Job Overview
These nursing jobs involves working as part of multidisciplinary teams at ward and departmental levels, demonstrating expertise and leadership in delivering high-quality care to patients with dementia. Collaboration with colleagues is required to ensure the provision of safe, patient-centered care. The responsibilities include leading the development of trust-wide dementia services through the Dementia Steering Group and managing the Dementia Improvement Plan. The position also encompasses the development of trust-wide frailty services through participation in the Frailty Steering Group alongside other members of the Frailty and Healthcare for the Elderly team. Additional responsibilities include leading education, training, and staff development to enhance knowledge and skills related to dementia and older people. This will involve collaboration with the Learning & Development team and Service Line Clinical Educators to ensure staff meet professional standards and competencies.
Main Duties of the Job
- Serve as the lead specialist nurse/practitioner for dementia, frailty, and falls pathways within the acute hospital.
- Take responsibility for leadership in the development and improvement of services and care pathways, promoting person-centered care for patients with dementia, frailty, and falls.
- Work as an autonomous practitioner, conducting specialist clinical assessments, multifactorial interventions, and providing recommendations and advice for the management of dementia, frailty, and falls within the hospital.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams at ward and departmental levels to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
- Lead the development of trust-wide dementia services, including oversight of the Dementia Steering Group and management of the Dementia Improvement Plan.
- Support the development of trust-wide frailty services by engaging with the Frailty Steering Group and key members of the Frailty and Healthcare for the Elderly team.
- Drive education, training, and staff development initiatives to enhance dementia and older people-related knowledge and skills, working with appropriate teams to maintain professional standards and competencies.
Working for the Organisation
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust prioritizes creating a supportive environment where every staff member can make a difference. Patients remain at the center of all activities. The Trust offers opportunities for career development in a progressive working environment. Located in a vibrant, modern city with a rich history, the Trust seeks professionals committed to innovation, clinical excellence, and exceptional care.
Communication regarding applications will be conducted electronically, and applicants are encouraged to regularly check their email accounts. Support is available for those requiring reasonable adjustments during the application process by contacting the recruitment team at 01752 432100.
Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, as the Trust values the strength diversity brings to teams. Flexible and less-than-full-time working arrangements are supported and can be discussed with the recruiting manager before applying.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Work autonomously to deliver individualized care for people with dementia or frailty across the Trust, engaging multidisciplinary teams and external agencies for specialist input.
- Provide clinical advice on the assessment and care planning for frailty and dementia patients, addressing areas such as falls risks, behavior management, nutrition, and psychological care.
- Collaborate with the Acute Frailty Team, Front Door Frailty Liaison Team, and Frailty Short Stay Ward to promote effective management of elderly frail patients.
- Offer specialist input to the Frailty Trauma Liaison Team and participate in multidisciplinary ward rounds to support nursing teams.
- Provide guidance on managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in collaboration with the Mental Health Liaison Team.
- Advise on the application of the Mental Capacity Act for patients with dementia, including care plans, enhanced supervision, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS).
- Engage with carers and families, encouraging active participation in care planning.
- Assist in discharge planning for dementia patients, particularly those requiring end-of-life care or behavioral support.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Experience in clinical settings with dementia and frailty patients.
- Proven knowledge of conditions in older adults, especially related to dementia and frailty.
- Experience in clinical supervision and serving as a role model.
- Working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and its application in clinical decision-making.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in specialist dementia services or acute frailty units.
Qualifications
Essential Criteria
- Registered General Nurse/Healthcare Professional with a first degree or equivalent experience.
- Current NMC/HPC Registration.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and postgraduate education.
Desirable Criteria
- Sign-off mentor qualification or relevant teaching certification.
- Non-medical prescriber qualification or willingness to train.
Aptitude & Abilities
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to lead and develop clinical practice, with resilience and flexibility.
- Skills in prioritization, time management, and critical appraisal of research evidence.
Additional Information
All communication regarding the application process will be conducted electronically. For support or reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, the recruiting manager can be contacted.
Applications are welcomed from individuals with protected characteristics, as diversity enhances team effectiveness and patient care. Vacancies may close earlier than the stated deadline. If there is no response within four weeks of the closing date, the application may be considered unsuccessful.
Providing false information is considered an offense and may result in rejection, dismissal, or legal action. Health records may be accessed to verify inoculation and screening statuses.
The deadline for applications is midnight, 5th December 2024.
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