The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of nursing practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the Staff Nurse will demonstrate strong clinical skills and facilitate effective communication with colleagues in the hospital. The position requires a collaborative and supportive approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the implementation of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.

Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Each Ward provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in nursing services. 

 Clinical Practice

• Practice Nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and Professional Clinical Guidelines
• Deliver skilled practical care to patients and participate in the monitoring of the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised patient care, ensuring a patient centred focus.
• 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
• Be aware of the multifaceted needs of patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families.
• Ensure that controlled drug records are kept in accordance with standard recognised legal and professional practice.
• Ensure safe practice is adhered to in the storage and administration of all drugs in accordance with local policy and Department of Health / NMBI guidelines, keeping patient and staff safety a priority.
• Be aware of the multifaceted needs of emergency, medical and surgical patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families.
• Keep accurate, comprehensive, up-dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations. Document all nursing care given on the Meditech Patient information system
• Document and report to the CNM, in a timely and comprehensive manner, any incidents, accidents, near misses or complaints and participate in any subsequent investigation as requested.
• Report and consult with senior nursing management on clinical issues as appropriate

Patient Centred Care

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual person centred care programmes within an agreed framework and in accordance with best practice
• Promote and recognise the patients’ social and cultural dimensions of care and the need for links with their local community
• Develop and promote good interpersonal relationships with patients, their family / social network supports and the interdisciplinary care team in the promotion of person centred care
• Promote a patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect and choice is maintained in their 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
• Promote and recognise the patients’ social and cultural dimensions of care and the need for links with their local community
• Collaborate and work closely with the patient, their family, the multi-disciplinary / inter-disciplinary team, external agencies and services to facilitate discharge planning, continuity of care and specific care requirements
• Promote a positive health concept with patients and colleagues and contribute to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives
• Ensure the safe keeping of patient’s belongings in accordance with hospital policy where necessary.

Learning and Education                                                                          

• Contribute to the requirements of NMBI for the practice of professional nursing are met and upheld including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice.
• Take responsibility for own competency and learning and development needs and actively contribute to the learning and development
• Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research.
• Attend and participate in staff development programmes on an ongoing basis and sharing knowledge with other staff members.
• Assist with the orientation and induction of new staff and be available to provide orientation as deemed necessary, helping them to integrate as members of the Unit team.
• Assist in the training of nursing support staff.
• Identify and inform the Nurse Education and Practice Development department of any training and professional development requirements.
• Attend all mandatory training days and ensure that all mandatary training is in date.
• Comply with all HR system and policy requirements.

Quality Improvement and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant Hermitage Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in the continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team where required.
• Assist in promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department. 
• Be aware of the core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the service and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standards.
• Participate in the development of policies / procedures and guidelines to support compliance with current legal requirements, where existing, for the safe storage and administration of medications and other clinical products
• Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process.
• Participate in the requirements of the hospital’s risk management programme.
• Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
• Contribute to on-going monitoring, audit and evaluation of the service
• Assist in ensuring a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.

Operations

·        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

·        Assist with ordering of supplies as required and ensure the appropriate and efficient use of supplies is made and exercise economy in the use of consumables

·        Participate in staff meetings, team meetings and committees as required

·        Delegate to and supervise the work of other grades of staff within the remit of their

·        role, as appropriate

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

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

·        Adhere to organisational uniform/ dress code

·        Assume responsibility for and coordinate the management of the unit / care setting in the absence of the Clinical Nurse Manager

 Knowledge/Experience

·        Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI

·        Have at least one year’s recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting

·        Hold an up-to-date Basic Life Support course or be in pursuit of same

Skills/ Competencies

·        Clinical Skills

·        IT skills

·        Quality focus

·        Risk Management

·        Clinical audit

·        Team work

·        Excellent interpersonal and communication skills