Download Community Palliative Care Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Community Palliative Care Nurse (Band 6)
REPORTS TO:
Community Nursing Services Lead or Clinical Nurse Specialist
CONTEXT: To work as a member of the Hospice multi – professional team, within the community and
outpatient’s clinic, providing advice and support for patients suffering from progressive, life shortens
conditions, and their families.
OVERALL JOB PURPOSE: The post holder is expected to contribute towards:
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the provision of a service of specialist palliative care nursing for patients and families within their own
home/Hospice.
the establishment of effective working relationships with community teams, including GPs
the promotion of the philosophy and work of the Hospice of St Francis within the local community
the management support and development of less experienced staff, including bank staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Professional/Clinical
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Demonstrate and evidence a consistently high standard of nursing practice. Contribute to planning, delivery
and evaluation of interventions and treatments to improve/maintain quality of life.
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Demonstrate competence in working alone with patients and their families at home, under the guidance of a
Community Clinical Nurse Specialist.
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Assess physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of patient and carers’ needs and plan
appropriately. Select referrals for Spring Centre services and refer through cross care. Discuss any complex
medical management with the Clinical Nurse Specialist.
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Complex patient needs or family concerns to be discussed with Clinical Nurse Specialist who is accountable
for patient care.
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Work within own knowledge competencies and skills and take action to further develop.
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Demonstrate a research based approach to nursing and participate in on-going St Francis research/audit.
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Maintain concise accurate records of patient/family care in all health care settings.
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Attend at least 6/year and contribute to locality multi-disciplinary team/hospice meetings, Gold Standard
meetings, and recognise the importance of ‘peer support’.
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Be aware of and comply with legal and professional, standards relating to duties and responsibilities
of a community nurse specialist, including The Code: Nursing and Midwifery Council.
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Provide bereavement support for patient’s families as appropriate following the death of a patient,
liaising with supportive care team and provide comprehensive hand over.
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JD Community Palliative Care Nurse reviewed April 15
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Demonstrate effective communication skills in all Hospice communication.
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A willingness to complete Do Not attempt cardio pulmonary resuscitation competency framework
for senior nurse. Once competent this is an opt in extended role with yearly updates and or
competency reassessment if appropriate.
Managerial
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Act up for Clinical Nurse Specialist in her absence and report back all findings to team leader.
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The post holder maybe required to triage/coordinate referrals and act as team lead coordinator in the
absence of the community nursing services lead or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
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The post holder maybe asked to act as mentor and/or line manage a Hospice of St. Francis community
Health Care Assistant
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Mentor, support and direct a small number of bank nurses to ensure continual patient care.
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Receive and share information through attendance at team and hospice meetings and through liaison with
other professionals involved in patient/family care.
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Maintain patient statistics by keeping up to date patient notes and administrative records.
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Participate in the on-going system of Individual Performance Review.
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Participate in the weekend/Bank Holiday on call system in order to advise and act on patient and clinical
issues that might arise for patients at home.
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Ensure off duty planning provides sufficient safe clinical patient care cover.
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Take appropriate action in the event of a drug error or discrepancy, inline with the Hospice medicine policy
and procedure
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Assist in maintaining patients’ statistics by keeping up to date patients’ notes and administration records on
cross care in a timely manner.
Educational
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The post holder will be encouraged to attend appropriate courses; both internal and external to improve
own professional competence, keeping abreast of developments. A comprehensive induction programme is
provided. Attendance at annual mandatory training is essential.
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Participate fully in Clinical Supervision meetings at both individual and peer group level – minimum 4 per
year.
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Participate in the orientation/mentorship of new staff/volunteers.
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Demonstrate on-going personal and professional development in accordance with own IPR.
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Regularly read and update professional knowledge of Palliative Care Nursing.
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Act as a role model and educate health care professionals, patients, carers and the public in all aspects of the
Hospice of St Francis and palliative care.
Health & Safety
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Take all measures to ensure the safety of staff, patients, volunteers and visitors in accordance with the
organisation’s Health & Safety policy.
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Have an understanding of the fire regulations and action to be taken in the event of a fire.
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Report any accidents or incidents in the department, recording adverse incidents as appropriate.
Infection Control
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JD Community Palliative Care Nurse reviewed April 15
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Employees must be aware that preventing healthcare acquired infections and infection control is the
responsibility of all staff. Infection control policies and guidance must be followed by all staff.
Safeguarding
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All staff must adhere to the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and the Safeguarding of Children Policies and
Procedures.
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Be fully aware of the Lone Worker Policy and take action to mitigate known risk.
An enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure will be required for this role.
The post holder will carry out his/her duties according to the philosophy of the Hospice of St Francis, acting at all
times in such a manner as to justify public trust and confidence and to safeguard the interests and confidentiality
of individual patients and their families.
The post holder should at all times be aware of the confidential nature of the work of the Hospice of St Francis.
This job description is a guide only. The operational management of the building, and therefore patient care,
may create the need to reflect and review the job description according to the needs of the Senior Management
Team.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to the review of the post and therefore on-going self-reflective
support will be offered.
The post holder will be expected to comply with all policies and procedures as laid out in the Terms and
Conditions of Employment (contract of employment).
Employees are not permitted to smoke within the Hospice buildings. (You will recognise that discretion is
allowed to patients and their relatives in this respect and designated accommodated is made available for
patients and relatives only.)
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to Community Nursing Service lead/ Clinical Nurse Specialist
Director of Clinical Care and development
Community l Nurse Specialist Team
Senior Management Team: Hospice Director, Supportive Care, Medical, Human Resources, Fundraising, Finance,
Nursing
Senior Sister In Patient Unit
Social Workers
Therapy Team
Practice Development nursing team
Clinical audit facilitator
Other Health Care Professionals, e.g. GPs, Community Matrons, other palliative care teams
This list of tasks and responsibilities is not exhaustive and the job holder may be required to undertake other
relevant and appropriate duties as required by the Community Nursing Services Lead.
This Job Description can be amended by agreement with Post Holder and Manager.
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JD Community Palliative Care Nurse reviewed April 15