DNS – Grade 3 - GHA Central

DNS – Grade 3 

Performance Appraisal 

GIPPSLAND SOUTHERN HEALTH SERVICE (GSHS) – 

Vision Statement: 

Mission Statement: 

Dedicated to Health 

We Care For You 

Corporate Objectives: 

1. Maintain and develop services to meet our community’s needs 

2. Remain Accredited 

3. Remain committed to having a staff that is skilled and motivated 

4. Ensure financial viability 

5. Maintain and improve facilities and infrastructure 

6. Ensure quality health services are provided in a safe environment. 

NAME: 

_________________________________________________________ 

CLASSIFICATION: Registered Nurse Division One, Grade 3 

SALARY & 

CONDITIONS: 

As per award 

AWARD: Nurses (Victorian Health Services) Award, 1992 

FACILITY: Community Services Division DATE JOINED SERVICE: 

___________________ 

RESPONSIBLE TO: 

RESPONSIBLE FOR: 

Director of Community Services Via Unit Manager 

Providing professional nursing services consistent with Nursing Division philosophy 

& objectives, current position description and accepted standards of nursing 

practice. Nurses employed at Gippsland Southern Health Service shall be 

conversant with and practise according to the: 

 

 

ANCI Code of Ethics For Nurses In Australia 

ANCI Code of Professional Conduct For Nurses In Australia 

PERFORMANCE MONITORING: 

An initial formal review of performance will be undertaken within three months following appointment and 

then at least every 12 months based upon this position description. 

LAST APPRAISAL DATE:_____________________ NEXT APPRAISAL DATE:________________ 

REVIEW OF POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

This position description will be reviewed annually in conjunction with Performance Appraisal, when the 

position becomes vacant or as deemed necessary for on-going and effective performance management. 

Ref: ANCI Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia; Jan 2001 

ANCI Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia; 2002 

Reviewed: 

© Copyright - Proteus Australia Pty Ltd, 1999. GIPPSLAND SOUTHERN HEALTH SERVICE 

1

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: 

To perform effectively in this position, the person should possess demonstrated /potential for development of 

competencies in the following 6 Key Performance Areas: 

1. PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. 

Demonstrates on-going commitment to both personal and professional development in their career and 

industry overall, actively exploring learning opportunities to enhance competency and skills base. 

2. CUSTOMER SERVICE. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including demonstrated understanding of and 

experience in liaising with a wide range of internal and external clients. 

3. ADMINISTRATION & DOCUMENTATION 

Utilises established processes to ensure all administrative and documentation requirements are met in a 

professional, effective and timely manner. 

4. TECHNICAL SKILLS & APPLICATION. 

Has the technical skills required by the GRADE 3 - DNS role to meet the service needs of the work area 

and applies them in the appropriate clinical context. Able to practise to the level of initiative and 

independence expected of the competent to proficient practitioner role. This includes knowledge and 

understanding of relevant equipment, compliance with clinical and organisational policies/procedures 

and ‘advanced beginner-proficient’ middle management skill level. 

5. TEAMWORK & COMMUNICATION 

Supports and communicates with the Nurse Unit Manager to effectively manage and lead the nursing 

team. Actively contributes as a valuable member of that team. Communicates effectively with all key 

stakeholders within the team to achieve the best outcomes for patients. 

6. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. 

Is committed to ensuring quality nursing services are delivered to both internal & external clients 

through continuous improvement activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

ESSENTIAL: • Current practising certificate from the Nurses Board of Victoria 

• Clinical Nursing Skills as listed in P.I. 4 

• Experience in/Potential to develop further middle management skills incl. (but not 

restricted to); 

-: Good Interpersonal skills 

-: Organisational and problem solving skills 

-: Time management skills 

• Evidence of ongoing self development 

• Understanding of ANCI competencies and Codes of Ethics/Professional conduct 

• Practices and promotes commitment to Australian College of Midwives incorporated 

Competency Standards (Midwives) 

Current satisfactory police record and working with children check and Victorian 

Driver’s licence. 



