Summary of the role

• Will contribute to the development and maintenance of high standard of nursing care, reflecting the beliefs of nursing practice outlined in the Units philosophy
• Is responsible for the assessment of care needs for the critically ill patient and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care
• Will actively foster an innovative learning environment for both trained and untrained staff and contribute to the continuing development of the Unit
• Will act as a clinical and professional team leader within the clinical area
• Regularly take charge of the Intensive Care Department
• Be globally aware of the ICU as well as national developments both in ICU and the NHS

Main duties and responsibilities

• Accountable to the Matron for Intensive Care or Senior Sister/Charge Nurse for ensuring high standards of care, professional behaviour and patient safety are maintained at all times.
• In conjunction with the Matron and sisters promote high standards of clinical practice and ensure that agreed standards of care are implemented and evaluated.
• Assist in the management of risk in the clinical area.
• Will be responsible for the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for the critically ill patient.
• Will assist in developing and reviewing standards of care as part of a continuing quality assurance programme.
• Will make judgements related to delivery of care, recognising the complexity of critical illness and be able to analyse, from a range of options what is needed in any given situation.
• Will be conversant with current research findings, new developments and trends relevant to the speciality, nursing and the NHS.
• Will develop in conjunction with the ICU Matron, Clinical Educators and sisters/charge nurses new ideas to improve quality of nursing care and to ensure that all nursing practice is based on sound evidence.
• Recognises and implements NMC guidelines with regard to critical care.
• Can demonstrate specialist clinical practice by the safe and effective use of specialised equipment and in the supervision of junior staff.
• Is able to manage the critically ill patient including the aggressive and highly confused patient.
• Will be responsible for the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for the critically ill patient.
• In conjunction with the Matron and shift leaders promote high standards of clinical practice and ensure that agreed standards of care are implemented and evaluated.
• To assist in developing and reviewing standards of care as part of a continuing quality assurance programme.
• Will make judgements related to delivery of care, recognising the complexity of critical illness and be able to analyse, from a range of options what is needed in any given situation.

Person specification

• NMC registered RGN / RN (Adult)
• Accredited Intensive Care Course
• ILS
• Epidural study day
• IV drugs
• Recent proven experience at a similar level within ICU or relevant experience
• Relevant management skills
• Evidence of insight/understanding of current issues in nursing in the NHS
• Computer/ IT skills
• CVVH & Cardiac output monitoring skills

For more information please review the full  job description in the Additional Information section