HOSPITAL SERVICES DISCHARGE PLANNING NURSE BAND 6 JOB DESCRIPTION JOB SUMMARY: It is expected that as a result of general training and experience a Band 6 registered nurse is able to lead in the assessment process, to determine any risks to the health and well-being of service users with discharge planning needs: taking relevant action to minimise risk, provide leadership, guidance and advice to staff on managing the discharge process: ensuring that the service users needs are met and that significant others are supported. They will lead in the professional and skills development relating to discharge planning of qualified and unqualified nursing staff. By demonstrating leadership, knowledge and competence in relation to firmly established procedures and policies they will facilitate the development of newly appointed nursing staff discharge planning skills. As an effective role model the post holder shall: Prioritise people`s needs and develop plans of care to facilitate effective and timely discharge packages, where appropriate for all individuals. Be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of care for the patients safe discharge. Deliver care in accordance with current departmental policies and philosophy of care. Provide specialist advice to staff on managing the discharge process: ensuring that the service users needs are met and that significant others are supported Independently liaise, refer and communicate with members of the multidisciplinary team, significant others, and agencies involved in the care of the service user. Lead in discharge planning, assisting new staff to complete orientation and induction programmes. To utilise information and data from a range of sources and disciplines to identify service user needs and guide the decision making process To independently liaise and communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team, significant others and other agencies involved in the care of the service user. To participate in multidisciplinary meetings to discuss service users discharge arrangements, prioritise need and identify trends in discharge delays, length of stay, and any relevant issues that need resolution. Provide the necessary leadership to establish multidisciplinary protocols and guidelines for discharge planning.
Guidance in relation to furthering personal development will take place through regular formalised appraisal and performance reviews. RELATIONSHIPS: LOCATION: REPORTS TO: RESPONSIBLE TO: ACCOUNTABLE TO: Admissions & Discharge Department Patient Access Manager Assistant Director, Acute Hospital Services Director of Acute Hospital Services MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: PRACTICE AND PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING Understand and adhere to the principles contained within the departmental philosophy. Work towards meeting the agreed aims and objectives of the department and HSC. Be aware of the organisational and departmental objectives, policies and procedures related to discharge planning and the implications this will have to nursing practice. Manage a caseload of a group of patients with identified discharge planning needs. To act as a resource to qualified and unqualified staff; to facilitate the development of discharge planning skills. Ensure that clear systems of communication are maintained between the post holder and relevant staff working within and outside of the organisation. Ensure positive outcomes by putting into everyday working practice the structure and process to meet agreed standards for nursing care. Be conversant with and adhere to Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct. Comply with the locally agreed framework for scope of professional practice. Undertake nursing procedures in accordance with the Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures. LEADERSHIP/MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Act as a role model for all staff, promoting high standards of practice and strong professional values. Act as resource to registered and unregistered nursing staff providing them with the opportunity to achieve objectives to attain specific competences. Maintain and develop own skills to promote evidence based practice. To be a visible and accessible professional to whom service users and members of the multidisciplinary team can turn for assistance and guidance with discharge planning. To co-ordinate nurse led and multi-agency activities relating to discharge planning Recognise own limitations by referring to other professionals/agencies when necessary. Participate in clinical supervision. (Informal & formal) and promote the development of robust peer support systems.
