Job summary
We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated Nursing Associates to join our In-Patient Ward and Cottage Hospice teams to help us deliver outstanding Hospice care to the people who need it, changing the lives of local families.
With experience and a passion for palliative and end of life care, you will have excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Main duties of the job
Nursing
Associates will work with the Registered Nurses/Hospice Paramedics, as well as
the Hospice MDT to assess, plan, organise and deliver clinical care as agreed
with supervising clinicians.
They will
support the Ward and Cottage Hospice teams to deliver a high standard of nursing care to terminally
ill patients and will be committed to providing individualised, compassionate,
holistic and supportive care, maintaining patients dignity and offering
support to those important to the patient.
They will
be responsible for providing the appropriate nursing evidence-based care of an
allocated number of patients and will be an accountable professional who is
responsible for their actions, working in line with NMC standards of
proficiency, whilst recognising and working within the limits of their
competency.
They will
work independently under the leadership of registered nurses/hospice paramedics
and will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding,
skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to the post.
In
addition, this role will enable these individuals to lead procedures like blood
transfusions, taking clinical information before procedure appointments and
working as part of the MDT with patient-focused holistic care and developing
care plans for patients.
About us
Hospice in the Weald has been a part of the West Kent and East Sussex community for over 40 years and thrives on delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and those important to them. Were driven by values of respect, integrity, and commitment, and we believe in investing in our staff as much as our patients. We have two sites including our purpose built Cottage Hospice which is nurse led giving you the opportunity to be at the front of nurse led care and decision making.
With fantastic development opportunities, we are committed to your ongoing development and supporting our staff in their learning. You will be able to learn and grow in our compassionate and friendly team whilst working in an incredibly rewarding job.
We have part-time and full-time vacancies with flexible working options to suit your work-life balance. We offer a competitive salary, and you can transfer your NHS pension. Other benefits include free parking and a generous holiday allowance with the ability to buy and sell additional holiday. You can view more information about our range of benefits here
Join our amazing team if you are ready to embrace an exciting opportunity where you have dedicated time with patients to provide excellent care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will use their breadth of knowledge to provide holistic and person-centred care and support for hospice patients and those important to them, bridging the gap between non-registered staff and registered staff by working independently under the leadership of the registered person in charge of the shift.
Key Responsibilities
Deliverables/Outcomes
- Under the supervision of and working in partnership with a registered nurse/hospice paramedic, provide and monitor a high standard of nursing care based on evidence, contributing to the on-going assessment of patients, and working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team.
· Ensure that all patients have appropriate individualised clinical assessments/risk assessments, with support from the registered person in charge of the shift and to provide accurate feedback to the team as necessary.
- To recognise changes in a patient’s condition that require the intervention of others and understand when to refer to the supervising registered nurse/hospice paramedic and other senior colleagues for reassessment of patient care.
· Clinical monitoring of patients and completion of appropriate documentation (fluid charts, observations including neuro observations, food charts, syringe driver checklists etc.).
· Contribute to the on-going assessment of the patient, providing information to inform assessments
· Actively involve patients in their care, encouraging empowerment and supporting them to improve and maintain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
· Respects the privacy, dignity, needs, beliefs, choices, and preferences of patients and those important to them.
· Obtain the appropriate consent for the identified care to be undertaken, ensuring the patient has a good understanding and knowledge of the decision-making process and is provided with accurate and appropriate information.
- To perform procedures as detailed within the NMC Standards for proficiency for Nurse Associates.
- Work within the NMC code of professional practice and within policies, procedures and guidelines of Hospice in the Weald.
- To act and raise concerns when standards are not being maintained following Hospice in the Weald policy and procedures.
- With support from the registered person, check controlled medicines, as well as prepare & administer syringe drivers.
· Undertake safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with Hospice policies
· Recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions.
- Undertake clinical tasks with enhanced training - cannulation, venepuncture, and subcutaneous medication administration
· Maintain clear and accurate patient records.
· Assist in delivering complex clinical care led by the registered person in charge of the shift (TPN delivery, complex oxygen therapy etc.).
· Demonstrate a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and apply principles to everyday practice seeking advice/guidance from the registered staff.
· Work with the registered nurses/hospice paramedics and engage with other agencies to ensure a safe, individualised approach to the admission and discharge of patients.
