• Communicate effectively, promoting open and trusting relationships.
• To be aware of the uses, safety precautions and handling of equipment in the department.

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Band 6 nurse who wants to expand their skills. You must be willing to work flexibly, be passionate about care and able to work both as part of a team and independently.

GIU is currently open Tuesday to Friday between 8am and 6pm although some flexibility will be required.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

• GOSH Always Values
• NMC Registered Nurse (appropriate to clinical speciality)
• Relevant nursing qualification
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relating to clinical speciality
• Assessor or practice supervisor qualification/experience

Experience/Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience of having worked with acute/chronically sick children or specialised transferable skills
• Understanding of professional and current issues in children’s nursing
• Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace
• Understanding of the importance of research and evidence-based practice
• Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
• Basic knowledge of computer skills
• Understating or evidence of fulfilling requirements for Revalidation
• Understanding of safeguarding issues according to Trust policies and procedures
• Understanding of principles of clinical governance (risk management, audit, quality)
• Understanding of nursing practice and innovation outside of GOSH
• Knowledge of clinical incidents and complaints and reporting
• Previous experience in the relevant specialty of post (preferably in an NHS setting)

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to plan and prioritise care for patients
• Committed to family centred care
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management and teaching skills
• Ability to work well both in a team and on own initiative
• Ability to delegate tasks as appropriate