Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
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 his/her clinical area.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
Principal Duties and Responsibilities Professional Responsibilities
The Dual Qualified Staff Nurse Will
* 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 post operatively 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 post operative 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, HCA's 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.
* To 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.
* To communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events.
* Educate parents/guardians regarding post operative care, pain management and signs of concern.
* Ensure that discharge planning is commenced at the point of admission, liaising with the multidisciplinary team, other departments and community services as necessary.
* Develop and maintain the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to provide clinically effective, holistic, evidence-based nursing care. This includes expanded role responsibilities, within the Scope of Professional Practice, following appropriate training.
* To be competent in the administration and adhere to UPMC Whitfield Hospital Medication Policy at all times.
* Communicate effectively, promoting open and trusting relationships.
* To 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 the safe use of equipment and any new equipment introduced to the department. Staff Nurse Job Description
* Promote the health, welfare and social wellbeing of all patients.
* Endeavour to ensure that care is carried out in an empathetic and ethical manner and that the dignity and spiritual needs of the patient are respected.
* Promote and recognise the patients' social and cultural dimensions of care.
* Collaborate and work closely with the patient, their family, the multi-disciplinary team, external agencies and services to facilitate discharge planning, continuity of care and specific care requirements.
General Duties
* Ensure the delivery of the highest possible standard of care to all patients.
* Act as preceptor to pre-registration students, mentor new clinical staff and new nonclinical staff. Support and guide all colleagues when needed.
* Liaise with link lecturers from affiliated nurse education departments with particular regard to developing and maintaining UPMC Whitfield Hospital as a recognised learning environment for student nurses.
* Develop and maintain effective communication and interpersonal relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a good team spirit and collaborative working practices.
* Support the unit manager by meeting agreed responsibilities as set out by the Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing or the Director of Nursing at any time.
* Identify and discuss nursing/patient needs with consultants/nursing team, multidisciplinary team, patients and carers.
* Accept responsibility and be accountable for the holistic care of a named group of patients on a shift basis.
* Ensure that the highest possible standards of patient care and patient safety are maintained at all times.
* Demonstrate and promote a patient centred style of clinical practice, acting as patient advocate at all times and provide emotional and psychological support to patients admitted to the unit for treatment.
* Maintain high standards of communication, both written and verbal at all times. Have a working knowledge of all NMBI publications to include the Scope of Practice Framework and Code of Professional Misconduct.
* Maintain own professional registration and submit to HR department for verification yearly.
* Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the following and always practice within the guidelines and policies written at both unit and hospital level:
* Clinical risk reporting policy
* Occupational Health
* Facilities Management
* Patient Moving and Handling
* Resuscitation / Basic Life Support
* Health and Safety
* Departmental Financial & Budgetary Controls
* It is the responsibility of all UPMC Whitfield Hospital employees to ensure they are aware of and competent in the reporting of Clinic Risk and all Health and Safety concerns.
* Understand and participate in projects within the Hospital.
* Undertake a pro-active approach in achieving and maintaining accreditation standards within UPMC Whitfield Hospital and have an in-depth knowledge of departmental and hospital-wide policies.
Quality & Audit
* Participate and lead as required in clinical audit and research activity within the field, promoting a positive attitude towards the implementation of evidence- based practice.
* Undertake clinical audit as necessary, and to participate in local audits in preparation for annual accreditation.
Health And Safety
* To uphold UPMC Whitfield Hospital's policy requirements in relation to Fire, Infection Control, Radiation Safety and Health and Safety at work regulations and to attend updates.
* Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures.
* To observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and well-being of self, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management associated with this post.
Professional / Education
* Manage your workload appropriately to ensure that patient care needs are met, and that you and your colleagues are able to take an allocated break.
* Be responsible for the care, control, storage and administration of drugs according to the Clinic and statutory Guidelines and the NMBI for the Administration of Medicines and Medication Management.
* Develop appropriate IT skills to enable you to work in an efficient manner within the clinical environment.
* Have a working knowledge of IPiMS and other IT systems on the patient pathway.
* Be able to liaise directly with consultants with regard to specific patient care.
* Continually risk assesses the environment to ensure the safety of all patients, relatives and staff members. Report any accidents, incidents or complaints according to UPMC Whitfield Hospital Guidelines, Policies and SOPs.
* Practice and demonstrate research based nursing care, maintaining personal and professional development.
* Undertake any specific training required to perform your role e.g. use of equipment, administration of specialist medication.
* To observe complete confidentiality of all information including awareness and adherence to the legal requirements of GDPR legislation.
Eligible Criteria
Qualifications & Experience:
* 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.
* Organisation and negotiation skills
* Leadership and motivational skills.
* Knowledge regarding quality improvement and standard of care within practice area.
* Effective Communication skills.
* Proficient in English speaking and writing.
* Ability to work autonomously and as part of 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 not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.
Compensation
– Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits
– Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition
– Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance
– Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities
– Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that's close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.