- To ensure that high standards of nursing care are given and maintained and to act when standards are not being maintained.
- To provide mentorship to newly qualified staff and students, new starters, volunteers and Trainee Nursing Associates encouraging an effective learning environment.
- To provide support and supervision to Nursing Assistants to promote their learning and development within their job.
- Recognise and work within the limits of your competence.
- To take responsibility for their own continuing professional development and performance, including identifying their own development needs and maintain their portfolio in accordance with re-registration requirements.
- To have a willingness to undertake additional skills and training.
- Actively participate in and attend ward meetings as well as other Hospice-wide meetings.
Management and Leadership
- To communicate with the registered staff and collect data to participate in the smooth running and organisation of the In-Patient Ward.
- To support junior and senior colleagues in their roles and be resilient to manage change.
- To support the registered staff in risk assessment and mitigation, ensuring incidents and near misses are reported.
- Provides support and guidance to other staff as appropriate, e.g. Nursing Assistants and Volunteers.
· To attend meetings as required and feedback information appropriately
Communications and Teamwork
- Communicate effectively and with dignity and respect to all patients and those important to them, considering potential barriers to understanding.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.
- Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.
- Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints, following Hospice’ policies and procedures.
- Attend and participate in organisational meetings to ensure awareness of developments within the area of practice and organisationally.
- Actively listening and communicating with the patient and those important to them in a sensitive manner. Recognising the need to pass on information to registered staff.
- Contribute to the on-going development of the nursing service across all areas of the Hospice.
Audit and Research
- Understand the need for evidence-based practice and contribute to the promotion of this.
- Contribute to audits and research data collection as directed.
Training and Development
- Undertake Hospice mandatory Training and participate in wider training and development opportunities
- Attend training and study days as identified by your line manager in line with organisational needs, aims and objectives
- Maintain own continuing professional development in accordance with NMC CPD requirements and contribute to the formulation of own objectives and personal development plan
- Support, supervise (where appropriate) and act as a role model to Trainee Nursing Associates/Healthcare Practitioners, student nurses, non-registered staff and new staff members, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback.
- Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve.
General
- Maintain professionalism through adherence to recognized Codes (e.g. NMC, GMC, HPC, HCPC) and work within the boundaries of Hospice in the Weald policies.
- Maintain professional development though the Hospice Annual Review process. Continuously updating and improving knowledge and competencies.
- Engage in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the area you are working and achieve the required level of competence.
- Any other duties which may be reasonably requested.
- Recognise the growing need for 24/7 working patterns and flexibility.
- Always strive for excellence
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will use their breadth of knowledge to provide holistic and person-centred care and support for hospice patients and those important to them, bridging the gap between non-registered staff and registered staff by working independently under the leadership of the registered person in charge of the shift.
Key Responsibilities
Deliverables/Outcomes
- Under the supervision of and working in partnership with a registered nurse/hospice paramedic, provide and monitor a high standard of nursing care based on evidence, contributing to the on-going assessment of patients, and working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team.
· Ensure that all patients have appropriate individualised clinical assessments/risk assessments, with support from the registered person in charge of the shift and to provide accurate feedback to the team as necessary.
- To recognise changes in a patient’s condition that require the intervention of others and understand when to refer to the supervising registered nurse/hospice paramedic and other senior colleagues for reassessment of patient care.
· Clinical monitoring of patients and completion of appropriate documentation (fluid charts, observations including neuro observations, food charts, syringe driver checklists etc.).
· Contribute to the on-going assessment of the patient, providing information to inform assessments
· Actively involve patients in their care, encouraging empowerment and supporting them to improve and maintain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
· Respects the privacy, dignity, needs, beliefs, choices, and preferences of patients and those important to them.
· Obtain the appropriate consent for the identified care to be undertaken, ensuring the patient has a good understanding and knowledge of the decision-making process and is provided with accurate and appropriate information.
- To perform procedures as detailed within the NMC Standards for proficiency for Nurse Associates.
- Work within the NMC code of professional practice and within policies, procedures and guidelines of Hospice in the Weald.
- To act and raise concerns when standards are not being maintained following Hospice in the Weald policy and procedures.
- With support from the registered person, check controlled medicines, as well as prepare & administer syringe drivers.
