Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

Job summary

Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care, and clinically are skilled ? Do you enjoy supporting and developing others ? Durrington ward may have an opportunity for you !

We are looking for an enthusiastic , caring , hardworking nurse , with experience in elderly care and dementia to join our dynamic, friendly and highly motivated team as a deputy ward sister to cover a maternity leave for 1 year. Durrington ward is a friendly ward with diverse staff . You will assist in helping to provide high quality care to inpatients with frailty related conditions including dementia , chronic lung disease, parkinsons, heart disease and diabetes. Your role will be supporting the ward sister and be a mentor to junior nurses.

We are a very supportive team, and can offer a good orientation and will be happy to give you guidance for future development .

Successful; candidates are expected to lead the nursing team and deputise for the ward manager. Have strong communication skills with the multidisciplinary team , and also ensure that safety and quality is maintained for patients , their families and staff.This will be achieved by supporting the team with skill and enthusiasm .

Main duties of the job

You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in elderly care and and caring for those with frailty needs as well as dementia and other medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, parkinsons disease, and diabetes.

The applicant will need experience of complex discharge planning, and will require good communication skills to be able to confidently liaise with our extended multidisciplinary team, and have the ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families.

As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations.We have an inclusive team culture and value innovative and creative thinking.

You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward sister, supporting with staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward sister in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.

In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities. The ward has a bespoke learning programme and you will be well supported with personal development goals.

Job responsibilities

The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance, and infection control . The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses , helping them to develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff. He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles daily . A knowledge of complex discharge planning will be necessary to facilitate smooth discharges , and the ability to work under pressure maintaining flow within the ward.

The Durrington team work closely together to optimise patient care and rehabilitation. The wards philosophy is to look after our patients with skill, kindness and compassion, and to provide our staff with a strong team support network in which they can achieve, and develop, and gain a variety of skills and abilities. Previous experience in caring for the elderly with confusion and dementia would be advantageous in this role.

Informal visits are very welcome.

Person Specification

Experience / Qualifications

Essential

• Nursing Registration
• Band 5 experience
• Previous experience of managing a team
• High standards of patient care
• Management of patient or staff conflict
• Excellent organisational skills
• Manages well under pressure
• Dementia care knowledge and experience
• Post registration development evident
• Knowledge and experience of complex discharge planning
• IV cannulation and venapuncture skills
• IV drug administration skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of Budget
• Knowledge of audits
• Dementia qualification or recent experience
• 3 years post qualification experience
• Catheterisation male and female

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

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.