Trained Critical Care Clinical Nurse at Netcare

ROLE SUMMARY
The Clinical Nurse is a professional who remains responsible for the assessment, planning and implementation of individualised and holistic nursing care of a patient, their families or the community, performed either directly or indirectly.
The incumbent ultimately coordinates patient care within the concept of the multi-disciplinary health team.
The incumbent also fulfils the role by the use of scientifically based nursing theories and processes, treating the patients as a physical, social and spiritual individual, and by use of educational and technical means applicable to health care practice.

KEY WORK OUTPUT AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The duties of the post include but are not limited to the following, and are carried out in accordance with Netcare’s Policies and Procedures. The objective of this post is to render and promote quality patient care in accordance with hospital standards / policies:

•  Serve as a clinical resource in assisting personnel to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care in the unit.
•  Ensure communication and interaction with family and health professionals regarding optimal patient care, thereby acting as a patient advocate when necessary.
•  Ensure communication between nursing management and unit to eliminate patient care problems / issues.
•  Assess, plan and implement advanced nursing care in a specialized field in accordance with standard nursing care procedures, as set out in the standards and procedures of MPH, as well as nursing care theory and medical direction.
•  Initiate, direct and maintain emergency treatment (RESUS) as indicated to any patient / person in any ward / department of the hospital. To diagnose and treat the emergency patient quickly, effectively and efficiently as possible within the Scope of Practice
•  Interview patient and family to obtain general background information and problem identification; evaluate patient’s behaviour and assess immediate and long term needs.
•  Participate as a professional member of the multi-disciplinary team in evaluating, developing and implementing health care plans and treatment regime.
•  Do rounds with the physician to review condition of patients; develop nursing care plans; participate in the care of all patients in the unit.
•  Evaluate patients care needs; initiate individualised nursing care plans; co-ordinate patient services.
•  Prepare day / night shift documentation that reflects patient status, patient / staff ratio and problems
•  Communicate with the unit manager, so that he / she is informed of activities and problems
•  Provide input and standards in formulating patient care policy and procedures in the hospital.
•  To ensure the provision of a safe, clean and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors.
•  Aim as member of staff to optimise and maintain quality, effective and safe nursing care, within the frame of the assigned budget.
•  Evaluate, set standards and monitor safe utilization of supplies and equipment.
•  Co-ordinate with the Clinical Facilitation Department and other members of the multi-disciplinary team to meet and acknowledge the on-going educational needs of the nursing staff / student as well as the patients.
•  Provide for the ongoing review, practice and in-service training of emergency procedures.
•  Actively participate in in-service training and orientation of new staff in the unit.
•  Advise and inform staff on current and revised policies and procedures.
•  Work effectively and co-operatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
•  Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish work goal.
•  Maintain and encourage effective communication and interaction within the unit, other members of the multi-disciplinary team and the public.
•  Foster good interpersonal relations and public relations while interpreting / applying the philosophy, goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
•  Allocate staff members in a manner that promotes optimal use of staff to provide appropriate nursing care for the individual patient regarding his / her needs and specialised skills needed by the nursing staff member
•  Adjust staff levels to provide for acuity level needs.

SKILLS PROFILE
EDUCATION

•  Registered as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council or equivalent NQF level 7 qualification Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Registered Nurse.
•  Post qualification in Critical Care

WORK EXPERIENCE

•  Previous nursing experience in Highcare/ICU environment essential
•  Previous private healthcare experience essential
•  Capacity to implement and maintain standards of health practice required from all accredited bodies and appropriate health legislation
•  Capacity to implement and maintain standards of health practice required from all accredited bodies and appropriate health legislation

KNOWLEDGE

•  Thorough knowledge of specialized nursing theory and practice.