Job Description

SECTION 1

JOB DETAILS
Job Title: Staff Nurse Acute Medical Unit

Contract Type Permanent

Contract Hours 37.5 hours/week

Division/Directorate: Acute Medicine

Department/Ward: Acute Medical Unit

Responsible to: Directorate Head of Nursing

Accountable to: Director of Nursing and Quality

Base: Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend

Band: 5

Page 1 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Main Purpose of the Job:
The range of assigned tasks will be carried out with the highest standard to
support and enable qualified staff to provide patient care, which reflects the
quality of standards and mission of the UHB.

The post holder will be required to carry out a range of assigned tasks
involving direct and indirect care for the benefit of the patient/client in
accordance with agreed protocols. The range of responsibilities will be in
support of and supervised by a registered nurse, and will involve rotation as
appropriate to the needs of the service in consultation with the post holder
and in accordance with Local Service Agreements.

Page 2 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Principal Duties:
The post holder will:
 Be responsible for the management a group of patients and
occasionally the ward/department and its resources during their period
of duty.
 Be responsible for maintaining the standards of patient care set by the
ward/department.
 Occasionally be responsible for the initial assessment of new patients.
 Be responsible for ensuring that all policies and procedures are
observed.
 Be responsible for the support and supervision of junior staff.
 Be responsible for providing accurate, current, comprehensive and
concise records concerning the condition of the client.
 Liaise with the appropriate Clinical Specialists i.e. Doctors, PAMS, and
Clinical Nurse Specialists, in relation to individual patient requirements.

Page 3 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Organisation Chart
The Organisational Chart must highlight the post to which this job description
applies showing relationship to positions on the same level and two levels
above and below. Complete, add or delete as appropriate the text boxes
below showing the organisational relationships.

Page 4 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
 SECTION 2

1. Communications and Relationships skills

Work in partnership, ensuring good communication with the multidisciplinary
team, medical staff, community nurses, Social Services, Physiotherapy,
Occupational Therapy and other wards/departments, in particular when
discharge planning.

Provide information and guidance pertinent to the plan of care to clients and
their next of kin. This will involve providing and receiving complex, sensitive
or contentious information where persuasive, motivational, negotiating,
training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.

Will act as a mentor/supervisor for student nurses, return to practice nurses,

and adaptation nurses.

Provide information and guidance to Directorate staff.

Ability to work as part of a team and have good communication skills.

Be expected to participate in ward meetings.

2. Knowledge, Training and Experience
Registered General Nurse or Nursing Degree or equivalent qualification on
appointment.
Full competence in the post will include: Post graduate experience, preferably
in a Medical role with evidence of continuous professional development
including :
 Medical device training.
 Supervisory management training.
 Teaching and assessing qualifications.
3. Analytical and Judgmental Skills
The post holder will be responsible for:
The assessment, planning, delivery, evaluation and updating of individual
plans of care.

Informing and advising the Ward Manager/Deputy of actual or potential

problems with regard to patients, staff, visitors, etc, and where necessary,
contribute to the appropriate action in resolving such problems on an
ongoing basis.
Page 5 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Be required to make decisions on care provided, making referrals as
appropriate.
These may involve judgements involving complex facts or situations, which
require analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options, for
example, discharge planning, management of short term absence etc.
4. Planning and Organisational Skills
Be responsible for organising the ward teams workload delegating
appropriate work to junior staff. This will include assisting in the
supporting/teaching of other registered nurses, student nurses and nursing
assistants.

Contribute in development and implementation of ward objectives, which

reflect past, and future UHB objectives.

Plan care of complex cases in conjunction with junior staff e.g. highly
dependent patients transferred from the emergency department including
resus, manage level 2 patients.
5. Physical Skills
With the use of appropriate manual handling equipment, assist in preparing
the patient and environment for moving and handling following mandatory
training.

The post requires highly developed physical skills, where accuracy is

important, but there is no specific requirement for speed, for example.