ROLE DEVELOPMENT Through the avenue of formal appraisal and performance interviews agree targets that enhance professional development to meet personal and organisational objectives. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of Patient Access Manager and Bed/transport co-ordinator and provide professional support to the post holders. In the absence of the Patient Access Manager, be prepared to co-ordinate and provide leadership to the team. Demonstrate an understanding and provide professional support to key members of the multi-disciplinary team. In conjunction with the audit department, initiate clinical audit to monitor and maintain standards of practice. To utilise the critical incident reporting system to document actual or potential risks impacting on the quality of patient care. To support the development of a whole system approach to patient flow. HEALTH AND SAFETY Take all possible steps to safeguard the welfare and safety of patients, staff and personal self in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (General) Guernsey 1987 document. Report accidents and untoward incidents to appropriate personnel and complete relevant documentation. Observe safe moving and handling policies, procedures and guidelines including location and effective use of equipment. Safely undertake approved moving and handling techniques. Understand the content and principles contained within the Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Do Not Resuscitate Policies. Be proficient in basic life support techniques and know the location and effective use of resuscitation equipment. Pay due regard to fire safety regulations and content of Health and Social Services policies including location and effective use of equipment. Understand and comply with the policies and procedures laid out in the approved Infection Control Manual. Ensure safe use and maintenance of relevant equipment. Understand the purpose of the Health and Social Services Major Incident Procedure and in particular the role of the nurse in relation to discharge planning. Attend mandatory update sessions for Fire Safety, Basic Life Support and Safe Moving and Handling as defined in the appropriate policies. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES In accordance with States of Guernsey legislation and the HSC procedure the Registration of Health and Social Care Professionals (COR001), all nurses and midwives who are HSC employees, contractors, agency workers or in any other capacity are practising as a nurse or midwife are required to have effective registration with the (UK) Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). In order to maintain effective registration with the NMC you must adhere to the Councils requirements for Revalidation. You must proactively manage all aspects of your Revalidation requirements including keeping an up to date portfolio and proactively seeking out opportunities for
reflection, continuing education and professional growth. You must be proactive and co-operative in the appraisal and confirmer processes. You must assist colleagues with relevant aspects of their Revalidation. This includes but is not limited to teaching, providing support and opportunities for Facilitated Reflective Practice, participating in professional discussions and providing constructive feedback. Depending on your level of experience and seniority the organisation may also require you to act as confirmer. If you are unable to meet any aspect of the Revalidation requirements or this element of your Job Description or you require additional support it is your responsibility to escalate this immediately to an appropriate senior nurse or midwife. AUDIT/ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESEARCH ACTIVITY In conjunction with the audit department, initiate and undertake clinical audits to monitor and maintain standards of practice. To utilise the critical incident reporting system to document actual or potential risks impacting on the quality of patient care. To actively promote evidence based practice in own and the practice of other members of staff involved in the care of the patient/client. To take a professional lead in one specific aspect of practice, ensuring that new initiatives are incorporated within the working practices of all staff. With training, access organisational electronic information systems relevant to the role. COMMUNICATION To communicate effectively with patient/clients and their significant others, taking into account their cultural background and cognitive functioning. To communicate clearly with all members of the multidisciplinary team, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and language differences. To manage conflict between individuals, including staff, patients/clients and their significant others. To act as an advocate for patients/clients, significant others and more junior staff members. To ensure written communication complies with organisational and professional standards. REVALIDATION: In accordance with States of Guernsey legislation and the HSC procedure the Registration of Health and Social Care Professionals (COR001), all nurses and midwives who are States of Guernsey employees, contractors, agency workers or in any other capacity are practising as a nurse or midwife are required to have effective registration with the (UK) Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). In order to maintain effective registration with the NMC you must adhere to the Council's requirements for Revalidation. You must proactively manage all aspects of your Revalidation requirements including keeping an up to date portfolio and proactively seeking out opportunities for reflection, continuing education and professional growth. You must be proactive and cooperative in the appraisal and confirmer processes
You must assist colleagues with relevant aspects of their Revalidation. This includes but is not limited to teaching, providing support and opportunities for Facilitated Reflective Practice, participating in professional discussions and providing constructive feedback. Depending on your level of experience and seniority the organisation may also require you to act as a Confirmer. If you are unable to meet any aspect of the Revalidation requirements or this element of your Job Description or you require additional support it is your responsibility to escalate this immediately to an appropriate senior nurse or midwife. KEY CRITERIA: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL 1. Current first level registration with the NMC. 2. Portfolio of evidence to meet KSF/revalidation criteria. 3. Evidence of successful study at diploma level. 4. Evidence of CPD at diploma level DESIRABLE 5. Completed an approved mentor course at level 2 or equivalent. 6. Teaching /mentoring qualification. 7. Level 3 Certificate in assessing Vocational achievement or equivalent (D32/33, NVQ A1). 8. Diploma in a related field. EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL 1. Experience in assessing planning and implementing care programmes. 2. Demonstrate evidence of effective communication skills with particular reference to Multidisciplinary team working, service users, carers and managers. 3. Ability to prioritise and organise own workload. 4. Understanding and ability to apply evidence based care. 5. Demonstrate evidence of self and professional development. DESIRABLE 6. Evidence of strong leadership skills.