Job Description

Are you a Band 5 nurse looking to work somewhere a bit different?



We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic and motivated band 5 nurses to join our friendly multidisciplinary team. Within the area patients undergo a wide variety of cardiac procedures. The Cardiac Angiography Suite (CAS) is a unique area of the Oxford Heart Centre made up of 5 Cath Labs, a 16 bed Day Unit and a 4 bed Assessment Area.



Patients undergo a wide variety of cardiac procedures within the area including Coronary Angiography/Intervention, Pacemaker/ICD implantation, Electrophysiology Studies/Ablations, Structural/Congenital procedures and Trans-Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). We also perform nurse-led cardioversions, transoesophageal echo, and drug challenges.



The team in CAS strive to provide each and every patient with the best care possible in a safe and welcoming environment. Candidates will need to demonstrate a passion for high quality, patient-centred care and a commitment to developing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver it.



Every day in the department is varied and interesting, there is always something new to learn. The post involves working between the Day Unit/Assessment Area and the Cath Labs caring for both stable elective patients and acutely ill patients requiring emergency treatment.



In the Day Unit/ Assessment area you will be trained in the management of a small caseload of patients pre and post procedure. In the Cath Lab you will be trained to work in a scrub and circulating capacity for a variety of procedures.



The unit operates Monday-Friday with an on call service covering emergency cases out of hours and at weekends. As a full time band 5 nurse you would work four 10 hour shifts per week. Once settled in the department you would then become a member of the on-call team providing Primary Angioplasty to patients within Thames Valley- (this is dependent on previous experience and completion of the competency package).



On-call duties will enable you to supplement your earnings and the allocation of on-call shifts is flexible. A typical month of on-call comprises of one week night per week, and one weekend day per month.



Previous experience in the area of cardiac nursing is desirable; however there is a comprehensive training and induction package in place to support individuals in developing all the required skills. As part of your induction you would be offered the opportunity to attend the Cardiac Foundation Course alongside other nurses from within the Heart Centre.



The supernumerary period is generous and is tailored to meet individual needs. We provide ongoing opportunities for career development and training for additional extended roles such as conscious sedation and nurse led cardioversions. We also have close ties with Oxford Brookes University providing excellent prospects for continued education and qualifications.

The overall purpose of this role is to:

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Manage, direct and evaluate the nursing care for a defined caseload of patients.



Develop skills to provide senior nurse cover for the ward in the absence of the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse and Team Leaders.



Contribute towards the continuing development of professional nursing practice on the ward.



Maintain and develop high standards of nursing care, reflecting the beliefs about professional nursing practice and patient care outlined in the ward philosophy



Develop and maintain specialist knowledge of nursing practice relevant to the clinical area.



Involve and encourage the patients family and friends to be actively involved in the caring process



Communicate effectively information to Patient/relatives/carers/ and all members of the multidisciplinary team.



Work towards acting as a mentor and role model to others, reflecting the beliefs about professional nursing practice and patient care outlined in the ward philosophy.



To conduct him/herself in a professional manner and act as a role model to junior staff at all times.



Is proactive in the timely discharge planning of the patients

Main responsibilities:

Clinical Practice and Research -

The post holder will:

Demonstrate and promote a patient centred style of clinical practice. Be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care from admission to discharge.



To respond calmly to emergency situations, maintaining patient safety and seeking immediate support, and supporting the patient, family and other staff as required.



With supervision and assistance, take on increased responsibility within the ward structure, acting as a named nurse recognising own limitations and seeking help appropriately.



As negotiated with Team Leader/ Ward Sister set and maintain standards of practice, conduct and decision making.



Accurately document and report to other members of the nursing team and multi-disciplinary team information regarding the care given to patients, communicating changes as they occur.



Identify and discuss nursing /patient needs with team/ ward staff, patients, carers and the multi-disciplinary team. Be able to plan own workload.



Develop skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate junior nurses in the clinical practice setting



Adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct at all times and practice within the NMC Scope of Professional practice, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times. Adhere to the data protection act.



Demonstrate a problem solving approach to effectively execute planning, implementation and evaluation of individualised plans of care based on a holistic model of care.



Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of Accountability, Responsibility and Duty of Care and work towards the provision of support and education for junior staff on the implications for practice.



Demonstrate a commitment to research based practice and clinical excellence and play an active part in the introduction of research-based change to improve patient centred care.



To negotiate an area of clinical interest with the Team Leader and to be proactive in developing own expertise and learning resources for other staff.



To contribute to a climate where team members openly question and challenge the practice of others and where decision making can be openly debated and discussed, advising the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse when standards of practice, conduct or decision-making concerning patient care.



Effectively communicate with all patients, visitors and colleagues in order to promote their comfort and wellbeing, demonstrating awareness of barriers to communication and understanding, i.e. deafness and different languages.



Maintain patient dignity and confidentiality at all times.

Management and Organisational role:

The post holder will:

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Aim to develop, strengthen and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with all members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a good team spirit and collaborative and holistic working practices for the benefit of patient care.



With support and supervision work as ward coordinator, participating in the allocation of workload, developing skills in priority setting and teamwork, ensuring efficient bed management and effective patient care. Work to develop skills to be able to fulfil this role regularly, autonomously and without supervision.



Participate in ward projects, audits and quality initiatives as appropriate.



Following negotiations with Ward Sister or Charge Nurse/Team Leader, accept some specific responsibilities that contribute towards the organisational and administrative work of the ward.



To develop skills to provide senior nurse cover for the ward in the absence of the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse and Team Leaders.



To support the Team Leader in the development of the nursing team.



Be aware of the budgetary implications when implementing care and treatments and ensure equipment supplies, disposables and staff resources are used appropriately.



Report untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, injury or drug administration errors as detailed in Trust- wide and local protocols and procedures.



Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate within a challenging clinical area where patients often have numerous and complex problems, refer to senior staff when appropriate.



Contribute to the supportive nature of the unit towards members of the multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrate an ability to support junior members of staff.



Take responsibility for own time management, the planning of care and seek appropriate support where necessary.

Have an awareness of local policies re:

ordering drugs, loaning and maintaining equipment, educate and support junior staff in their implementations.



Demonstrate an awareness and ability to educate, support and supervise junior staff in the implementation of Trust policies e.g. patient possessions, ordering patient transport.



Demonstrate an awareness of health and safety regulations and specific health and safety policies that apply to staff and patients in the clinical area and compliance with the procedures e.g. cytotoxic therapy, radiation etc.



Gain an understanding of the effective use of resources and show an awareness of implications if budget targets are not met.



Develop an awareness and understanding of local, divisional, organisational and governmental policies and agendas identifying implications for patient care, staff management and budgetary targets.



Display an awareness of the organisational zero tolerance policy and demonstrate an ability to implement it. Work towards learning to support junior staff in implementing the policy.



To contribute as a team member to the life of the ward

Professional Development and Education role:

The post holder will:

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Keep up to date with professional issues that influence nursing practice relating to their area of clinical practice, management education and research.



Develop knowledge and competence in the speciality, using all available resources, e.g. local study sessions, competency frameworks, educational packages etc.



Promote and practice, evidence based nursing care, embracing new ideas and changes for the benefit of patient care.



Openly question and challenge nursing practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.



Accept responsibility for own personal and professional growth and for maintaining a record of evidence of professional development experiences within a Personal Professional Portfolio.



Negotiate an area of clinical interest with Team Leader and be proactive in developing own expertise and learning resources for all staff.



Attend mandatory study days, and others, relevant to their clinical area.