Junior Sister/Charge Nurse - Todd Ward

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen on Todd Ward for a Junior Sister / Charge Nurse (Band 6).

Todd Ward is a 21-bedded ward focusing primarily on the care of patients who have undergone liver transplantation. We work closely with other wards in our care group (Howard and Dawson Wards). Due to our client group (pre- and post-transplant), we provide an environment that enables nurses to enhance both their acute medical and surgical nursing skills. As a local, national, and international referral centre, you will work in a fast-paced and dynamic setting.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Band 5 nurse to develop team leadership skills. The role offers the chance to develop your management skills by leading a team of nurses and deputising for the Ward Manager. Supported by the Ward Manager, Matron, and Practice Development Team, we offer you the opportunity to team-lead and work with a group committed to delivering the best possible care and support to patients and their families. Extensive educational resources are available to support your continuing professional development.

Main duties of the job

• To provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to both patients and their relatives within King’s College Hospital.

• To take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of, or as delegated by, the Ward Sister, Charge Nurse, or Head of Department.

• To assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of nurses within the ward complement.

• To act as a clinical resource within the ward and across the Care Group as necessary.

• To act as a positive role model to junior staff members.

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. 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

Clinical Practice

• Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
• Demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of patients receiving treatment in the ward/department.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the needs of patients on an ongoing basis, coordinating care provided by all members of the clinical team.
• Accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about patients’ conditions, promptly reporting changes and initiating remedial actions as appropriate.
• Act as a resource for others by providing accurate information, advice, and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients, and their relatives.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained, reflecting both changes in patients’ conditions and treatments delivered.
• Ensure patients and their relatives are regularly updated with accurate information, communicated in a clear and understandable manner.
• Implement Clinical Guidelines and actively participate in practice audits in conjunction with the Line Manager and Practice Development staff.
• Ensure that practice is evidence-based and, with support, assist in developing policies and protocols within the clinical area.
• Uphold high standards of nursing care in line with existing policies and standards.
• Support Ward Managers and the Modern Matron in continuous quality improvement efforts, evaluating standards of care and assisting in implementing necessary changes.
• Contribute to health education for patients and families, ensuring they receive appropriate advice and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Actively support the implementation of the Trust Nursing Strategy and uphold the ethos of the local philosophy.

Education and Research

• Act as a mentor to junior staff, overseeing orientation, supervision, and ongoing development in collaboration with the Line Manager and Practice Development staff.
• Serve as a practice supervisor, completing competency documents for junior staff within agreed timeframes.
• Mentor students undertaking further education as required, ensuring a positive learning experience and supporting the development of their clinical skills.
• Contribute to wider educational activities within the Care Group, including attendance and delivery of educational sessions.
• Promote and encourage the application of research and evidence-based practices.
• Participate in research projects conducted in the clinical area, as appropriate.

Management

• Effectively manage the clinical workload, ensuring care is prioritised appropriately.
• Contribute to the delivery of a cost-effective service, adjusting staffing to meet demand and assisting the Ward Manager in managing resources.
• Assist in the organisation of the ward, coordinating clinical activities.
• Liaise with Medical Personnel and the Bed Manager to ensure optimal bed usage and timely patient admissions and discharges.
• Act as a team leader for an identified group of staff, monitoring and documenting their clinical skills development.
• Develop recruitment, retention, sickness, and performance management skills as directed by the Line Manager.
• Actively support risk management by ensuring incident reporting and identifying preventive measures for staff and patient safety.
• Contribute to service development and support change management efforts positively.
• Promote customer care, assist in resolving informal complaints, and support the Ward Manager with formal investigations.
• Monitor stock levels of clinical supplies and equipment, resolving shortages appropriately.
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards, taking remedial actions and reporting concerns to the Modern Matron.
• Communicate complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Carry the Unit bleep when required, resolving local issues, maintaining communication with managers, and supporting team dynamics.
• Take a leadership role in crisis situations, supporting the Care Group as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding staff information and contribute to departmental meetings.

Personal and Professional Development

• Maintain agreed levels of clinical competence.
• Stay current with NMC, Trust, and Care Group policies and guidelines.
• Be an active, committed member of the multidisciplinary Care Group team.
• Demonstrate insight into personal professional development and participate in identifying educational and clinical training needs with the Ward Manager.
• Participate in Individual Performance Reviews and, with appropriate training, conduct reviews for junior staff.
• Fulfil educational commitments to meet PREP requirements and ensure mandatory training is current in collaboration with the Line Manager.

People Management and Performance

• Lead, coach, and manage team performance, recognising excellence and addressing underperformance.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals, setting objectives and development plans for team members.
• Ensure all team members complete statutory, mandatory, and professional training requirements.
• Manage staff absences in line with Trust policy, ensuring return-to-work processes and maintaining productivity.
• Manage recruitment processes in line with Trust policies.
• Identify and develop internal talent, contributing to succession planning.
• Review team skill mix regularly to optimise resource allocation, maintaining accurate and current job descriptions.
• Promote team wellbeing, support morale, and uphold a zero-tolerance culture for bullying and harassment.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential criteria

• 1st level Registered General Nurse
• Further professional studies relevant to the clinical area
• Mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification

Experience and Skills

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area.
• Able to contribute to the development of students, nurses and oneself
• 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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