Reviewed: 


2

DESIRABLE: • Additional Certification / Qualifications in Nursing 

• Previous experience in middle management role 



Reviewed: 


3

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

POSITION TITLE: Grade 3 

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

(INCLUDING CONDUCT) 

A S E 

Is committed to continual personal and professional development to meet the 

changing needs of this position, career , GSHS & industry overall; 

Readily and consistently seeks out and accesses opportunities for learning; 

Attends all mandatory training sessions provided by GSHS and is actively 

involved in other training & development programs relevant to this role. 

Minimum requirements:- C.P.R., Fire safety & evacuation procedures, No Lift 

(Back Injury Prevention) training yearly in addition to meeting the minimum 

hours in service training target per year as set by the organisation (2004: 16 hours) 

Reflects on & critically evaluates own standards of practice and outcomes of care 

to continually improve and promote delivery of quality care; 

Actively participates in the annual Performance Appraisal process for self and 

others as delegated using professional standards of practice as a basis for 

appraisal; 

Recognises limitations of practice and clinical experience, accepting guidance and 

direction provided by appropriate others; 

Maintains general nursing/specialist competencies as listed, including successful 

completion of competency assessments as directed; 

Is a positive role model that acts to enhance the professional development of self 

and others through a readiness to share knowledge and experience with peers and 

others, coach and/or mentor/preceptor acting as an; 

Maintains professional networks and affiliations to enhance awareness of current 

professional issues; 

Is able to account for the results of actions taken, including the exercising of good 

judgement and sound thinking in the discharge of your nursing duties 

(‘accountability’); 

Recognises the need for care of self and acts to promote same; 

Values environmental ethics and social, economic and ecologically sustainable 

environment that promotes health and wellbeing through the community; 

Refrains from engaging in exploitation, misinformation and misrepresentation in 

regard to health care products and nursing services. 

Knows, recognises and maintains professional boundaries of the nurse – client 

relationship and conducts oneself in a professional manner at all times. 

Maintains post graduate competency standards as listed by peak nursing bodies 

eg: 

- - Australian College of Midwives incorporated 

A = Achieves and Competent S = Satisfactory/Safe E = Education Required 

Comments (Staff Member):_____________________________________________________________________ 

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Comments (Assessor):________________________________________________________________________ 

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Reviewed: 


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POSITION TITLE: 

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

Grade 3 - DNS 

A S E 

Respect is shown for all individuals’ needs, values, culture and vulnerability in the 

provision of nursing care and customer service; 

Acknowledges, respects and protects the rights of individuals/groups in relation to 

healthcare and in making informed choices in relation to their care; 

Facilitates access to necessary information for individuals/groups to support 

informed decision-making, and active participation in all stages of the care process; 

Holds in confidence any information obtained in a professional capacity, complying 

with GSHS Privacy Policies in relation to the obtaining, accessing, security, use and 

disclosure of private and health information; 

Promotes and preserves the trust that is inherent in the privileged relationship 

between the nurse and their patients/customers with respect to both their person and 

their property; 

Acts to positively promote GSHS both internally & externally; 

Provides prompt and courteous service to clients, families/ carers and colleagues; 

Assists internal and external customers in the timely reporting and effective 

resolution of problems/concerns; 

Works to support and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment within GSHS for 

customers and colleagues; 

Identifies and reports instances of unsatisfactory customer service and responds 

appropriately to support improved outcomes; 

Refers internal/external customers to appropriate others in order to promote efficient 

and effective customer service; 

Is able to assist/guide / supervise / direct other staff in the resolution of patient / 

family, Unit/Work area grievances/problems. 

Facilitates access to other relevant specialist & adjunctive/allied health therapists 

(both internal & external) for the benefit of the clients we serve 



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Reviewed: 


5




ADMINISTRATION & DOCUMENTATION 

All documentation conforms with established professional and legal standards 

including those governing the use of abbreviations; 

Completes all documentation (administrative and patient-related) in a professional, 

objective and timely manner providing for effective and efficient communication of 

information; 

Assists the NUM in policy/procedure development and revision, making 

recommendations for change as identified by self or staff and ensuring staff 

compliance; 

Demonstrates an understanding of GSHS organisational structure and ‘chain of 

command’ 

