Senior Staff Nurse - Vernon Ward Elective Surgical Ward

A Vacancy at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Vernon Ward (Elective Surgery Ward) is looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic & caring senior staff nurse, who wants to develop their acute nursing & leadership skills in order to deliver good quality care to patients. Successful candidates will be joining a supportive, friendly team who are committed to ensuring excellent patient care. This Ward caters to multispeciality patients under an elective pathway.

The successful candidates must be enthusiastic, hardworking, dynamic & highly motivated to work in this fast‑paced environment. They must have excellent communication skills & be able to work as part of the multidisciplinary team.

We can offer ongoing professional development on the ward & training opportunities relevant to the clinical area.

The post holder will support and deputise for the Ward Senior Charge Nurse to ensure the provision of excellent nursing care and the effective management of staff and other resources. They will also carry out the day‑to‑day management and co‑ordination of the ward/department and ensure that there are education and training opportunities for all staff, including pre‑ and post‑registration students and/or providing specialist knowledge if working in a clinical area where a post‑registration course is essential (e.g., critical care setting).

• Ensure nursing care is assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated using research evidence as appropriate.
• Provide leadership, motivating the ward/department team to ensure excellent nursing care, providing support and supervision of more junior staff.
• Ensure that all nursing procedures are carried out in accordance with St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust policies, taking appropriate action in emergency situations.
• In conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, be responsible for setting, monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of care, particularly for patients with multiple needs who require complex packages of care.
• Maintain personal contact with patients, relatives and carers, being sensitive to their needs for courtesy, dignity and privacy and ensuring a friendly environment at all times.
• Manage the ward/department in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, coordinating the clinical team and delegating duties as appropriate, maintaining safe staffing levels and informing the Senior Nurse of any problems or incidents.
• Ensure that accurate and timely nursing records are maintained, monitoring standards and taking appropriate corrective action as necessary.
• Store, check and administer drugs in accordance with Trust policy.
• Work in an unsupervised capacity throughout all areas of the speciality, including wards and outpatients.
• Prioritise own work and that of others to ensure the ward/department is managed effectively.
• Contribute to the local resolution, investigation and follow‑up action of any informal or formal complaints, taking the lead in the absence of the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse.
• Provide specialist knowledge and expertise in a specified clinical area or speciality.

• Co‑ordinate the admission/reception of new patients in conjunction with the Bed Management Team.
• Arrange, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team and the Bed Manager, the discharge/transfer of patients and initiate appropriate community care services.
• Communicate and cooperate with other wards and departments, giving accurate information as required, particularly with regard to notification of incidents and accidents to staff, patients and visitors.
• Maintain and monitor a safe and clean environment within the clinical area in accordance with the Trust Health and Safety, Clinical Risk and Infection Control Policies.
• Represent the ward/department at meetings, participating in audit, research, projects and coordinating the appointment of link nurses for areas of clinical expertise.
• Maintain and monitor levels of stock and ensure that there are adequate supplies and that resources are used effectively.
• Handle, check and store patient’s cash and valuables in accordance with Trust policies.
• Complete the…