POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION:
CLINICAL NURSE - BOOKINGS SAMC
Registered General Nurse (Level 2)
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Director of Nursing
Via Level 3 Registered Nurse
HOURS OF DUTY:
Hours as negotiated at interview e.g. full-time, parttime, job-share
SALARY:
Negotiable but based on Level 2, St Andrew’s
Hospital Inc., Nursing Employees - & ANF
Enterprise Agreement
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL:
Appraisal 6 months after commencement thereafter
annual performance review
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Summary of Responsibilities
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Utilises the nursing process and the ANMC Professional Codes of Conduct and Ethics as the
frame of reference for practice as a professional Registered General Nurse.
Assumes responsibility for the nursing plan of care, has the authority to make, and is held
accountable for, patient care management decisions specific to assessment, planning,
implementation and evaluation of the plan.
Co-operates in identifying and solving nursing and nursing service problems. Supervises and
teaches less qualified nursing personnel in the care of patients.
Establishes and maintains communications that facilitate teamwork, interdisciplinary
collaboration and co-ordination of patient care.
Management of the Patient Booking Functions of the Chemotherapy Unit in the most efficient,
effective and economical manner.
Liaise with and maintain positive public relations with Doctors and rooms’ staff.
Identify and implement performance improvement projects. Recommend and implement
improved bed management policies and strategies.
Promote and maintain co-operative relationships with hospital staff and visitors.
Complies with all hospital policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
Successfully completes an annual proficiency test in mandatory education, including, basic life
support, drug calculations, fire and safety training and manual handling update.
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Holds current Registered General Nurse registration with the Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Maintains continuous professional development in Hospital Information Systems, Personnel
Practices and Customer Services is essential.
Any other relevant duties as required by the Director of Nursing
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CLINICAL PRACTICE SKILLS
The Clinical Nurse provides care to their own assigned patient load but also maintains an
awareness of issues throughout the unit/ward and utilising this knowledge applies the following
as appropriate:
Systematically assesses the nursing needs of allocated patients, formulates and
implements care plans and clinical pathways, and evaluates care. This involves:- Observing the patient in a systematic way for both overt and covert signs and
symptoms.
- communication with the patient/family in a purposeful, goal directed fashion
encouraging the patient or family to express ideas, feelings, and facts that help
identify the patient’s needs and expectations.
- assisting nursing staff, medical staff and the patients and their families to plan
for effective discharge.
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Uses extensive nursing knowledge to make advanced judgments regarding patient care.
- Has knowledge of health status, treatment, care and progress of patients
throughout the department as appropriate.
- Recognizes changes in physical and mental condition and takes appropriate
actions.
- Adapts nursing procedures to meet individual needs of patients.
- Recognises and utilises opportunities for education of patients and relatives.
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Implements nursing care in a manner, which ensures that the desired outcomes and standards
of nursing care are met.
- Provides comprehensive and individualised nursing care.
- Records symptoms, reactions and progress of the patient.
- Reports significant changes in the patient’s condition to the relevant
personnel.
- Administers medications utilising the five ‘R’s of administration, and performs
treatments safely, effectively and therapeutically, as ordered.
- Utilises the principles, policies and procedures relating to infection control.
- Carries out prescribed diagnostic tests in a safe and therapeutically effective
manner.
- Maintains the patient’s comfort and dignity, and safeguards his/her personal
privacy.
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- Assesses the patient's safety needs, and takes appropriate action to prevent
injury to the patient.
- Encourages progressive responsibility for self-care where appropriate.
- Follows established policies and procedures and safe work practices.
- Responds appropriately in emergency situations.
- Maintains and stores equipment properly.
- Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to patients, staff and the hospital.
- Continually evaluates outcomes of patient care.
- Complies with the organisation’s policies regarding patterns of care.
COMMUNICATION
Displays an advanced level of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Where necessary, seeks additional information to clarify the medical condition of patients prior
to admission, to enable assessment of suitability for admission and the most appropriate available
allocation. Liaises with the Clinical Manager regarding patients with special needs.