Undertake venepuncture and cannulation procedures following appropriate

training and on completion of care competencies.

Undertake ECG procedure following a period of training, reporting

abnormalities to the medical team.
6. Patient/Client Care Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for the development of care packages,
including.

The assessment, planning, delivery, evaluation and updating of individual

plans of care, acknowledging personal beliefs, identity and preferences of
parents/carers.
Enable patients to maintain their personal hygiene through assistance with
using the shower/bath, washing facilities, access and use toilet facilities,
Page 6 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
collecting and disposing of bodily waste.

Enable patients to achieve physical comfort assisting in minimising client

discomfort and pain.

Participate in basic health education of patients and carers.

Contribute to the ongoing support of patients and others significant to them,

maintaining the patients interests, their identity and their well being.

Escort patients/clients to different Departments and Hospitals.

7. Policy and Service Development/Implementation
Ensure that UHB and Statutory Policies and Procedures are followed and
implemented, and report any problems including proposing changes to
working practices or procedures.

Be responsible for administration and recording of drugs, in accordance with

the UHB Policy.

8. Financial and Physical Resources:

Assist in the reception and care of patients and visitors, assist in arranging
custody of patients personal property/valuables as per UHB Policy.

At all times, assist the ward manager/deputy in the management of

resources within their sphere of responsibility.

Have an awareness of budget and spending trends within the Directorate,

and associated skill mix/staff resources.

Where appropriate, will monitor and record expenditure e.g. medical and
surgical, staff costs etc.

Support the Ward Manager/Deputy with the evaluation and purchasing of

equipment.
9. Human Resources:
Be responsible for day to day supervision of staff, including clinical
supervision and training which may include basic HR advice. This may
include.

Be expected to assist in the identification and achievement of staff training

Page 7 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
and development needs through the implementation of UHB policies and
procedures.

Ensure a learning environment to encourage staff development.

Advice and arbitration where there may be differences of opinion amongst

staff.

Support the Ward Manager/Deputy and staff when skill mix reviews are being
undertaken.

Participate, where appropriate, in the review of job descriptions for more

junior staff.

Participate in the recruitment and selection procedures.

Will act as a mentor for student nurses, return to practice nurses, and
adaptation nurses.

Have the opportunity to develop, through IPR, their own clinical and
managerial skills to the benefit of the ward/department.

Ensure that staff working within the ward area are aware of their
responsibilities within UHB policies.

Participate in the Induction Programme at Directorate and departmental

level.
10. Information Resources:
Following UHB/Statutory procedures in the safe storage of information and
confidentiality.

Providing accurate, current comprehensive and concise records concerning

the condition of the patient, in accordance with the N&MC Standards for
Record & Record Keeping and the UHB’s Patient Record Policy.

Be required to access computerised and written information, which informs

care e.g. care plans, observation/fluid balance charts investigation results
(e.g. pathology and radiology.)
11. Research and Development:

Page 8 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Be expected to participate in audit, supporting and implementing any
necessary changes in relation to patient care.

Be expected to participate in research, interpretation and analysis of findings

and their application to practice.

The post holder would be expected to provide evidence based care and have
an active involvement in any research and audit within their sphere e.g.
assist with audit of standards of care for ward.

Page 9 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
12. Freedom to Act :
The post holder has the freedom to act within established parameters, work
is managed rather than supervised. The post holder is required to act
independently within UHB and professional guidelines, referring to
supervisory management as appropriate. This will include:
Responsibility for the management of the ward/department and its resources
in the absence of the ward manager and or junior Sister. They will be
responsible for ensuring that all resources within that area are used to an
optimum effect.
Participate in responsibility for maintaining the standards of patient care set
by the ward/department.

Participating in responsibility for ensuring that all policies and procedures are
observed, and meet the UHB requirements contained in the Health & Safety
Policy.

