Job Description The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of nursing practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the Enhanced Staff Nurse / Enhanced Senior Staff Nurse will demonstrate strong clinical skills and facilitate effective communication with colleagues in the hospital. The position requires a collaborative and supportive approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the implementation of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives. The Enhanced Staff Nurse will provide exceptional patient centred care and will use professional nursing skills in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the nursing care provided. Job Background / Context The Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Our wards and departments provide a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, to developing and maintaining best practice in nursing care delivery. Professional Responsibilities Practice Nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) (Cnimhseachais na hireann) Professional Clinical Guidelines and Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics Take measures to develop and maintain clinical competence necessary for professional and contemporary nursing practice Contribute to the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for own practice Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to area of practice Engage with redeployment when deemed necessary by senior nursing management for service continuity, service provision and patient safety Adhere to NMBI Guidance on Medication Administration Ensure that controlled drug records are kept in accordance with standard recognised legal and professional practice. Keep accurate, comprehensive, up-dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations. Document all necessary assessments, interventions and care provided on the Meditech Patient information system. Ensure correct and economical use of stocks and material and the safe and ensure the correct use of all equipment. Ensure the safe keeping of patients belongings in accordance with hospital policy where necessary. Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients Support the Vision, Mission and Values of Hermitage Clinic. Present a professional appearance and be punctual and adhere to uniform policy. Clinical Practice Work as a member of the nursing team and perform duties as allocated by the Clinical Nurse Manager or Nurse in Charge and required for your area of expertise and practice. Deliver skilled practical care to a designated cohort patients and participate in the monitoring of the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised patient care, ensuring a patient centred focus. Be aware of the multifaceted needs of patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families. Ensure that care is carried out in an empathetic, compassionate and ethical manner and that the dignity and spiritual needs of the patient are respected Be aware of the multifaceted needs of emergency, medical and surgical patients and provide a holistic approach to care Collaborate and work closely with patient, family, the multi-disciplinary team to facilitate effective discharge planning and continuity of care in a timely manner Delegate to and supervise the work of other grades of staff and students within the remit of their role Learning and Education Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research. Attend and participate in staff development programmes on an ongoing basis and sharing knowledge with other staff members. Assist with the orientation and induction of new staff and be available to provide orientation as deemed necessary, helping them to integrate as members of the Unit team. Assist in the training of nursing support staff Identify and inform the Learning and Education Team of any training and professional development requirements. Comply with all HR system and policy requirements. Develop and use reflective practice techniques to inform and guide practice as part daily work Set annual goals and objectives with Clinical Nurse Manager and participate in portfolio development. Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills. Seek and take education opportunities in addition to those provided by the hospital. Promote a patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect and choice is maintained in their care. Complete all mandatory training as deemed necessary by the Director of Nursing on a structured basis Enhanced Senior Staff Nurse Additional Duties Contribute to the requirements of NMBI for the practice of professional nursing are met and upheld including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice. Deputises for NIC as required Deputises for CNS as required (As per speciality) Responsibility for holding ward phone on each shift Acts as supervisor/mentor for new staff and students Liaises and escalates ward concerns with Nursing Site Manager Responsibilities for allocation of staffing and organisation around ward and hospital demands Active role in ward quality initiatives/Accreditation requirements Participate in the Code Blue team and ensure competencies are always in date Participate in cover and acting up for Nursing Site Manager as required. Quality Improvement and Risk Management Ensure compliance with all relevant Hermitage Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. Participate in the continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team where required. Participate in innovation and change in the approach to service delivery and contribute to the service planning process Actively engage in audit and quality improvement and be familiar with ward/departmental performance Be aware of the core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the service and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standards. Be familiar with nursing quality care metrics and nursing performance indicators and undertake local and departmental audits as necessary Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process. Participate in the requirements of the hospitals risk management programme. Work with members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard Operating Procedures and pathways. Participate in working groups to develop and promote quality care within Hermitage Clinic. Assist in ensuring a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines. Communication Maintain documents according to the policies and procedures of Hermitage Clinic. Update documents to observe physical and emotional symptoms and changes. Report relevant information verbally and in writing to appropriate nursing personnel. Respond appropriately to patient/family requests and questions. Communicate appropriate with colleagues and other members of the health care team. Recognise self-limitations and seek assistance. Attend and contribute in staff meetings and team briefing. Communicate in a manner that avoids antagonism, reduces conflict and prevents undue anxiety. Essential Criteria Enhanced Staff Nurse Knowledge / Experience Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI Meet the qualifying conditions of Documented completion of clinical competencies in relation to patient care / speciality area ( Unit Competency Folder) Evidence of ongoing personal professional development,( Unit Competency Folder) Completion of Mandatory Training Evidence of participation in audit and evaluation, including collection of Quality care data or metrics Competency in cannulation in all Hermitage Clinic nursing units, Administration of 1st Dose Antibiotics, ECG, Bladder Scanning Flexibility to transfer or undertake rotation within the unit or between the patient care units Submission of your annual registrationwith the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland to the Hermitage Clinic Ongoing skills training relevant to care required for patient load Enhanced Senior Staff Nurse Knowledge / Experience Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI Have at least 17 years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting Hold an up-to-date Basic Life Support course or be in pursuit of same Documented completion of clinical competencies in relation to patient care / speciality area ( Unit Competency Folder) Evidence of ongoing personal professional development,( Unit Competency Folder) Completion of Mandatory Training Evidence of participation in audit and evaluation, including collection of Quality care data or metrics Competency in cannulation in all Hermitage Clinic nursing units, Administration of 1st Dose Antibiotics, ECG, Bladder Scanning Flexibility to transfer or undertake rotation within the unit or between the patient care units Submission of your annual registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland to the Hermitage Clinic Ongoing skills training relevant to care required for patient case load Skills / Competencies Clinical Skills IT skills Quality focus Risk Management Clinical audit Team work Excellent interpersonal and communication skills This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment. The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested. Skills: Staff Nurse Enhanced Staff Nurse Enhanced Senior Staff Nurse