Staff Nurse (Dual Qualified Paeds) - UPMC Waterford
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:
Professional 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 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, 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 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, 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 the safe use of equipment and any new equipment introduced to the department.
* Promote the health, welfare and social wellbeing of all patients.
* Ensure care is carried out empathetically and ethically, respecting the dignity and spiritual needs of the patient.
* Recognize and incorporate the patients' social and cultural dimensions of care.
* Collaborate with patients, families, the multidisciplinary 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 and non-clinical staff, and support colleagues as needed.
* Liaise with nurse education departments to develop UPMC Whitfield Hospital as a recognized learning environment for student nurses.
* Develop and maintain effective communication and interpersonal relationships within the team.
* Support the unit manager by fulfilling responsibilities as set out by the management team.
* Identify and discuss nursing/patient needs with consultants, the multidisciplinary team, patients and carers.
* Accept responsibility and accountability for the holistic care of a designated group of patients on a shift basis.
* Ensure patient safety and care standards are maintained at all times.
* Demonstrate patient-centred clinical practice, acting as patient advocate and providing emotional and psychological support.
* Maintain high standards of communication, both written and verbal, and knowledge of NMBI publications.
* Maintain own professional registration and complete required verifications annually.
* Practice within hospital policies regarding clinical risk, occupational health, facilities management, patient handling, resuscitation, health and safety, and departmental budgets.
Quality & Audit:
* Participate in clinical audit and research, promoting evidence-based practice.
* Lead or participate in local audits for accreditation preparation.
Health and Safety:
* Uphold hospital policies on fire safety, infection control, radiation safety, and health and safety regulations.
* Report risks and incidents, adhering to procedures.
* Observe a duty of care for all staff, patients and visitors.
Professional/Education:
* Manage workload to meet patient care needs and allow staff breaks.
* Control, store, and administer drugs according to guidelines and NMBI regulations.
* Develop IT skills for efficient clinical work, including familiarity with IPiMS and other systems.
* Liaise with consultants regarding patient care.
* Continuously assess the environment for safety, reporting accidents and incidents.
* Practice research-based nursing and pursue personal development.
* Undertake training for specific equipment or medication administration.
* Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR legislation.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Registered General & Paediatric Nurse with NMBI.
* Minimum 1 year post-registration experience.
* Surgical experience is desirable.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
* IT literate, certified in BLS, surgical skills, IV cannulation (advantage), collaboration, organisation, leadership, communication, and team working skills.
Equal Opportunity & Benefits:
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We offer competitive pay, benefits including paid parental leave, pension, death in service benefit, critical illness cover, and opportunities for career development. Our rewards program recognizes performance, and we support work-life balance with flexible working and generous leave policies.
About UPMC:
UPMC is a leading multinational academic medical centre dedicated to people-focused care, innovation, research, and education. In Ireland, UPMC operates several hospitals and outpatient services, providing high-quality healthcare since 2006.
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