Staff Nurse Theatre - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:
The post holder will work as an integral member of the Nursing and Multidisciplinary team in the operating theatre suite / endoscopy suite involved in the provision of evidence based care to the patients who attend for surgery.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
General Responsibilities:
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Nurses are expected to practice according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and Professional Clinical Guidelines
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Adhere at all times to the Nursing Board code for nurses and ensure that subordinate staff do likewise.
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Adhere to UPMC Hospital Guidelines / Policies / Protocols.
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Work within their scope of practice and take measures to continuously develop and maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for their practice.
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Provide and maintain a caring, efficient and highly professional nursing service to all patients in his / her care.
- Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to their area of practice.
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Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient at all times.
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Assume responsibility for and coordinate the management of the ward area in the absence of the CNM I/CNM II.
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To undertake the role of mentor/buddy where requested and to facilitate the orientation and development of new staff.
Clinical Practice
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Actively participate in anaesthetics, scrub, and circulating, PACU or endoscopy room duties as is required
Endoscopy
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Prepare equipment and instruments according to the individual needs of the patient and Consultant Surgeon/Gastroenterologist, as well as involvement with the updating of consultant preference cards.
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Assist in the smooth and effective running of the Endoscopy Unit
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Assessing, planning, delivering and evaluation of patient care in the endoscopic room
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Ensure effective teamwork by good communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team to enable continuity of care and a safe environment for patients and staff, following local protocols and standards
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Awareness of the effective management of resources within the department
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Participate in education, training and development of other staff
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Ensure all equipment is checked prior to use and any faults reported to the line manger immediately
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Help to control cross infection by observing departmental policy regarding theatre attire, the maintenance of a clean working environment, decontamination and sterilisation procedures and asepsis
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Prepare patients for endoscopy procedures under sedation or general anesthesia
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Maintain up to date knowledge and skills within endoscopy and the profession of nursing
Clinical - Anaesthetics
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Demonstrate safe and skilled support for the Anaesthetist during all types of anaesthesia.
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Prepare the anaesthetic area within the operating suite being aware of the individual patient needs and specific Anaesthetist requirements i.e. drugs preparation/administration, IV cannulation, IV fluids and preparation and insertion of invasive monitoring as required.
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Ensure that anaesthetic equipment is checked on a regular basis as per protocols and is fit and available for use, to include: Anaesthetic machines, Vaporisers, Laryngoscope handles and blades, specific anaesthetic paediatric and adult consumables trolleys.
- Ensure adequate stock levels are maintained in the anaesthetic areas at all times and that non-stock requisition orders are dealt with appropriately through the process for New Product Order.
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Integrate knowledge of hazards, pharmacology and surgery to contribute effectively to a patient’s safe recovery from anaesthesia.
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Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised and holistic care of patient, during preparation for surgery, induction of anaesthetic, while anaesthetised and while recovering from anaesthetic.
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Adhere to hospital policies and procedures based on National Guidance and Evidence Based practice for administration of medicines when working with drugs and anaesthetic agents during induction, maintenance reversal and post-operative phases of patient care.
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Monitor patient recovery to ensure early detection and treatment of any complication and/or deterioration in their condition and initiate treatment/referral to relevant members of the clinical team.
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Utilise evidence based pain assessment tools to ensure effective pain monitoring and Control-Numerical and FLAC
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Educate and support those patients who are using patient-controlled analgesia, to ensure effective pain control.
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Assess fitness for discharge from the recovery room back to the ward.
- Participate in ACLS/PALS training programmes as undertaken in the Organisation.
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Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff, patient, relatives and visitors at all times.
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Provide a commitment to expanding existing skills, assisting in the planning and implementation of the Anaesthetic and peri-operative assessment nursing role.
- Ensure safe transfer to the PACU with all relevant documentation.
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Liaise with Assistant Director of Clinical Services (Theatres) to organise and agree training for nurse teams on equipment utilised in the recovery area e.g. patient warmers, fluid warmers, Haemacue etc. as necessary.
Scrub / Circulating:
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Provide nursing care for patients undergoing surgery
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Assist consultant surgeons in all surgical procedures
- Maintain standards of nursing care in pre-operative and post-operative planning, implementation and patient care
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Be aware of the multifaceted needs of theatre patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families
- Prepare the operating room for all elective scheduled procedures
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Maintain the principles of aseptic techniques in performing surgical scrub, setting instruments, gowning, gloving as needed for each surgical procedure
- Ensure that controlled drug records are kept in accordance with standard recognised legal and professional practice.
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Ensure the correct counting procedures are adhered to throughout the patient stay in the operating room
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Supervise the nursing practice of less experienced staff members of the nursing team and participate in the educational aspects of that practice
Clinical Governance
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Participate in innovation and change in the approach to patient care delivery, and contribute to service planning process, based on best practice and under the direction of nursing management, particularly in relation to new research findings and advances in treatment.
