Ward/nurse Manager (HPC/RN 3)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Professional: 

ADMINISTRATION 

• Supervises auxiliary and support staff where necessary; 
• Assist in the cost-effective usage of supplies and equipment; 
• Assist in identification and requisition of equipment supplies, pharmaceutical agents including dangerous drugs; 
• Participates in the provision of performance feedback of auxiliary and support staff; resolves personnel issues and or refers them to immediate supervisor; 
• Participates in implementing disaster preparedness programmes at institution level;
• Participates in quality assurance programmes of the Medical Services Division;
• Ensures environmental safety of health care team and ensures that appropriate health and safety measures are in place; 
• Performs and maintains a therapeutic nurse/ patient/inmate relationship;
• Coordinates the nursing activities within the institutions. 

CLINICAL 

• Reviews, develops, implements, evaluates a nursing care plan for the individual patient/client using all relevant data; 
• Perform simple diagnostic tests and interprets findings eg. Urinalysis; 
• Observes and records vital signs and symptoms, adjust and modify care plan according to observation made of the patient’s physical and mental state; 
• Interpret and administer prescriptions, treatments and monitors the patient’s action to ensure the best possible outcome; 
• Anticipate potential predictable problems and institute early intervention to prevent or reduce occurrence eg. Disorientation, pain, physiological altercations, disturbance in acuity, rest and sleep patterns, elimination and nutrition; 
• Acts promptly and effectively in emergency situations; 
• Performs nursing procedures that are appropriate to the need, age and acuity level of the patient; 
• Provide personal care, comfort, supportive and protective measures which enhance patients coping mechanism in adjusting to illness and rehabilitation, mobility and independence; 
• Employs nursing measures to facilitate patient/client physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual well-being; 
• Monitor the nutritional care of patients with special attention to therapeutic diets.

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent Knowledge of Professional Nursing Theory and practice; 
• Knowledge of in-depth specialist nursing theory, principles and practice;
• Knowledge of barrier nursing and isolation techniques used in the treatment of psychiatric patients and patients with communicable diseases; 
• Knowledge of new trends and concepts in the treatment of mentally and physically ill patients; 
• Ability to communicate with patients/clients within their individual frames of reference and limitations of their mental facilities; 
• Excellent integrity/ethics exercised in the performance of duties; 
• Ability to recognize and evaluate the health needs of individuals; 
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills; 
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism under duress; 
• Good listening and counseling skills; 
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• Ability to evaluate and utilize emerging technologies; 
• Knowledge in computer applications. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing; 
• Registration with the Nursing Council of Jamaica; 
• Valid Nursing License; 
• Three (3) years’ experience 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Critical deadlines for completion of tasks; 
• May be required to work beyond the normal working hours; 
• May be required to work on weekends and public holidays; 
• Exposure to high risk environment within Correctional Facilities and their environs. 

The Department of Correctional Services thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.