Uses prescribed GSHS reporting processes and lines of communication to notify of 

maintenance issues, accidents/incidents, adverse or sentinel events, compliments or 

complaints or any other issue that may impact on the effective management of 

patients, ward area and/or the organisation; 

In liaison with the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), plans for and allocates nursing and 

other resources safely, efficiently & equitably; 

Delegates responsibilities/tasks to others appropriately, that is, consistent with their 

educational preparation, experience, knowledge, and physical/emotional ability 

(‘competence’ and ‘readiness’); 

Supports effective staffing and rostering processes including; 

– managing and delegating workloads appropriately according to 

admission/discharge processes, nurse: patient ratio’s, patient complexity and 

staffing skill mix; 

– maintaining the accuracy of the roster by documenting amendments in a prompt 

and legible manner; 

– ensuring individual staff sign the roster as being a true and correct record of their 

work pattern for the pay period; 

– timely completion of documentation relating to roster changes, overtime and 

unplanned and/or planned absences from work. i.e. sick leave, family leave, 

compassionate leave and annual leave requests (G3-5 only) 

A S E 

Undertakes administrative roles according to delegated clinical portfolio/s; 

Supports resource acquisition to enhance patient management and quality service 

delivery through submission-writing, data collection and research activities; 

Supports the NUM in all other administrative matters as required 



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Reviewed: 


6




TECHNICAL SKILLS & APPLICATION 

Proficiency and/or working toward those skills/assumed competencies required to 

address all phases of the nursing process as listed in Appendix A; 

A S E 

The development and application of technical skills consistent with the scope of 

nursing services provided at GSHS, and as defined by your appointed position and 

clinical area. 

Is competent and familiar with GSHS emergency, safety and hazard control 

procedures 

Works in accordance with Infection control guidelines as per GSHS policy; 

Understands the theoretical concepts underpinning nursing practices; 

Demonstrates proficiency in all clinical skills required to effectively and safely meet 

customer/patient health needs without supervision in a (sometimes) complex and 

unstable environments including Assumed Competencies and Acquired (postgraduate) 

Competencies as listed in Appendix A 

Demonstrates efficiency and sound judgement in identifying situations requiring 

assistance from other staff and medical staff 

Effective supervision of nursing team members in all phases of the care process. 

Demonstrates competent to proficient middle management skills incl.: 

Effective problem solving and time management 

Assisting in performance management and development of other nursing team 

members 

Implementing clinical risk management strategies 

compliance with OH & S requirements at unit level 

orientation of new personnel to the clinical area 

Undertakes competency assessments and other teaching activities with nursing team 

as required 



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Reviewed: 


7




TEAMWORK & COMMUNICATION 

A S E 

Utilises appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to meet psychosocial 

needs of individuals/groups. 

Actively participates in forums and meetings to enhance the effective communication 

of organisational, clinical and work area issues. 

Communicates effectively with colleagues, individuals and groups, using the 

appropriate formal or informal channels of communication. 

Work harmoniously with other team members according to established team and 

organisational goals to achieve service delivery excellence 

Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with and support the Unit Manager and/or 

Nursing Supervisors. 

As a manager of the team, accepts responsibility for his/her actions and remains 

accountable to senior Registered Nurse Div.1 for all delegated functions including 

the supervision of other staff 

Clearly and promptly communicates any issues of concern related to the work 

environment and/or clinical practice to the Nurse Unit Manager and/or Senior Nurse 

on duty 

Promotes understanding of all aspects of the episode of care by effectively 

communicating, providing relevant information and involving patients and their 

families/significant others. 

Educates individuals or groups to maintain and promote health and to manage their 

conditions effectively following discharge; 

Collaborates and participates with other members of the healthcare team, and the 

individual/group in decision making. 

Maintains good public relations with client's relatives, friends and the community 

Liaises with relevant members of the health care team to support the individual’s 

rights to change and/or refuse care and to ensure the delivery of quality health care 



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Reviewed: 


8




CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 

A S E 

Promotes and upholds the provision of quality nursing care for all people without 

prejudice; 

Demonstrates commitment, promotes and actively contributes to continuous quality 

improvement activities to meet Service/Accreditation Standards. 