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Participate in the setting of professional standards. Understand and co-operate with the need to measure and audit the effectiveness of care given in order to provide quality care.
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Be aware of and comply with the principles of clinical governance including quality, risk and health & safety and be individually responsible for clinical governance, risk management and health & safety issues within their own work area.
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Accurately record and report incidents, near misses and or verbal complaints to appropriate personnel according to Hospital Policy.
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Participate in the development of policies, procedures and guidelines to support compliance with research best practice.
Ability to access policies on Q-Pulse and to log incidents as required.
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Administration
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Prepare a nursing handover for change of shift in order to maintain a safe and informative communication regarding patient care.
- Observe all nursing and administrative policies and procedures.
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Access all documents, policies, and procedures and report incidents and complaints through our hospital quality management system – Q-Pulse.
- Ensure that the Ward / Department is maintained in good order, that supplies are adequate, and that all equipment is in good working order and ready for immediate use under the guidance of the CNM 2.
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Ensure that the appropriate and efficient use of supplies is made and exercise economy in the use of consumables.
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Liaise continuously with CNMII / deputy and ensure that effective communication systems are maintained within the Ward / Department.
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Ensure that the admission, transfer and discharge of patients are conducted in accordance with hospital policy, with collaboration of patients’ family and Next of Kin.
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Co-operate and liaise with all disciplines or departments within the hospital to ensure that a holistic approach of care is given.
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Co-operate with the Housekeeping supervisor re service requirements.
- Maintain appropriate and accurate written records and reports regarding patient care in accordance with hospital policy and within current legislative requirements and following An Bord Altranais Nursing Board Guidance.
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Maintain absolute confidentiality and respect of all patient records.
Education, Training & Development
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Attend in-service training sessions where possible and keep abreast of developments and trends within the clinical speciality and professions as a whole.
- Report back to staff/CNMII any changes in best practice following attendance to study days.
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Ensure that all staff are familiar with Fire Regulations of the hospital and within the Ward / Department including the location and exits. Attend fire lecture annually.
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Take responsibility for own learning and development needs and actively contribute to the learning and development of the multidisciplinary team.
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Contribute to the identification of training needs pertinent to the clinical area.
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Identify and contribute to the continual enhancement of learning opportunities in the clinical area.
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Provide education and information to patient or family as required.
Accreditation
- Will familiarise themselves with policies, procedures and guidelines directly related to their clinical care and area.
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Assist in the review of policies, procedures and Guidelines under the direction of the chapter lead/department manager.
Personnel
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Follow uniform policy reference
General
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Through the course of the working day or week there may be a requirement to work in other areas of the hospital in line with patient requirements as requested by your line manager/deputy or nurse management.
- Staff must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all training and experience claimed by them, if required to do so by the organisation.
- To respect the organisational values of the Hospital.
Quality & Safety – Safe Culture
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Quality and Safety are rooted in the daily work of all individuals at UPMC. As an employee you are required to actively participate throughout your working day in pursuit of excellence.
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You are required to work in conjunction with your line manager in the planning, monitoring, analysing and improvement of all quality programmes.
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Participate in the development of performance indicators in conjunction with your department manager and the business objectives.
- Initiates, participates in and evaluates audit according to JCI, Hospital policy and Lean requirements under the guidance and supported by an audit lead.
Health & Safety
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UPMC employees are required to ensure that they take reasonable care to protect their own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
- Employees must co-operate with UPMC to ensure safety, health and welfare at work and report anything potentially dangerous at work of which they become aware. Staff are expected to abide by guidelines/policies and all Incidents and near misses.
- All employees are required to attend an education sessions on Fire Health & safety on an annual basis.
Information Governance
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In the course of your employment you may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and / or staff. Such records and information are strictly confidential, unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff or patients be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.
Qualifications & Experience:
Skills Essential to the post:
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Ensure patient needs are identified and nursing actions are planned, implemented, evaluated then documented accurately.
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Identify risk utilising risk assessments, document on the risk register and monitor same.
- Assist in maintaining safe custody of controlled drugs in accordance with agreed policies and report any discrepancies to the Assistant Director of Clinical Services (Theatres).
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Provide a safe working environment for patients and staff.
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Maintain open communication with relevant personnel across the services.
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Ensure relevant patient documentation is in order and international patient safety goals are adhered to.
Qualifications:
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Be a Registered Nurse in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
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Basic Life Support Training
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Hold a Theatre Qualification (desirable)
Experience:
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Demonstrate evidence of Theatre Nursing experience.
Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge:
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Have knowledge of the relevant disciplines in the Hospital pertaining to Infection Control, Quality and Risk Management, Health & Safety.
Personal Competencies:
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Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessions
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Maintain a professional portfolio
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Ensure your professional and personal persona positively reflects the profession of nursing and UPMC
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Time management skills.
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Able to act quickly to address urgent matters.
Salary: €37,657.19 - €54,223.51 per annum based on a 37 hour week
This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As UPMC and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the business.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.
Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.
