• The post holder will support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree
• Maintain throughout the Hospital’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.

Professional Responsibilities

The Bank Staff Nurse will:

• Practice Nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) and Professional Clinical Guidelines

• Adhere to national, regional and local Health Service Executive (HSE) and Saolta guidelines, policies, protocolsand 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 Practice

The Bank Staff Nurse will:

• Deliver nursing care to patients within a best practice / evidence based framework

• Manage a designated caseload

• Promote the health, welfare and social wellbeing of patients within our services

• Actively participate as a multidisciplinary team member to meet patients’ needs and ensuring co-ordination of care and integrating these into the care plan.

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual person centred care.

• Develop and promote good interpersonal relationships with patients and the interdisciplinary care team in the promotion of patient centred care

• Ensure that care is carried out in an empathetic and ethical manner and that the dignity and spiritual needs of the patient are respected

• Report and consult with CNM1/2 on clinical issues as appropriate

• Maintain appropriate and accurate written nursing records and reports regarding patient care in accordance with local / national / professional guidelines

• Participate in innovation and change in the approach to patient care delivery particularly in relation to new research findings, evidence based practice and advances in treatment

• Participate in clinical audit and review

• Promote a positive health concept with patients and colleagues and contribute to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives of the Health Service Executive

• Demonstrate flexibility by rotating / assisting in other units / care settings as required to meet nursing resource needs.

• Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual and ensures that the patient’s needs and comforts are given priority with particular emphasis on safety factors.

• Involving the patient and their relatives in the delivery of patients’ care in preparation for discharge.

Clinical Governance

The Bank Staff Nurse will:

• Participate in clinical governance structures within the local / regional / national clinical governance framework

• To participate in the development of nursing policies/procedures/guidelines

• Adhering to hospital policies/guidelines such as Clinical Incident Reporting and Infection Control Guidelines

• Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role / care setting, for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.

• Contribute to ongoing monitoring, audit and evaluation of the service as appropriate

• Accurately record and report all complaints to appropriate personnel according to local service policy

• Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to patient care or well being

• Be aware of, and comply with, the principles of clinical governance including quality, risk and health and safety and be individually responsible for clinical governance, risk management / health and safety issues in their area of work

• Participate in the development, promotion and implementation of infection prevention and control guidelines

• Adhere to organisational dress code

Education, Training & Development

The Bank Staff Nurse will:

• Take responsibility for own competency and learning and development needs and actively contribute to the learning and development of the interdisciplinary team

• Complete all mandatory training as deemed necessary by the Director of Nursing and NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).

• Engage in continuing professional development by keeping up to date with nursing literature, recent nursing research and new developments in nursing management, education and practice and to attend staff study days as considered appropriate.

• Participate in performance evaluation / review with their line manager, identifying areas for improvement and appropriate plans / measures to achieve them

• Provide feedback to the Clinical Nurse Manager or the designated officer with regard to compilation of proficiency assessments for students in the clinical setting

• Contribute to the identification of training needs pertinent to the clinical area

• Develop teaching skills and participate in the planning and implementation of orientation, training and teaching programmes for nursing students and other health-care staff as appropriate

Administration

The Bank Staff Nurse will:

• Ensure that records are safeguarded and managed as per HSE / local policy and in accordance with relevant legislation

• Ensure patient Confidentiality is maintained at all times

• Maintain records and submit activity data / furnish appropriate reports to the Director of Nursing as required

• Maintain professional standards including patient and data confidentiality

• Contribute to the development and implementation of information sharing protocols, audit systems, referral pathways, individual care plans and shared care arrangements

• Contribute to ongoing monitoring, audit and evaluation of the service as appropriate

• Ensure that the care setting is maintained in good order using appropriate models, that supplies are adequate and that all equipment is in good working order and ready for immediate use

• Ensure that equipment is safe to use and report any malfunctions in a timely manner

• Undertake other duties as required by the Director of Nursing or his / her designate