Participates and contributes to occupational health and safety activities to ensure a 

safe work environment for clients, staff and visitors. 

Identifies and works to address opportunities for improvement by: 

– measuring internal and external customer satisfaction with services provided, 

– undertaking internal audits and surveys to monitor quality and safety of care 

– reviewing quality and safety reports on a regular basis 

– supporting the implementation of change to achieve performance improvements 

in consultation with nursing management 

– directly contributing to the in-service program to meet identified learning needs 

of the nursing team 

– contributing to/undertaking nursing research activities 

– assisting in the collection of clinical indicator data, 

– participating in critical incident reviews, 

conducting sentinel/adverse event analysis 

Facilitates and supports safe practices and environment at organisational and Unit 

level 



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Sign to verify agreement with this Position Description: 

Incumbent: ________________________________ Date: _______________________________ 

Manager: ________________________________ Date: _______________________________ 



Reviewed: 


9

Assumed Competencies Include: 

APPENDIX A 

Basic nursing care and assistance with Activities of Daily living 

Admission/discharge of patient commensurate with level of practice 

Vital signs monitoring – baseline T,P,R,B/P, O2 saturations 

Perform sound physical assessments of systems- cardiovascular, 

respiratory, neurological, neurovascular integument and genitourinary 

using palpation, percussion, auscultation and inspection 

Appropriate checking of medications and drug calculations 

Use of IMED pumps 

Active / Passive range of movement and pressure area care 

Documentation – T.P.R., F.B.C., Care Plans and Progress Notes 

Making appropriate referrals to organisational and community services. 

Basic C.P.R and use of “heart stream” monitor 

Care of unconscious patient 

No Lift techniques and use of associated equipment, slides & sheets. 

Collection of basic pathology samples –MSU, CSU, sputum , stools & 

wound swabs 

Completion of RCS assessment and classification paperwork 

Phlebotomy – venipuncture and collection of blood and blood culture 

samples for pathology 

Safe management of blood and blood product infusions. 

Health promotion 

Simple Wound dressings / sterile technique 

Active and Passive Range of Motion Exercises 

Administering Eye Drops or Ointment 

Administering Intravenous Medications (bolus) 

Administering Intravenous Medications (burette) 

Administering Intravenous Medications (IV Container) 

Administration of a blood transfusion 

Ambulating the patient 

Aseptic Technique 

Positioning of a dependent patient 

Blood Glucose Measurement – including care of equipment 

Cardiovascular Assessment 

Cardiovascular Assessment – 12 Lead ECG, including basic arrhythmia 

recognition 

Care of unconscious patient 

Complex Wounds – Wound Irrigation 

Daily care of the Neonate 

Dry Dressing Technique 

Gowning and Gloving 

Handwashing 

Management of Complex Wounds – Drain Removal 

Managing a patient who requires seclusion 

Managing a patient with a Central Venous Line 

Managing a patient with Chest Drains/Underwater Seal Drainage 

Managing Patient Controlled Analgesia or other Syringe Driven 

Medication 

Measuring Blood Pressure 

Measuring Temperature (oral), pulse and Respiration 

Medication Administration – Oral Medications 

Medication Administration: Parenteral Medication 

Mental Status Assessment 

Monitoring with Pulse Oximetry 

Nasogastric Tube Insertion and care of (include PEG feeds) 

Neurological Assessment 

A S E 



Reviewed: 


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APPENDIX A 

Neurovascular Observations 

Packing a Wound 

Pain Assessment 

Patient Teaching 

Personal Hygiene – Bed Bath or Dependent Shower 

Personal Hygiene – Mouth care, Shaving, Hair care, Nail care 

Physical Assessment 

Post-operative Care 

Pre-operative Care 

Providing Oxygen Therapy via Nasal cannula or various masks 

Recovery Room Care and handover 

Respiratory Assessment 

Suctioning of endotracheal tube or tracheostomy 

Suctioning of oropharynx/nasopharynx 

Surgical Scrub 

Tracheostomy Care 

Urinary Catheteristion 

Use of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Pain Relief – TENS 

Venipuncture 

Triage of Emergency presentations & first line emergency management 

Peripheral IV cannulation. 