WRITTEN (Documentation)
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The CN provides documentation that :- is concise and relevant.
- is clear and legible.
- is within a legal and ethical framework.
- utilises the systems approach.
- ability to document accurately and appropriately manage customer complaints
and staff conflicts together with strategies for improvement.
- complies with the St Andrew’s Hospital policy/information statement.
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The CN is responsible for utilizing appropriate communication channels to keep
abreast of local and hospital wide issues and changes via memos, newsletters, minutes
of meetings, performance improvement projects (P.I.P), forums, etc.
VERBAL
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All verbal communication:-uses and maintains a high professional standard of verbal communication and
behavior to all clients, (staff, visitors and patients).
- gives support and encouragement.
- demonstrates co-operation and support for others.
- is via appropriate communication and reporting channels.
- demonstrates an ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
- demonstrates an ability to counsel nursing staff as required.
- demonstrates an ability to provide performance feedback.
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NON VERBAL
- establishes and maintains constructive relationships with all clients.
- uses appropriate non-verbal communication, e.g. non aggressive body
language, reflective listening, etc.
TEAM WORK
- promotes the courtesies of punctuality, cleanliness, appropriate uniform and
presentation.
- ensures that all staff undertake an equitable work load, (commensurate with
level of experience)
- maintains a general awareness of any changes to patient condition, orders or
other relevant information specific to the ward/area they are working.
- works cooperatively with others at all times, including Nursing and Non
Nursing departments.
- maintains a pleasant, friendly and helpful manner to all members of the health
care team
- communicates with support services, (e.g. dietary, linen, cleaning), and nursing
staff to promote appropriate use of resources.
- fosters cohesive team work
- assists team members to effectively manage change.
LEADERSHIP
- participates in the selection of new staff.
- conducts a unit based orientation/induction program.
- provides performance feedback as required.
- acts as a role model, provides constructive learning experiences, acts as a
mentor, and provides appropriate direction and supervision of staff
and students as required.
- provides inservice education and facilitates attendance at education activities
to ensure the maintenance and development of clinical and mandatory skills for
staff.
- assists in conflict resolution.
- contributes to positive staff morale and team cohesiveness.
- demonstrates a responsible attitude towards efficient and effective use of
human and material resources.
- in collaboration with the Clinical Manager supports, encourages and institutes
change in the workplace.
- relieves the Clinical Manager as required.
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If acting as shift coordinator, allocates patient care to nurses for the shift, ensuring
patient safety by exercising appropriate judgment in the allocation of staff to patients.
Every inpatient will have a nurse assigned to deliver care. Discusses with Clinical
Manager / Hospital Co-ordinator projected occupancy and staff needs for coming
shifts.
In collaboration with the appropriate level 3 staff member, supports, encourages and
institutes change in the workplace.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
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The Clinical Nurse is responsible for the integration of risk management into the
day to day work of employees, as follows:- Notifies all patient incidents promptly via the incident report form.
- Notifies all clinical and non-clinical near misses and risks using the Hazard
report form.
- Minimises risks by practicing in accordance with hospital policies and
procedures.
- Undertakes training and assessment as required to ensure competence.
- Participates in clinical audits as required.
- Participates in risk reduction projects as required.
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The Clinical Nurse is assists the Clinical Manager with incident follow up and risk
reduction strategies.
WORK HEALTH & SAFETY (WH&S)
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The Clinical Nurse is responsible for the integration of WH&S into the day to day
work of employees, and achieves this by:- inducting new staff to policies and procedures
- providing supervision and on-going education to reinforce policies and
procedures
- facilitating staff attendance at WH&S training and committee meetings
- being a resource person and role model
- consulting with staff in relation to changes in work practices, procedures and
environment
- assisting in the review of existing policies and procedures
- correcting unsafe practice
- reporting relevant issues to the Clinical manager.
