To coordinate patient flow, referral and the provision of safe quality care to (Stroke, fractures, amputees, joint replacement, significant functional debilitation etc) from a rehabilitation perspective to transfer of care to an alternate setting or discharge from the service with or without further support services.
To ensure the staff meet the required units KPI’s regarding data entry and monitor the requirement to facilitate more or less clinics dependent upon service need.
The NSW Public Health System Nurses’ & Midwives’ (State) Award states that the NUM/MUM is “the registered nurse in charge of the unit in the health service of public health organisation” and is responsible for the coordination of patient services, unit management, and nursing staff management.
The NUM role is to:
- ensure the provision of an appropriate and safe standard of care
- lead, direct and coordinate patient care
- ensure the practice of nursing/midwifery is safe and efficient
- lead and coordinate the health care team at the ward/unit level and
- manage the ward/unit effectively and within the budget allocation.
As the leader of the unit, the NUM will demonstrate her/his capability through attitude, skills, behavior and attributes, namely:
- broad nursing/midwifery experience and knowledge
- understanding and acceptance that patients are the central focus of service delivery
- professional integrity
- ethical conduct
- accountability
- advocacy
- enabling others