Understand and use appropriate equipment such as cardiac monitors, 

telemetry and O 2 Humidifier 

Use and understand PCA pumps and there orders 

Complex wound dressings- CVC & PICC lines, packing wounds, removal 

of drain tubes 

Preceptorship 

Advanced Life Support incl. semi-automatic defibrillation & airway 

management 

Management of implantable venous access devices i.e. Hickman’s/PICC 

lines 

Patient Controlled Analgesia 

Safe management of cytotoxic materials and waste 

Ventilatory support – use of BiPAP/CPAP 

Advancing Middle Management Skills 

MIDWIFERY SPECIFIC (FOR REGISTERED MIDWIVES) 

Antenatal Education 

Care of Patient – Antepartum haemorrhage 

Care of Patient – ARM, Artificial Rupture Membranes 

Artificial (complementary) feeding 

Care of Patient – Augmentation of labour 

Breast pump 

Care of Patient – Breastfeeding problems 

Care of Patient – Caesarean section 

Cardiotocograph (CTG) 

Cord blood collection 

Dummies and pacifiers 

Epidural pain management in labour 

Examination of the newborn 

Care of Patient – Foetal Heart rate monitoring 

Gavage feeding 

Care of Patient – Group B Streptococcus 

Care of Babe – Administration of Hepatitis B 

Care of Patient – Hydralazine infusion 

Care of Babe – Hypoglycaemia 

A S E 



Reviewed: 


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APPENDIX A 

Maintenance of equipment - Insulcot 

Care of Patient – Misoprostol Administration (Vaginal) 

Care of Babe – Neonatal nutrition and hydration 

Care of Babe – Neonatal oxygen therapy 

Care of Babe – Neonatal screening test 

Care of Babe – Phototherapy 

Care of Patient – Post natal observations 

Care of Patient – Post partum haemorrhage 

Care of Patient – Pre-labour rupture of membranes 

Care of Patient – Pre-term labour 

Care of Patient – Prostin E2 vaginal gel 

Care of Patient – Salbutamol 

Care of Patient – Shoulder dystocia 

Care of Patient – Trial of scar 

Care of Patient – Vacuum extraction 

Care of Patient – Vaginal breech delivery 

Care of Patient – Vaginal examination 

Care of Babe – Vitamin K (Konakion) administration 

Nursing Process Competencies: 

A S E 

Conducting and/or supervising the comprehensive and accurate 

assessment of individuals and groups in a variety of settings; 

Using a structured approach to collect data regarding the health and 

functional status of individuals/groups; 

Formulating a plan of care in collaboration with customer and health 

care team, setting priorities and identifying expected care outcomes. 

Providing for resources/equipment necessary for the effective 

implementation of medical and nursing interventions as prescribed in 

care plans; 

Implementing planned nursing care to achieve identified outcomes 

within scope of competence. Plans for continuity of care as appropriate 

Appropriate monitoring of patients conditions according to their clinical 

status and stability including results of investigations and tests, and 

communication of findings to the NUM/treating medical officer 

responsible for coordination of patient care; 

Contemporaneous recording of patient progress and response to 

interventions; 

Evaluates progress toward expected outcomes and reviews and revises 

plans in accordance with evaluation data. 




Reviewed: 


12

Staff Development Plan 

Original File 

Copy 1 Staff Member 

Copy 2 Staff Development 

Copy 3 Unit Manager 

Staff Member Name:____________________________ Dated:__________________ 

Personal & Professional Development Plan 

(Related to Key Performance Indicators on Appraisal) 

Identified Training/Development 

Person Responsible 

Referred to Ed 

Centre (Y/N) 

Completed 

Competency Learning/Training Needs 

(Related to Competencies as per Appraisal) 

Identified Competency 

Person Responsible 

Referred to Ed 

Centre (Y/N) 

Completed 

Signatures required: _________________________________ ____________________________ 

(Staff Member) 

(Appraiser) 

I:\Executive\GHA Website\PA RN Div 1 Gr 3 DNS.doc

DNS – Grade 3 - GHA Central

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