Participating in responsibility for the support and supervision of junior staff

i.e. registered nurses, student nurses and nursing assistants.

Be responsible for administration and recording of drugs in accordance with

the uHB policy.

Be responsible for providing accurate, current, comprehensive and concise

records concerning the condition of the client in accordance with the NMC
Standards For Records and Record Keeping, the UHB’s Patients Record Policy
and in compliance with the Data Protection Act.

Ensuring that practice is in line with, and reflects the requirement of the NMC
Code of Professional Conduct, and is based on evidence-based practice.

Ensuring that any personal and professional development plans reflect the
requirements of the NMC and PREP.

Ensuring that UHB Policies and Procedures are met in relation to Personal
professional responsibilities.

Page 10 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
 Effort & Environment Factors:
13. Physical Effort
There is a frequent requirement to exert moderate physical effort for several
short periods during a shift. For example: Moving patients using manual
handling equipment, moving patients by chair/trolley to other departments.

14. Mental Effort

There is occasional requirement for concentration where the work pattern is
unpredictable. For example. baseline observations, fluid balance monitoring,
venepuncture, ECG recording.

15. Emotional effort

There is occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances. For
example. Participating in informing relatives/patients of unwelcome new.
Caring for the terminally ill.

16. Working Conditions

There will be frequent exposure to blood, body fluids and foul linen. For
example. Uncontained body fluids and foul linen.

Page 11 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
 SECTION 3

KSF Post Outline

Dimension Dimension Dimension Foundation Second Gateway

Type Number Name Gateway
(Subset Outline) (Full Outline)
Level Indicator(s) Level Indicator(s)
Core C1 Communication 2 A,B,C,D,E 3 A,B,C,
D,E,F
Core C2 Personal and 2 A,B,C, 3 A,B,C,
People D,E,F D,E,F,G
Development
Core C3 Health, Safety 2 A,B,C, 3 A,B,C,
and Security D,E,F D,E
Core C4 Service 2 A,B,C, 3 A,B,C,
Improvement D,E,F D,E,F,G
Core C5 Quality 2 A,B,C, 2 A,B,C,
D,E,F D,E,F
Core C6 Equality and 2 A,B,C,D 2 A,B,C,D
Diversity
Specific HWB2 Assessment 2 A,B,C, 3 A,B,C,
and care D,E,F D,E,F,G
planning to
meet health
and wellbeing
needs
Specific HWB5 Provision of 2 A,B,C,D, 3 A,B,C,
care to meet E,F,G,H D,E,F,G
health and
wellbeing
needs

NB This Outline is not a substitute for a complete KSF post outline

which must be approved via the E-KSF tool. No post can be
advertised without an approved KSF Outline and matched Job
Description.

Page 12 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
 SECTION 4
Normal Hours
The post holder will be required to be flexible in their working
patterns to meet service needs e.g. Rotational post (day and night
duty), shifts, flexible working patterns.

Performance Appraisal
You will be expected to participate in the Performance
Development Programme, a part of which is Performance
Appraisal.

Registered Health Professional

All employees of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
who are required to register with a professional body, to enable
them to practice within their profession, are required to comply
with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional
registration.

Lease Car
Not applicable

Job Limitation
At no time should you work at a level outside your level of
competence. If you have concern regarding this please discuss
immediately with your Line Manager/Supervisor. All staff therefore
have a responsibility to inform those supervising their duties if
they do not feel competent to perform a duty/task.

You must be aware of your Terms and Conditions of Service (read

your Statement of Main Terms and Conditions)

If relevant to your role access advice and support from

appropriately qualified persons in respect of on-site, on-call and
call in arrangements.

Staff have a responsibility to access Occupational Health and other

support for advice in times of need.

Page 13 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Risk Management/Health & Safety
The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is committed to
protect its staff, patients, assets and reputation through an
effective risk management process. The post holder will be
required to comply with the relevant Risk/Occupational Health &
Safety Policies, actively participate in this process and have
responsibility for managing risks and reporting exceptions.

