Staff Nurse

• Work as a member of the nursing team on duty and perform duties as allocated by the CNM 1/Nurse in charge
• Manage a caseload of patients as identified by CNM/ nurse in charge
• Assess the care needs of critically ill patients responding appropriately and in a timely manner to changes in condition
• In conjunction with the MDT review the effectiveness of interventions and establish appropriate goals in patient care
• Maintain accurate clinical observations of a patient’s condition and respond appropriately to any changes in condition
• Ensure all data relating to a patient’s condition is interpreted and acted on in a timely way
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and update care plans to take account of the changing needs of the patient
• Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive information. Communicate very sensitive, complex condition related information to consultants, patients and relatives
• Advocate proactively for the patient when required
• Deliver skilled practical care to ICU patients and participate in the monitoring of the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised patient care, ensuring a patient centred focus
• Be aware of the multifaceted needs of critically ill 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 NMBI guidelines, keeping patient and staff safety a priority
• 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
• Provide emotional, psychological and practical support to the patient and their family/carer throughout their pathway and facilitate communication between patients, families and professionals
• Ensure safe practice to minimise the risk of infection to patients and staff in accordance with national and
• Keep accurate, comprehensive, up-dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations
• Ensure correct and economical use of Unit stocks and material and the safe and correct use of all equipment
• Ensure the safe keeping of patient’s belongings in accordance with hospital policy where necessary
• Document and report to the CNM 3, in a timely and comprehensive manner, any incidents, accidents, near misses or complaints and participate in any subsequent investigation as requested
• Participate in staff meetings, team meetings and committees as required
• Take charge of the unit when requested to do so in the CNMs absence
• Contribute to the requirements of NMBI and code of conduct for professional nursing are met and upheld including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice
• Demonstrate a high commitment to professional and personal development to ensure that professional competencies are maintained and developed to continue to meet the needs of the service
• 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 Practice and Education Team 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
• Supervise the nursing practice of less experienced staff members of the nursing team and participate in the educational aspects of that practice
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Blackrock Health 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 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
• Work with members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard Operating Procedures for the development of the Unit
• 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

• Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI
• Have at least two years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting and a minimum of one year’s nursing experience ICU/HDU
• A recognised post-registration nursing course - Higher Diploma or Post Grad course in Neurosciences nursing /ICU Nursing or equivalent
• Clinical Skills
• IT skills
• Quality focus
• Risk Management
• Clinical audit
• Team work
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Neuro surgical intensive care experience