Job summary

My name is Lavinia, and I am a Mental Health Nurse at Elizabeth Casson House in Bristol. I started working here 2 years ago as a student nurse on the ward during the pandemic. When I qualified, I came back to ECH. I only wanted to work here. It’s rewarding and challenging, and the team are very supportive.

It’s hard to put into words what I love about working here – it’s a feeling – there is nowhere quite like it. An example of what makes it a great place to work is a service user that I will always remember. A lady came to the ward who was really unwell. Her behaviour on the ward, which was totally out of character, was very challenging. When she was leaving the ward, she apologised for everything she had said to me and thanked me for being there for her and allowing her the space to get better in her own time. I will never forget that. Experiences like that make me love my job.

If you are kind and caring and want to be part of a team, then please apply and come and join me on the ward.

Main duties of the job

A typical day on this 8-bed female intensive care ward could include running the shift, making decisions with the team around admissions, ongoing treatment plans and supporting the recovery of service users and supervising and developing junior staff. There is a wealth of other disciplines who attend the ward to engage our service users in OT, active life & psychology.

The ward has just reopened after a refurbishment. It feels open, bright and spacious. It has some lovely pictures on the walls and a great family room for people visiting loved ones. It’s clear that our ward manage Ben has put a lot of thought into the new space.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.

We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.

Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

Date posted

17 February 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£27,055 to £32,934 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

342-BR062-0223

Job locations

Callington Road Hospital

Bristol

BS4 5BJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice Management To carry out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided.

This will include:

Undertaking a comprehensive, person-centred, nursing assessment and prepare care plans in consultation with the service users to provide the best nursing care

Implementation of care and rehabilitation programme

Evaluation of effectiveness of care provided in partnership with users

Ability to implement research-based practice

Following successful completion of preceptorship, ability to supervise junior and unqualified staff

Ability to administer medicine within relevant Trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Ability to undertake risk assessment and develop risk management strategies for individual clients; ICPA/SAP to people who present with mental health problems.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant mental Health Legislation

Ensure the ordering storage, administration and disposal of medication complies with relevant trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and MHA (1983)

Teaching, Education & Health Promotion To use own skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health.

This will include:

Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.

Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.

Continuing Professional Development To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).

Abide by the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC’s ‘The Code’: Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives

Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.

To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.

To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the line manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.

Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

Work to the Clinical and Personnel Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.

Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant medicines, related medication management issues and act in accordance with the appropriate NMC standards and Trust policy, and ensure that others also work within these guidelines. Finance and Workforce To make best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models ensuring provision of best care possible. Follow Trust and Service Policies in regard to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public

To take part in PEAT and environmental risk assessments as requested so that best use is made of resources.

Manage temporary staffing resources in line with AWP best practice guidance

Ensure that service provision is both safe and therapeutic within spanof knowledge.

Effective time management

Utilize electronic rostering systems (Rosterpro)

Participate in education and training opportunities

To take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Charge Nurse or Clinical Team Leader

To be familiar with and comply with all Policies & Procedures operational within the Trust

Record Keeping and Administration To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines.

This will include:

The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.

Work under the direction of Essence of Care lead.

Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.Maintain safety of clients and staff within the Unit and ensure legal obligations are fulfilled.

Evidence-Based Nursing, Practice Development & Clinical Audit To contribute to practice development activity and evidence-based mental health nursing.

This will include:

Undertake relevant practice development/research activity.

Take part in a rolling programme of audit.

Comply with activity as outlined in The Essence of Care.

Work within the framework of AWP and Department of Health Research Governance.

Professional Nursing Advice

Contribute to providing professional nursing advice within the post-holders area of responsibility and span of knowledge.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice Management To carry out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided.

This will include:

Undertaking a comprehensive, person-centred, nursing assessment and prepare care plans in consultation with the service users to provide the best nursing care

Implementation of care and rehabilitation programme

Evaluation of effectiveness of care provided in partnership with users

Ability to implement research-based practice

Following successful completion of preceptorship, ability to supervise junior and unqualified staff

Ability to administer medicine within relevant Trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Ability to undertake risk assessment and develop risk management strategies for individual clients; ICPA/SAP to people who present with mental health problems.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant mental Health Legislation

Ensure the ordering storage, administration and disposal of medication complies with relevant trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and MHA (1983)

Teaching, Education & Health Promotion To use own skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health.

This will include:

Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.

Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.

Continuing Professional Development To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).

Abide by the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC’s ‘The Code’: Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives

Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.

To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.

To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the line manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.

Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

Work to the Clinical and Personnel Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.

Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant medicines, related medication management issues and act in accordance with the appropriate NMC standards and Trust policy, and ensure that others also work within these guidelines. Finance and Workforce To make best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models ensuring provision of best care possible. Follow Trust and Service Policies in regard to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public

To take part in PEAT and environmental risk assessments as requested so that best use is made of resources.

Manage temporary staffing resources in line with AWP best practice guidance

Ensure that service provision is both safe and therapeutic within spanof knowledge.

Effective time management

Utilize electronic rostering systems (Rosterpro)

Participate in education and training opportunities

To take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Charge Nurse or Clinical Team Leader

To be familiar with and comply with all Policies & Procedures operational within the Trust

Record Keeping and Administration To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines.

This will include:

The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.

Work under the direction of Essence of Care lead.

Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.Maintain safety of clients and staff within the Unit and ensure legal obligations are fulfilled.

Evidence-Based Nursing, Practice Development & Clinical Audit To contribute to practice development activity and evidence-based mental health nursing.

This will include:

Undertake relevant practice development/research activity.

Take part in a rolling programme of audit.

Comply with activity as outlined in The Essence of Care.

Work within the framework of AWP and Department of Health Research Governance.

Professional Nursing Advice

Contribute to providing professional nursing advice within the post-holders area of responsibility and span of knowledge.

Person Specification

Qualifictions

Essential

  • Mental Health Nursing Degree & NMC pin or about to receive NMC pin
Person Specification

Qualifictions

Essential

  • Mental Health Nursing Degree & NMC pin or about to receive NMC pin

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) .

UK Registration

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

Additional information

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) .

UK Registration

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