Records Management
As an employee of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board,
you are legally responsible for all records that you gather, create
or use as part of your work within the Organisation (including
patient health, staff health or injury, financial, personal and
administrative), whether paper based or on computer. All such
records are considered public records, and you have a legal duty
of confidence to service users. You should consult your manager if
you have any doubt as to the correct management of records with
which you work.
Confidentiality of Information
Any matters of a confidential nature must not be divulged or
passed on to an unauthorised person(s) or third party under any
circumstances either during or after employment except in the
proper course of your employment or as required by law, by Cwm
Taf Morgannwg Health Board or both. Any such breach of
confidentiality may be regarded as gross misconduct and may lead
to disciplinary action.

Training & Development

All staff must undertake induction/orientation programmes at
Corporate and Departmental level and must ensure any
statutory/mandatory training requirements are current and up to
date. Where considered appropriate, staff are required to
demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development.

Review
The duties of this post are not inflexible and will be reviewed
periodically and may be changed to be consistent with the grading
of the post as the organisation develops following consultation
with the post holder.

Page 14 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Equality
The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will take all
practicable steps to ensure that staff are recruited, managed,
developed, promoted and rewarded on merit and that equal
opportunities are given to all staff. Each employee is responsible
for his or her own professional and personal behaviour and there
is a requirement of all staff to conduct themselves in a manner,
which does not cause offence to another person. The Cwm Taf
Morgannwg University Health Board is also committed to providing
a safe, healthy and fair working environment and will take all
practicable steps to avoid and eliminate harassment of any kind of
its employees at work.

Signed: (Post Holder) Date:

Signed: (Directorate Manager) Date:

Signed: (Divisional Manager) Date

Date Job Description compiled:

Date for review:

Page 15 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
 Page 16 of 19
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012
Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
 Person Specification

Job Title: Senior Staff Nurse Band: 5

Department: AMU
Responsible to: Ward Manager
Area Essential at Desirable Assessed by
recruitment
1.Education/Qualifications / Registered General Evidence of continuous Application Form
Training Nurse Level 1/12. professional Interview
development.
Production of
IV devices. evidence
IV additives. (certificates etc)
ILS.
Diploma/Degree.
2. Experience Medical ward Experience post Application Form
experience. registration, most Interview
recently within a
medicine References
ward/unit/area.
General Medicine
experience.
3. Skills Excellent Ability to demonstrate Application Form
communication skills. good standard of record Interview
keeping in line with
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012 Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Page 17 of 19
 Able to demonstrate NMC requirements. References
effective verbal Teaching skills.
communication skills. ECDL/IT skills.
4. Knowledge Ability to demonstrate Application Form
responsibilities under Interview
NMC Code of Conduct.
References
5. Personal Attributes Enthusiastic. Ability to speak welsh. Interview
Good interpersonal References
skills.

6. Circumstances e.g. Flexibility to meet Application Form

Mobility/Availability-special service needs. Interview
attendance requirements Amenable to change as
required.
7.Physical Requirements and Able to undertake the Application Form
attributes duties of the role. Interview
Occupational
Able to travel Health
throughout the UHB in Questionnaire
a timely manner if
required.
8. Any other special requirements not Subject to satisfactory Interview
covered by 1-7 above DBS check. References

Essential: Attributes under this heading are essential for adequate job performance upon appointment: -
the job cannot be performed unless these factors are present.
Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012 Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Page 18 of 19
Desirable: - Attributes under this heading are not explicitly needed for the post, but which may be used
for short listing for interview

Signed: (Post Holder) Date:

Signed: (Directorate Manager) Date:

Signed: (Divisional Manager) Date

Date Person Spec. compiled:

Date for review:

Caje Reference Number RVE/210112140 Updated 1/11/2012 Staff Nurse General Medical Wards Band 5
Page 19 of 19