Position Overview
The Surgical Liaison Nurse (SLN) utilises clinical expertise to triage and co-ordinate a safe and efficient pre-operative journey for patients requiring both day only and inpatient elective procedures at NCH.
The SLN works both autonomously and in collaboration with the Endoscopy department, Surgical Bookings team, Pre Admission Clinic, Anesthetic and Surgical teams to assist in the management and scheduling of patients on the Elective Surgery Waiting List in accordance with the ACT Elective Surgery Access Policy.
The Surgical Liaison Nurse will demonstrate an advanced level of clinical knowledge in the acute care setting and will provide professional leadership in the planning, coordination and operational management of the service.
The position will utilise technical, clinical, research and education knowledge to assist decision making processes and change management initiatives. They will be required to run Pre-Admission Clinics with an anesthetist to complete pre-procedure assessment and patient education.
Key responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide leadership and excellence in the delivery of patient centred care utilising the nursing process which reflects the CHS values.
- Promote collaboration between the multi-disciplinary team, families, and other members of the care delivery team.
- The ability to think critically and utilise problem solving and negotiation skills.
- Communicate effectively and appropriately (orally, non-verbally and in writing) in a diverse range of situations, using consistent and transparent processes.
- Comply with and contribute to operational reporting requirements including data entry when required.
- Develop and be accountable for the completion of a performance development plan with the ADON.
- Undertake audits, participate in quality improvement and policy and procedure development.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.
CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.
Competencies
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.
- Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
- Good leadership skills with the ability to work independently to agreed outcomes.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet consumer’s needs.
Position Requirements / Qualifications
Mandatory
- Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- 5 years’ experience in an acute care surgical setting.
- CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.
Highly Desirable
- Demonstrated evidence of advanced clinical knowledge and skill in the defined area of practice i.e. Post graduate qualifications in nursing or working towards the same.
- Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.
- Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:.
- Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
- Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
Important information
All employees are required to:
- Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
- Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
- Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
- Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.
What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)
These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.
- Proven expert knowledge and practice in surgical nursing specialties and proven ability to utilise advanced critical thinking and risk management strategies.
- Demonstrated high level of interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to delegate, develop and provide direction to staff within a dynamic and innovative organisation.
- Proven ability to work under minimal supervision and ability to use initiative to think strategically and problem solve as required. Demonstrated ability to liaise with multi-disciplinary team and use quality management principles to ensure ongoing review and development of high standards of patient care.
- Demonstrated ability to provide and lead high quality, safe, evidence based clinical care, including the ability to assess acutely unwell patients accurately, safely and efficiently.
- Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.
Work Environment Description
The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.
| Administrative | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Telephone use | Frequently |
| General computer use | Frequently |
| Extensive keying/data entry | Occasionally |
| Graphical/analytical based | Occasionally |
| Sitting at a desk | Occasionally |
| Standing for long periods | Frequently |
| Psychosocial demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations | Occasionally |
| Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness | Occasionally |
| Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries | Occasionally |
| Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers | Never |
| Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide | Never |
| Physical demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) | Occasionally |
| Working outdoors | Never |
| Manual handling | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lifting 0 - 9kg | Occasionally |
| Lifting 10 - 15kg | Occasionally |
| Lifting 16kg+ | Never |
| Climbing | Never |
| Running | Never |
| Reaching | Occasionally |
| Kneeling | Occasionally |
| Foot and leg movement | Frequently |
| Hand, arm and grasping movements | Frequently |
| Bending/squatting | Occasionally |
| Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting | Occasionally |
| Push/pull | Occasionally |
| Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time | Occasionally |
| Travel | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel – multiple work sites | Never |
| Frequent travel – driving | Never |
| Specific hazards | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Working at heights | Never |
| Exposure to extreme temperatures | Never |
| Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift | Never |
| Confined spaces | Never |
| Excessive noise | Occasionally |
| Low lighting | Never |
| Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological. | Occasionally |
| Slippery or uneven surfaces | Never |
Directorate: Canberra Health Services
Division: North Canberra Hospital
Business Unit: Surgical Bookings
Position number: 603305
Position title: Surgical Liaison Nurse - Registered Nurse Level 3
Classification: Registered Nurse Level 3
Location: North Canberra Hospital, Bruce
Reporting relationships: Direct Manager: ADON Surgical Scheduling Manager +1: Surgical Division Executive