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The Clinical Nurse assists the Clinical Manager to ensure compliance with WH&S
legislation in relation to accident prevention and also remedial action in the event of a
hazard or accident by:-
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- assisting in the preparation and completion of incident reports and forwards
documentation appropriately
- ensuring that appropriate/immediate treatment is administered/sought
following a nursing workplace accident/incident
- assisting with the implementation of performance improvement activities to
rectify identified safety deficiencies
- in conjunction with the Clinical manager and WH&S Representative, explores
the contributing factors involved in workplace accidents, either actual or
potential and/or reported hazards
- working with the Clinical Manager to conduct planned and impromptu
periodic environmental safety checks within the unit as appropriate.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
- promotes EEO in the workplace.
- treats all staff with dignity.
- displays an unbiased attitude at all times.
- acts immediately to stop bullying, harassment or discrimination against
others.
- works with staff to resolve EEO issues.
IMPROVING PERFORMANCE
- promotes the concept of improving performance amongst all staff
- seeks and identifies opportunities for improvement in the workplace.
- initiates and/or participates in performance improvement projects.
- evaluates activities to ensure that improvement has resulted.
- strives to improve own level of education and development and,
that of others.
- develops own knowledge about the ACHS and EQuIP, and acts as a resource
for staff.
- is able to evaluate their own performance effectively and identify opportunities
for improvement.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- the CN investigates customer complaints, implements remedial action and
reports issues to responsible level 3.
- maintains a strong customer service focus amongst staff by modeling and
teaching appropriate behaviors.
- involves consumers in the design and implementation of new policies and
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procedures.
- seeks customer feedback and acts on suggestions as appropriate.
- views complaints as opportunities for improvement.
ATTRIBUTES
A high level of self discipline and a mature, commonsense approach is required. Whilst an ability to
work independently and self directing within timeframes is required, the ability to make decisions in a
collaborative manner and work as an integral part of the overall hospital team is a requirement.
Communication and customer service skills must be of a high standard.
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Position Description
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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Is aware of all Emergency Procedures.
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Ensures that all information is kept strictly confidential.
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Successfully completes annual mandatory competencies.
I acknowledge full understanding of this Position Description and am committed to its intent
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Employee
..................................................... ....../....../...... Manager
Created January 2015
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Position Description
SELECTION CRITERIA:
ESSENTIAL
1. Registered as a General Nurse with the Australian Health practitioner Regulation
Agency and holds a current Practicing Certificate.
2. Holds a relevant tertiary qualification or making substantial progress towards this
requirement.
3. Completed 4 years of post-registration experience
4. Has a good working knowledge of patient management information systems
5. The applicant should be able to demonstrate:
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Advanced level of knowledge and skills in relevant specialty(s)
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Effective communication and interpersonal skills
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Ability to provide leadership within a collegiate/team structure
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Ability to plan and facilitate management of a unit/department
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Knowledge and involvement in Performance Improvement Program
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Knowledge and involvement in performance management of staff
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Ability to plan and conduct patient/staff education
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Current knowledge of WH&S and EEO legislation and Risk Management
principles and practices
6. A knowledge and commitment to Private Enterprise
DESIRABLE
1. Appropriate post-graduate qualifications
2. Knowledge of current issues affecting the Health Industry
Weighting
%
10
12
20
12
10
5
5
6
5
5
5
2
3
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ACCOUNTABILITY
TO WHOM
Patients and group
FOR WHAT
HOW MANIFEST
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Effective management of human
and material resources.
Delivery of high standard of service
Comprehensive Care
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Self, Peers
Hospital/Director
Nursing
Professional standards of practice.
of Practice according to the philosophy and
objectives of the Nursing Division and
hospital.
Cost efficient and effective
unit management.
Evaluation of outcomes
against objectives.
Measurement of patient
outcomes.
Patient/client feedback re
their care.
a) self assessment
b) peer review
c) continuing education.
Fulfillment of job description &
achievement of annual KPIs
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