· Undertake safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with Hospice policies
· Recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions.
- Undertake clinical tasks with enhanced training - cannulation, venepuncture, and subcutaneous medication administration
· Maintain clear and accurate patient records.
· Assist in delivering complex clinical care led by the registered person in charge of the shift (TPN delivery, complex oxygen therapy etc.).
· Demonstrate a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and apply principles to everyday practice seeking advice/guidance from the registered staff.
· Work with the registered nurses/hospice paramedics and engage with other agencies to ensure a safe, individualised approach to the admission and discharge of patients.
- To ensure that high standards of nursing care are given and maintained and to act when standards are not being maintained.
- To provide mentorship to newly qualified staff and students, new starters, volunteers and Trainee Nursing Associates encouraging an effective learning environment.
- To provide support and supervision to Nursing Assistants to promote their learning and development within their job.
- Recognise and work within the limits of your competence.
- To take responsibility for their own continuing professional development and performance, including identifying their own development needs and maintain their portfolio in accordance with re-registration requirements.
- To have a willingness to undertake additional skills and training.
- Actively participate in and attend ward meetings as well as other Hospice-wide meetings.
Management and Leadership
- To communicate with the registered staff and collect data to participate in the smooth running and organisation of the In-Patient Ward.
- To support junior and senior colleagues in their roles and be resilient to manage change.
- To support the registered staff in risk assessment and mitigation, ensuring incidents and near misses are reported.
- Provides support and guidance to other staff as appropriate, e.g. Nursing Assistants and Volunteers.
· To attend meetings as required and feedback information appropriately
Communications and Teamwork
- Communicate effectively and with dignity and respect to all patients and those important to them, considering potential barriers to understanding.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.
- Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.
- Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints, following Hospice’ policies and procedures.
- Attend and participate in organisational meetings to ensure awareness of developments within the area of practice and organisationally.
- Actively listening and communicating with the patient and those important to them in a sensitive manner. Recognising the need to pass on information to registered staff.
- Contribute to the on-going development of the nursing service across all areas of the Hospice.
Audit and Research
- Understand the need for evidence-based practice and contribute to the promotion of this.
- Contribute to audits and research data collection as directed.
Training and Development
- Undertake Hospice mandatory Training and participate in wider training and development opportunities
- Attend training and study days as identified by your line manager in line with organisational needs, aims and objectives
- Maintain own continuing professional development in accordance with NMC CPD requirements and contribute to the formulation of own objectives and personal development plan
- Support, supervise (where appropriate) and act as a role model to Trainee Nursing Associates/Healthcare Practitioners, student nurses, non-registered staff and new staff members, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback.
- Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve.
General
- Maintain professionalism through adherence to recognized Codes (e.g. NMC, GMC, HPC, HCPC) and work within the boundaries of Hospice in the Weald policies.
- Maintain professional development though the Hospice Annual Review process. Continuously updating and improving knowledge and competencies.
- Engage in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the area you are working and achieve the required level of competence.
- Any other duties which may be reasonably requested.
- Recognise the growing need for 24/7 working patterns and flexibility.
- Always strive for excellence
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register with Foundation Degree OR Registered Nursing Associate or qualified Assistant practitioner
Experience
Essential
- Experience caring for patients with complex health needs in a healthcare environment.
- Experience administering medications.
Essential Skills
Essential
- A flexible, dynamic approach to work.
- Able to communicate effectively with patients and those important to them, and care professionals in difficult situations.
- Computer literacy.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good communications skills and interpersonal skills
- Excellent team working skills
- Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload and adapt to the clinical situation
- Have a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a wide
- Enthusiastic, motivated, and flexible
- Sense of humour
- Forward-thinking
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register with Foundation Degree OR Registered Nursing Associate or qualified Assistant practitioner
Experience
Essential
- Experience caring for patients with complex health needs in a healthcare environment.
- Experience administering medications.
Essential Skills
Essential
- A flexible, dynamic approach to work.
- Able to communicate effectively with patients and those important to them, and care professionals in difficult situations.
- Computer literacy.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good communications skills and interpersonal skills
- Excellent team working skills
- Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload and adapt to the clinical situation
- Have a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a wide
- Enthusiastic, motivated, and flexible
- Sense of humour
- Forward-thinking
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
