Cystic Fibrosis Unit Team Lead

Job Overview

This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to lead a dynamic team of nurses in the care of patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of clinical leadership, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

1. Provide high-quality, evidence-based nursing services in a multidisciplinary environment.
2. Roster and supervise staff, teach and train nursing and support staff, and ensure economical management of resources.
3. Enable the training and development of nursing staff in safe and effective practice through team leadership, management, and practical expertise.
4. Develop, implement, and evaluate programmes of care, set standards of care, and review and update nursing policies and procedures based on current research.
5. Maintain effective communication and professional relationships within the nursing team and the multi-disciplinary team and clinical support services to ensure a cohesive and effective service.
6. Audit the work of the department and evaluate outcomes of care.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Nursing Leadership

1. Coordinate and implement bed management policy to ensure effective utilization of bed days and patient placement.
2. Ensure timely admission and discharge arrangements for patients and train ward staff accordingly.
3. Alert Nurse Manager/Consultants/NCHD's to problems hindering effective patient management and bed utilization.
4. Prepare weekly duty rosters to facilitate workload and continuity of care.
5. Allocate nursing staff according to caseload and skill-mix needs.
6. Advise Nurse Manager on staffing levels.
7. Implement policies for locum/agency nurse utilization.
8. Arrange meal breaks to ensure adequate coverage.
9. Share personnel in emergencies when required.
10. Guide, support, and supervise nursing staff to deliver best possible standards of care.
11. Lead and motivate staff, influencing change in response to a changing healthcare environment.
12. Ensure hospital policies and procedures are implemented and updated as necessary.
13. Participate in reviewing and updating existing policies and developing new ones.
14. Ensure maintenance of a suitable environment for patients and staff, focusing on health and safety.
15. Implement Infection Control Policies and clinical guidelines.
16. Investigate incidents and report verbally and in writing to the Directorate Nurse Manager.
17. Establish effective communications with Clinical Support Departments.
18. Order pharmacy and medical supplies economically.
19. Communicate with non-clinical departments to ensure high-standard services.
20. Check equipment before use and train staff accordingly.
21. Ensure mandatory training on cardiac resuscitation, handling and lifting, fire procedures, disaster plan, standard precautions, hand hygiene, and competence in all areas.
22. Ensure accurate and adequate nursing reports.
23. Contribute to operational and strategic plans for the Ward.
24. Convene regular ward meetings to encourage a positive staff environment.

Clinical Responsibilities

1. Be an effective practitioner able to establish and maintain a high-quality, evidence-based nursing service.
2. Assess individual patient needs using a framework and model consistent with Department of Nursing policy.
3. Direct, supervise, and support nursing staff in managing nursing care.
4. Ensure clinical competency of staff in performing clinical procedures.
5. Plan appropriate nursing care for individual patients based on need assessment.
6. Review patients' care-plans for appropriateness.
7. Promote patient/family participation in care.
8. Provide timely and complete information and education for patients.
9. Ensure provision of psychological support by nursing staff.
10. Liaise with patient/family and Social Workers.
11. Maintain high standards of communication with Ward Staff and external agencies.
12. Apply research findings to define patient population and participate in research as necessary.

Standards and Quality of Care

Takes steps to safeguard patient welfare by actively leading in:

1. Quality initiatives to improve patient care and promote Nursing development.
2. Identifying areas requiring review and update, and developing evidence-based practice.
3. Establishing ward management and clinical standards within realistic targets.
4. Judging quality of nursing care provided.
5. Participating in data collection and evaluation.

Education - Staff Development

1. Create an environment conducive to evidence-based teaching, learning, and practice.
2. Act as an effective role model, mentor, and leader of staff.
3. Promote staff development to facilitate autonomous and expert practitioners.
4. Identify training needs and set objectives.
5. Facilitate study days according to Department of Nursing policy.
6. Utilize opportunities for problem-based learning.
7. Participate in Induction/Orientation Training Programmes, Continuing Education Programmes, and Post Graduate Nursing Programmes.
8. Ensure availability of educational resources for patients and families.
9. Seek research findings to support clinical practice.

Personnel Management

1. Maintain high staff morale and promote team spirit.
2. Ensure adherence to nursing code of conduct.
3. Safeguard staff welfare and safety.
4. Receive visiting professionals and lay visitors.
5. Monitor sick leave and late attendances.
6. Handle staff complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
7. Carry out performance review interviews with post-graduate nursing staff.

Ward Auxiliary Staff

1. Ensure Porters/Health Care Assistants meet job specifications.
2. Implement induction and training systems for auxiliary staff.
3. Supervise, support, and encourage auxiliary staff.

Self Development

1. Have a creative outlook to achieve excellence in nursing care.
2. Maintain knowledge of professional development trends.
3. Attend staff development programmes and conferences.
4. Discuss present performance and future needs with Directorate Nurse Manager.

Administrative

1. Complete unit records and reports correctly.
2. Promote utilization and further development of clinical and administrative computerization.
3. Assist in preparing the Annual Departmental Report.
4. Participate in unit budgetary management.

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