Band 6 Community Stroke Service Nurse

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Communication and Key Working Relationships To provide supportive and sensitive communication, written and verbal advice to clients, carers and staff, whilst demonstrating an understanding of the nature and effects of some information and of barriers to effective communication ex. sensory problems. Communicate complex clinical information both written and verbal, in an easily understood form, to patients, carers, and all members of the multi-disciplinary team. Require tact and communication skills to overcome the significant barriers to communication present in many patients. Impart / explain the prognosis / outcome of nursing intervention to patients and their carers in a sensitive and supportive manner. Develop a close professional working relationship with medical teams and other members of the multidisciplinary team, and staff in local services available for patients, through a respect for, and understanding of, their different roles and training Actively participate in board rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences representing the patients' needs from a nursing perspective to ensure To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing, social services and therapy colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include providing specialist/ expert advice to case conferences, discharge planning, patient reviews and admission prevention. Planning and Organisation Participate in projects to support with development of the nursing service and the provision of stroke service in the county. To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients, and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. This may primarily be community based but will require cover for other patient groups during times of staff absence for holidays, sickness, etc. Within the working day there can be frequent interruptions to the work pattern. To be responsible for organising, prioritising and planning your own caseload and that of the staff under your supervision within the stroke service. To be flexible in the provision of clinical cover at times of staff shortages across the county as this is a county-wide service - this may require working between community rehabilitation teams in different locations. As an autonomous practitioner, to consistently pursue self- directed support and learning, and formal agreed supervision according to Trust policy. Ensuring appropriate preparation for professional revalidation. Analytics To participate in accurate and timely collection of data for the production of regular monitoring reports, for the activity in their own area of responsibility Responsible for ensuring accurate statistics are recorded so activity data comparison can be completed. To record therapeutic interventions in line with national stroke guidelines and SSNAP guidelines. To participate in clinical audit and research. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the nursing components within an interdisciplinary assessment of patient care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of treatment plans. To evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required. To use advanced clinical reasoning to predict achievable outcomes of treatment and to recommend the best course of intervention, developing comprehensive treatment plans, in conjunction with other professions and agencies. To work alongside other professionals within the multidisciplinary team; ensuring high-quality care and rehabilitation and effective communication. This will involve managing a caseload of appropriate patients. To be aware of and appropriately manage sensitive and/or complicated information. To deal sensitively with patients who may have challenging behaviour, have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, cognitive change, dementia, limited mobility, terminal illness, degenerative disease etc. To assist with implementation of consistent patient medication self-administration trials post discharge home to increase personal independence. To be able to utilise and promote specialist nursing skills e.g. understanding and management for VTE assessment and prophylaxis, physiological monitoring, bladder/bowel dysfunction, understanding and support of management of cardiovascular issues i.e. AF, blood pressure control, monitoring and management, identify complications of stroke and assess secondary prevention regarding reducing further incidence of stroke. To act as or support the role of key worker, this may include managing extremely complex cases and seeking support of outside agencies. To regularly work alone in unpredictable environments e.g. patients own home, where there may be an element of risk e.g. dealing with verbal aggression. This may include working in unclean surroundings and coming into contact with dirt, fleas, lice, passive smoking etc. To manage clinical risk within own patient caseload and take action to effectively manage identified risks. To provide specialist advice, teaching, training and clinical supervision regarding rehabilitation management of patients on caseload for junior members of staff. To deputise for team leader in local base in their absence, and with prior arrangement deputise for team leader across their locality with support from the neighbouring team leaders. Provide regular supervision for supervisees to support with service development, meeting national guidelines and ensure that they are following operational policies and procedures.To participate in the staff appraisal process and develop Personal Development Plan (PDP) as both appraiser and appraisee. Promotes and advocates Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility To comply with the Trust and departmental policies and procedures. Engage effectively with research to promote evidence-based stroke nursing practice. To take an active role in in-service training both locally and within Somerset Partnership NHS foundation Trust as a whole. To keep up to date with all relevant guidance and NHS targets and ensure the effective dissemination of relevant information as directed. Contribute to relevant projects in relation to the development of the Trusts' Corporate Service Plan and organisational objectives as required/appropriate Undertake any necessary skills training, Professional Updates and Mandatory Training as appropriate to the post. To provide a service that is sensitive to race, culture and diversity and to be aware of where to find relevant information relating to equality and diversity and to report to their line manager any behaviour which undermines equality and diversity such as racist, sexist or derogatory comments To maintain own clinical professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, actively participating in training sessions, peer review and external courses. To use reflective practice to evaluate your own work and incorporate changes as necessary. To maintain a portfolio that reflects personal/ professional development and complies with the requirements for Health Professions Council (HPC) registration. To engage actively in practice development, evaluation, outcome measures, audit and research activities relevant to rehabilitation services to promote evidenced based practice. To be aware of and demonstrate a good understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situation. Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all resources, equipment and patient appliances. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to activities within the department which may include the ordering of equipment and monitoring of stock levels. They will make use of IT equipment and will be expected to ensure this is stored safely when not in use. Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management The Band 6 Nurse will provide clinical leadership for more junior nurses and is accountable for ensuring that the patient care needs are met (with particular regard to medication, physiological monitoring and identifying deterioration and complications and secondary prevention). Contributing to the education of the stroke team in the nursing referral criteria, monitoring of physiological signs of the patient, bladder/bowel dysfunction, secondary prevention and identifying complications associated with Stroke. Contribute to education and training of health and social care staff regarding Stroke Nursing which could include local induction and professional training sessions as required. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care, (including care delegated to students and assistant staff). To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management, and support more junior staff to do likewise. Information Resources & Administrative Duties Be responsible for effective time management and effective use of resources available and of the wider nursing team. To maintain accurate record of patients' attendances and treatments using the relevant IT system. This includes contributing to discharge letters and writing referral letters. Any Other Specific Tasks Required To use communication tools (verbal and non-verbal) to gain valid informed consent with patients where there will often be barriers to effective communication e.g. loss of hearing, altered perception, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, fear. To have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment e.g. those with cognitive or speech difficulties.