Discharge Coordinator

Job overview

• You will encourage the development of a culture where both education and lifelong learning are seen as integral to clinical practice in the Emergency Department, positively contributing to the development of a workforce that is fit for purpose.

• Working under the management of the Practice Development Nurse for the Emergency Department, the post holder will:

  • Collaborate with healthcare colleagues and educators to ensure the clinical education and development needs of the workforce are identified and addressed using approved, evidence-based, and credible methods.

  • Act as a visible role model, providing clinical support and practical guidance to the clinical team.

  • Support the Lead Clinical Practice Facilitator for the Emergency Department in creating and implementing new initiatives that will enhance patient care and the overall experience throughout Emergency Care.

  • Deliver training and assessment to support the recruitment and retention of newly qualified nurses, as well as Registered Nurses already in clinical practice who are transitioning to Emergency Care. This includes the introduction to Preceptorship within the Trust.

  • Be responsible and accountable for coordinating the training and development of all nursing and healthcare staff, including fostering a positive learning environment in which staff can maximise their potential.

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Main duties of the job

• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and understanding of clinical practice within the Emergency Department, acting as a resource and role model to a wide range of colleagues.

• Act as a resource for clinical staff regarding defined clinical topics, providing evidence-based advice and guidance as required.

• Promote a holistic approach to care that is current, effective, and research-based, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures, and in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.

• Ensure that NMC and Trust standards for learning, development, and assessment are implemented and embedded into nursing practice.

• Work alongside clinical staff, providing support, coaching, role modelling, and education. While supporting and educating staff, the post holder will continue to maintain high standards of patient care, ensuring patient safety at all times.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base, ensuring personal academic credibility.

• Ensure that personal clinical practice reflects current knowledge and best practice.

• Engage in the development of clinical nursing practices and take responsibility for monitoring and evaluating clinical activity in conjunction with other senior staff.

• Coordinate the delivery of practice-based education and continuing professional development for staff at all levels, including induction, preceptorship, and assessment.

Working for our organisation

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Education and Research

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate education and training sessions covering a variety of clinical topics and skills, including update sessions for more experienced practitioners.

• Contribute to the delivery of the Emergency Department’s clinical induction and mandatory training programmes, as appropriate.

• Promote and actively support the assessment of clinical competence in the workplace, including ring-fencing time to directly supervise individuals in their usual clinical environment.

• Provide training and assessment in the use of a range of medical devices, becoming proficient as a ‘super user’ in these.

• Offer educational support and engagement through a range of methods, becoming proficient in several and determining appropriate strategies for different educational initiatives to meet the needs of the organisation and our clinical practitioners.

• Develop proficiency in the facilitation and delivery of high-fidelity simulation sessions to support learning.

• Act as a mentor to junior staff members, responsible for the orientation, supervision, and ongoing development of junior and student nurses, in conjunction with the Line Manager and Practice Development staff.

• Serve as a practice supervisor, responsible for completing competency documents for junior staff within agreed timeframes.

• Mentor students undertaking further education as requested, ensuring a positive learning experience and facilitating the development of their clinical skills.

• Contribute to wider educational activities within the Care Group by attending and supporting the delivery of educational sessions.

• Promote and encourage the application of research and evidence-based practices.

• Participate in any research projects conducted in the clinical area, as appropriate

Management

• Manage the clinical workload effectively, ensuring that care is prioritised appropriately.

• Contribute positively towards the delivery of a cost-effective service by adjusting staffing levels to meet demand and assisting the ward manager in maintaining agreed resources.

• Assist with the ongoing organisation of the department by coordinating activities within the clinical area.

• Liaise with Medical Personnel and the Bed Manager to ensure optimal bed usage at all times, facilitating timely admission and discharge of patients.

• Act as a team leader for an identified group of staff, monitoring and documenting the development of their clinical skills.

• Develop skills in recruitment and retention, sickness management, and performance management as directed by the line manager.

• Actively support risk management processes by ensuring incidents are reported appropriately and helping to identify ways to prevent errors and accidents involving both patients and staff.

• Make a positive contribution to service development affecting the clinical area and encourage others to adapt to change.

• Actively promote customer care, assisting in resolving local (informal) complaints and supporting the ward manager in investigating formal issues.

• Assist with monitoring stock levels of clinical stores and technical equipment, resolving any shortfalls as appropriate.

• Maintain standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the clinical area, taking remedial action where necessary and reporting deficiencies to the Modern Matron, as appropriate.

• Communicate varied and complex information (both verbally and in writing) clearly, ensuring key facts are understood.

• Carry the Unit bleep as required, resolving local problems or conflicts, keeping managers and others informed, and maintaining positive team dynamics across the Care Group at all times.

• Take a leadership role in crisis situations, resolving problems across the Care Group as necessary.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information related to staff.

• Attend and contribute to departmental meetings as required.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• 1st level Registered General Nurse
• ED Course or similar Registration
• Mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification

Desirable criteria

• Degree in Nursing or Equivalent

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the professional development of others.
• Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area.

Skills

Essential criteria

• Communication skills – able to relate and communicate with patients and staff at all levels and from different professions. Adapts communication style as necessary and is able to work with and through others.
• Team building and working skills – able to lead a team to achieve results

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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