Staff Nurse

Overview Of Role

To work as a member of a team of nurses at the Ambulatory Day Ward in UPMC Whitfield Hospital, providing high quality, patient-centred care for paediatric and adult patients, and their families. To develop and maintain good relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team. To work closely with nursing colleagues, developing innovative practice within the unit delivering evidence-based care. To develop specialist knowledge of nursing practice relating to this clinical area.

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital

Job type: Permanent

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Practice Nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and Professional Clinical Guidelines.
• Comply with national, regional and local UPMC Whitfield Hospital guidelines, policies, protocols and legislation.
• Work within their scope of practice and take measures to develop and maintain the competence necessary for professional practice.
• Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for their practice.
• Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to their area of practice.
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient.
• Follow appropriate lines of authority within the Nurse Management Structure.

Clinical

• Provide safe, holistic, evidence-based nursing care to paediatric and adult patients throughout their hospital journey, preoperatively and postoperatively up to safe discharge.
• Carry out comprehensive nursing assessments, care planning, implementation and evaluation in line with hospital policies and national guidelines.
• Monitor and manage the recovery of postoperative patients, recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in both paediatric and adult patients.
• Administer medications safely and accurately, considering age-related dosage adjustments and patient-specific factors, in line with UPMC Medication Management policies.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including consultants, consultant anaesthetists, HCAs and Allied Health professionals.

Paediatric Specific Duties

• Deliver age-appropriate emotional and clinical support to children and their families, ensuring a child-friendly and anxiety-reducing environment.
• Act as an advocate for the child and family, ensuring the provision of appropriate information and support services.
• Ensure safeguarding standards and child protection guidelines are adhered to at all times.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing events.
• Educate parents/guardians regarding postoperative care, pain management and signs of concern.
• Ensure discharge planning is commenced at admission, liaising with the multidisciplinary team, other departments and community services as necessary.
• Develop and maintain clinical skills and knowledge to provide clinically effective, holistic, evidence-based nursing care, including expanded role responsibilities following appropriate training.
• Be competent in the administration and adhere to UPMC Whitfield Hospital Medication Policy at all times.
• Communicate effectively, promoting open and trusting relationships.
• Be aware of the uses, safety precautions and handling of equipment in the Day Ward.
• Assist in the development and review of policies and standards for safe use of equipment and new equipment introduced to the department.
• Promote the health, welfare and social wellbeing of all patients and ensure care is empathetic, ethical and respects dignity and spiritual needs.
• Collaborate with the patient, their family, the multidisciplinary team, external agencies and services to facilitate discharge planning and continuity of care.

General Duties

• Deliver the highest possible standard of care to all patients.
• Act as a preceptor to pre-registration students and mentor colleagues.
• Develop and maintain effective communication and relationships with the multidisciplinary team.
• Support the unit manager by meeting responsibilities as set out by the Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing or Director of Nursing.
• Identify nursing/patient needs with consultants and the team; accept responsibility for the holistic care of a named group of patients on a shift basis.
• Maintain high standards of patient care and safety; demonstrate patient-centered practice and provide emotional and psychological support.
• Maintain professional registration and keep up to date with relevant publications and guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of clinical risk, health and safety, and related policies; participate in accreditation and continuous improvement activities.

Quality & Audit

• Participate in clinical audit and research activity, promoting evidence-based practice.
• Undertake local audits in preparation for accreditation.

Health And Safety

• Uphold hospital policy requirements related to Fire, Infection Control, Radiation Safety and Health and Safety; attend updates.
• Identify risks for staff, patients and visitors and follow incident reporting procedures.

Professional / Education

• Manage workload to ensure patient care needs are met and staff breaks are taken.
• Be responsible for the care, control, storage and administration of drugs according to guidelines and NMBI.
• Develop IT skills to work efficiently in the clinical environment; knowledge of IPiMS and other IT systems on the patient pathway.
• Liaise with consultants regarding specific patient care; risk assess the environment; report incidents; practice evidence-based nursing care.
• Observe GDPR confidentiality.

Eligible Criteria

• Be a registered General & Paediatric nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• At least 1 year's post-registration experience – essential.
• Surgical experience desirable.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• IT literate; certified in BLS.
• Surgical clinical knowledge and skills; IV cannulation skills an advantage.
• Collaboration, organization and negotiation skills; leadership and motivational skills.
• Quality improvement knowledge; effective communication; English proficiency.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team; maintain a personal portfolio.

Equal Opportunity Statement And Benefits

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is market competitive, fair and provides growth opportunities for all colleagues.

Compensation – Competitive pay including base pay, performance related pay and applicable premium pay.

Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave; competitive Pension Plan; Death in Service Benefit x3; Critical Illness cover up to age 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance through ACES programme.

Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to 27 days; flexible working opportunities.

Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities to progress through continued learning and advancement.

About UPMC

UPMC is a multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care. UPMC Whitfield Hospital is part of UPMC Ireland, with operations across several facilities and services in Ireland.

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