Job summary

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen to recruit a Registered Paediatric Nurse to our Paediatric Emergency Department. We are a busy and dynamic department, managing over 32,000 paediatric patients each year. We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive individual to join us in providing high quality and compassionate care. Our Paediatric ED is collocated with the Paediatric Assessment unit which has enhanced the ability to provide excellent service to the children and families we serve.

You will need to have excellent clinical skills, be adaptable to change and be able to complement and support the existing team of nurses and doctors. You will need to have current acute experience in a ward or department setting. At interview, you must be able to demonstrate sound clinical knowledge as well as knowledge of current healthcare initiatives.

We encourage personal development within the trust and offer the opportunity to undertake relevant courses after successful competency based objectives are met.

The Emergency Department is supported by General and Operational Managers, 7 Consultants, 2 Matrons, a head of nursing and two Practice development nurse.

Please note that applicants who proceed to interview will be expected to undertake and achieve a 95% pass mark on a basic drug calculation paper and patient assessment paper.

Please feel free to arrange a visit to the department.

Main duties of the job

To work primarily as a member of the Paediatric Emergency Department, but where required the post holder must be prepared to provide support to any other area of the emergency department.

To be responsible for the initial assessment of paediatric patients and the planning and evaluation of care without direct supervision.

To enhance the nursing role through the Scope of Professional Practice.

To support and supervise colleagues and to take part in an on-going teaching programme within this specialist area.

To deliver individualised, safe and quality care to all children presenting to paediatric ED.

To maintain a safe clinical environment.

To communicate effectively with members of the public and the multi-disciplinary team at all times.

To adhere to ‘Our Values’ for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

To ensure that all areas of practice adhere to current NMC guidance.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Date posted

04 January 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,408 to £34,581 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-4028119-F

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

Ensure the consistent provision of high standard quality care to all patients.

Participate in the initial assessment, treatment and discharge/admission of children presenting to paediatric ED.

Assess the care needs of children and provide care suitable to the needs of the child and family.

Maintain effective communication with all patients, relatives and other visitors and ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained.

Work in partnership with children and their families in order to support family centred care.

Act as a role model for junior staff and colleagues.

Maintain own professional practice and have knowledge of new developments.

Be aware of relevant nursing research and promote and participate in nursing research initiatives.

Be aware of new concepts within clinical practice and participate and engage in such schemes.

Assess workloads and be aware of changing situations, taking appropriate action where necessary.

Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and timely, meeting legal requirements where appropriate.

Work within the concept of the multi-disciplinary team and maintain effective multi-disciplinary communication.

Ensure complete and accurate documentation of all clinical care provided in the department.

Liaise with outside agencies, i.e. social services, police, ambulance service when appropriate.

Be aware of Information Technology initiatives and use these to aid the delivery of care and information required by the trust

Maintain adequate supplies, provisions and equipment in the department, ensuring that all areas are in good working order at all times.

Assist in maintaining custody of all medication by checking, storing and administering in line with Trust policy.

Deputise for senior nursing staff in their absence.

Managerial responsibilities:

Ensure that agreed standards of practice are maintained and monitored.

Ensure compliance with all local, regional and national policies.

Participate in the development of nursing guidelines, practice and protocols with paediatric ED

Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and timely meeting legal requirements where appropriate.

Report to the Nurse in Charge or Senior Nurse any concerns in relation to patient care, the environment, staffing or anything that may affect the service as a whole to children and their families.

Report any accidents or incidents involving children, relatives and staff to the Nurse in Charge. Complete a statement and/or incident form as required, reporting such incidents appropriately.

Report any concerns to the Nurse in Charge or Doctor in relation to the safeguarding of children. Liaise with Named Nurse, Named Doctor or other safeguarding professionals as appropriate.

Undertake duties on different wards or departments as required by service demands, within the 24hr period.

Care for childrens property and valuables according to Trust policy.

Maintain adequate supplies, provisions and equipment in the department, ensuring that all areas are in good working order at all times

Participate in daily and monthly equipment checks and report any broken or malfunctioning equipment or furniture to the relevant hospital department for maintenance.

Take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of the ED, contributing to the control of infection.

Assist in maintaining a safe environment for patients/clients, visitors and other staff.

Professional responsibilities:

Give assistance to and mentor newly appointed staff, as part of their orientation process.

Act as an effective role model to all staff, students, children and their families.

Promote and maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times in accordance with Trust policy.

Promote the Department and the Trust in a positive manner to the children and their families and to the local population at all times.

