Job Title: Staff NurseDepartment: Discharge LoungeReports to: Discharge Co-OrdinatorDate: 2025/2026AimProvide professional nursing skills in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care for assigned patients while providing exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all we do.Overall Purpose of JobThe post holder will support the Discharge Team in promoting the service of the Discharge Lounge by:Developing the role of the Discharge Lounge within the Beacon HospitalRGN must collaborate with the Discharge Co-ordinator, to ensure a high standard of care is provided to patients from all specialties and that an acceptable standard is maintained while awaiting transfer and discharge home within the Discharge /Patinet Lounge.Adhere to hospital and unit Policies and Procedures.Liaise with all wards and departments to encourage the effective patient flow and utilization of beds.Key Responsibilities and DeliverablesIndependently perform duties and assume responsibility for care of assigned patients.Work within professional guidelines as laid down by Nursing & Midwife Board of Ireland Code of Conduct for Nurses.Carry out all Nursing practices in accordance with the Beacon Hospital Policies and Procedures; including the care, control and administration of medicines.Collaborate with other staff in order to provide a high standard of nursing practice.Maintain and update own knowledge continuously. This includes keeping up to date with mandatory training eg: Basic Life Support (BLS), Manual Handling etc.Where patients may be admitted via the Discharge Lounge to take the nursing history, summarise data, and state nursing diagnoses and patient care needs.Observe and record signs, symptoms, and behaviours, including the physiological status of patients.Maintain accurate nursing records as per hospital policy.Follow policy for activating an individualised plan of care for patients being admitted patients.Deliver designated nursing interventions to assigned patients that are consistent with the stated medical plan of care.Perform admission, discharge, transfer procedures, and assist others with patient's activities and care.Execute physician's orders for all assigned patients; safely and properly administers medications and treatments.Notify appropriate nursing and medical staff to changes in the patient's status.Perform or assist others to perform proper aseptic techniques, isolation procedures, and infection control measures.Evaluate care given including the patient response.Demonstrate ability to assess patient's understanding of and compliance with instructions and health care teaching.Be aware of the hazards which can occur within the Discharge Lounge i.e. electrical, chemical and transport, and initiate preventative measures.Monitor and supervise the safe maintenance of equipment - reporting problems to the Discharge Coordinator or their deputy.Be prepared to assist with the generation of duty rosters by providing flexibility to allow for effective staffing cover to meet the needs of the department.Rotate within all specialities as required by the Nursing Manager.Discuss any problems or potential problems with the Discharge Coordinator or Nursing SupervisorEnsure that the patient's families and significant others are aware of the discharge process.Full nursing participation in and supervision of patient's meal and dietary requirements.Delegation is appropriate to the skill level and knowledge of the individual to whom the task is delegated.Effective management of complaints.Be prepared to deputise for the Discharge Coordinator if required.Participate in all unit and hospital nursing communication processesMaintain the patient's confidentiality regarding his or her condition upholding the Code of Professional Conduct at all times.Participate in their performance review with their Nurse Manager.QualificationsNursing & Midwife Board of Ireland (NMBI) Registered General Nurse licence.Experience3 year Acute Hospital Ward experience preferred.Demonstrate the ability to work as an independent practitioner and to work as a team member.Job Specific Competencies and KnowledgeTeamworkDemonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.Communication & Interpersonal SkillsDemonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.Planning and OrganisingDemonstrate evidence of effective planning, organising and time management skills.Demonstrate flexible approach - to internal rotations, rostering, e.g. night duty, relocation to ward environment, attitude to work.KnowledgeDemonstrate a good understanding of and recent/relevant experience of the discharge process and role of the Discharge Lounge in an acute hospital setting.Demonstrate knowledge of new developments in specialised area.Demonstrate knowledge of national strategies where appropriate to nursing care.Patient and Customer FocusDemonstrate a focus on quality.Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.Must be prepared to partake in the Total Quality Management processes which include a positive reporting culture.Personal CompetenciesMust be willing to engage in on-going professional development and provide evidence of same.Demonstrate leadership and competence in nursing practice.Effective communication skills are essential.Deliver an efficient and effective quality nursing care within his or her Scope of Practice.All posts in Beacon Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager or hospital management.Person SpecificationThis job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As the Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital.