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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:

  1. Provide leadership and excellence in the delivery of patient centred care utilising the nursing process which reflects the CHS values.
  2. Promote collaboration between the multi-disciplinary team, families, and other members of the care delivery team.
  3. The ability to think critically and utilise problem solving and negotiation skills.
  4. Communicate effectively and appropriately (orally, non-verbally and in writing) in a diverse range of situations, using consistent and transparent processes.
  5. Comply with and contribute to operational reporting requirements including data entry when required.
  6. Develop and be accountable for the completion of a performance development plan with the ADON.
  7. Undertake audits, participate in quality improvement and policy and procedure development.
  8. 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.

  1. Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
  2. Good leadership skills with the ability to work independently to agreed outcomes.
  3. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  4. 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

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.

  1. Proven expert knowledge and practice in surgical nursing specialties and proven ability to utilise advanced critical thinking and risk management strategies.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

AdministrativeFrequency
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 demandsFrequency
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 demandsFrequency
Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) Occasionally
Working outdoors Never
Manual handlingFrequency
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
TravelFrequency
Frequent travel – multiple work sites Never
Frequent travel – driving Never
Specific hazardsFrequency
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

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