Maintain accurate documentation and information systems both manually and by using the Trust computer systems.

Maintain confidentiality at all times ensuring that information is only given out with appropriate permission.

Actively participate in maintaining a safe environment for children and families, visitors and other staff, as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act, Health and Safety policy, Risk Management policy and COSHH regulations.

Acknowledge and abide by the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses and be guided by advisory documents issued by the NMC.

Ensure compliance with all policies, guidelines and directives.

Maintain and develop own professional practice, keeping abreast of new developments and concepts, both clinical and professional.

Take personal responsibility to maintain own professional registration and adhere to revalidation requirements.

Education and development responsibilities:

Participate in all mandatory induction programmes for new staff in the department and the Trust.

Take responsibility to ensure individual compliance in mandatory training as set by the Trust.

Participate in relevant educational programmes for own professional development and to maintain and enhance clinical competence.

Act as a mentor and provide adequate supervision to junior staff, under the supervision of a senior colleague, undertaking appropriate assessment.

Act as an education resource for colleagues in other departments, where necessary.

Take part in departmental team meetings to contribute and encourage new ideas.

Participate in the annual performance review process.

Participate in teaching, research and audit projects.

Identify, in partnership with the Senior Nursing team, areas of extended practice to enhance the service provided for children and their families.

Actively participate with colleagues and link tutors to ensure an optimum learning environment and learning experience for student nurses and other learners, in accordance with Trust and University policy.

Act as a mentor to students, under the supervision of a senior colleague, undertaking appropriate assessment. Report progress and escalate problems to a Senior Nurse, the Practice Development Nurse and/or University as appropriate.

General Responsibilities:

To adhere to the Trusts agreed policies and procedures.

To promote and develop the equality of opportunity in accordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy

To protect the confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, Patient and Staff or other agencies

To provide a quality service to internal and external agencies and participate/develop clinical governance within sphere of responsibility.

All Trust employees are required to be familiar with, and comply with, Trust polices and guidelines for infection control and hand hygiene in order to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections. For clinical staff with direct patient contact, this will include the uniform and dress code policy, the use of personal protective equipment guidance, the guidance on aseptic techniques and the safe handling and disposal of sharps. All staff are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing healthcare-associated infections.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

Ensure the consistent provision of high standard quality care to all patients.

Participate in the initial assessment, treatment and discharge/admission of children presenting to paediatric ED.

Assess the care needs of children and provide care suitable to the needs of the child and family.

Maintain effective communication with all patients, relatives and other visitors and ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained.

Work in partnership with children and their families in order to support family centred care.

Act as a role model for junior staff and colleagues.

Maintain own professional practice and have knowledge of new developments.

Be aware of relevant nursing research and promote and participate in nursing research initiatives.

Be aware of new concepts within clinical practice and participate and engage in such schemes.

Assess workloads and be aware of changing situations, taking appropriate action where necessary.

Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and timely, meeting legal requirements where appropriate.

Work within the concept of the multi-disciplinary team and maintain effective multi-disciplinary communication.

Ensure complete and accurate documentation of all clinical care provided in the department.

Liaise with outside agencies, i.e. social services, police, ambulance service when appropriate.

Be aware of Information Technology initiatives and use these to aid the delivery of care and information required by the trust

Maintain adequate supplies, provisions and equipment in the department, ensuring that all areas are in good working order at all times.

Assist in maintaining custody of all medication by checking, storing and administering in line with Trust policy.

Deputise for senior nursing staff in their absence.

Managerial responsibilities:

Ensure that agreed standards of practice are maintained and monitored.

Ensure compliance with all local, regional and national policies.

Participate in the development of nursing guidelines, practice and protocols with paediatric ED

Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and timely meeting legal requirements where appropriate.

Report to the Nurse in Charge or Senior Nurse any concerns in relation to patient care, the environment, staffing or anything that may affect the service as a whole to children and their families.

Report any accidents or incidents involving children, relatives and staff to the Nurse in Charge. Complete a statement and/or incident form as required, reporting such incidents appropriately.

Report any concerns to the Nurse in Charge or Doctor in relation to the safeguarding of children. Liaise with Named Nurse, Named Doctor or other safeguarding professionals as appropriate.

Undertake duties on different wards or departments as required by service demands, within the 24hr period.

Care for childrens property and valuables according to Trust policy.

Maintain adequate supplies, provisions and equipment in the department, ensuring that all areas are in good working order at all times

Participate in daily and monthly equipment checks and report any broken or malfunctioning equipment or furniture to the relevant hospital department for maintenance.

Take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of the ED, contributing to the control of infection.

Assist in maintaining a safe environment for patients/clients, visitors and other staff.

Professional responsibilities:

Give assistance to and mentor newly appointed staff, as part of their orientation process.

Act as an effective role model to all staff, students, children and their families.

Promote and maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times in accordance with Trust policy.

Promote the Department and the Trust in a positive manner to the children and their families and to the local population at all times.

Maintain accurate documentation and information systems both manually and by using the Trust computer systems.

Maintain confidentiality at all times ensuring that information is only given out with appropriate permission.

Actively participate in maintaining a safe environment for children and families, visitors and other staff, as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act, Health and Safety policy, Risk Management policy and COSHH regulations.

Acknowledge and abide by the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses and be guided by advisory documents issued by the NMC.

Ensure compliance with all policies, guidelines and directives.

Maintain and develop own professional practice, keeping abreast of new developments and concepts, both clinical and professional.

Take personal responsibility to maintain own professional registration and adhere to revalidation requirements.

Education and development responsibilities:

Participate in all mandatory induction programmes for new staff in the department and the Trust.

Take responsibility to ensure individual compliance in mandatory training as set by the Trust.

Participate in relevant educational programmes for own professional development and to maintain and enhance clinical competence.

Act as a mentor and provide adequate supervision to junior staff, under the supervision of a senior colleague, undertaking appropriate assessment.

Act as an education resource for colleagues in other departments, where necessary.

Take part in departmental team meetings to contribute and encourage new ideas.

Participate in the annual performance review process.

Participate in teaching, research and audit projects.

Identify, in partnership with the Senior Nursing team, areas of extended practice to enhance the service provided for children and their families.

Actively participate with colleagues and link tutors to ensure an optimum learning environment and learning experience for student nurses and other learners, in accordance with Trust and University policy.

Act as a mentor to students, under the supervision of a senior colleague, undertaking appropriate assessment. Report progress and escalate problems to a Senior Nurse, the Practice Development Nurse and/or University as appropriate.

General Responsibilities:

To adhere to the Trusts agreed policies and procedures.

To promote and develop the equality of opportunity in accordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy

To protect the confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, Patient and Staff or other agencies

To provide a quality service to internal and external agencies and participate/develop clinical governance within sphere of responsibility.

All Trust employees are required to be familiar with, and comply with, Trust polices and guidelines for infection control and hand hygiene in order to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections. For clinical staff with direct patient contact, this will include the uniform and dress code policy, the use of personal protective equipment guidance, the guidance on aseptic techniques and the safe handling and disposal of sharps. All staff are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing healthcare-associated infections.

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Essential

  • oRegistered Paediatric Nurse on the NMC register
  • oCommitted to personal professional development
  • oComputer Literacy

Desirable

  • oCannulation / Phlebotomy
  • oECG
  • oPlastering
  • oWound Care
  • oIV Additives
  • oENB 199 or equivalent
  • oENB 998 or equivalent (or accredited mentorship
  • oAPLS or EPLS
  • oEvidence of further education/development

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

  • oCurrent evidence-based practice
  • oKnowledge of national quality initiatives
  • oKnowledge of safeguarding children
  • oKnowledge of confidentiality

Desirable

  • oBroad knowledge of Paediatric ED environment and working practices

EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • oCurrent experience in an acute paediatric setting
  • oDemonstrable excellent communication skills
  • oDemonstrable ability to prioritise and work under pressure

Desirable

  • oED experience
  • oTeaching skills
Person Specification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Essential

  • oRegistered Paediatric Nurse on the NMC register
  • oCommitted to personal professional development
  • oComputer Literacy

Desirable

  • oCannulation / Phlebotomy
  • oECG
  • oPlastering
  • oWound Care
  • oIV Additives
  • oENB 199 or equivalent
  • oENB 998 or equivalent (or accredited mentorship
  • oAPLS or EPLS
  • oEvidence of further education/development

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

  • oCurrent evidence-based practice
  • oKnowledge of national quality initiatives
  • oKnowledge of safeguarding children
  • oKnowledge of confidentiality

Desirable

  • oBroad knowledge of Paediatric ED environment and working practices

EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • oCurrent experience in an acute paediatric setting
  • oDemonstrable excellent communication skills
  • oDemonstrable ability to prioritise and work under pressure

Desirable

  • oED experience
  • oTeaching skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).