Healthcare Assistants (Inpatient Bicton, Apley and Community Based)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Inpatient Units:

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To support the trained members of the nursing team in the implementation of individualised care programmes for patients comfort, safety and dignity at all times (e.g. checking drugs with trained members of staff/working within current risk assessments for individual patients)

To perform designated nursing tasks when deemed competent theoretically and practically by a qualified nurse with the Mentor qualification, as part of a planned programme of care (e.g. changing dressings, catheters, observing and documenting, testing urine, care of people using prescribed oxygen).

To report to the Ward Sister/ Ward Manager as appropriate for any changes in patients condition or relevant information pertinent to patient care (e.g. dietary requirements).

To monitor and record observations (e.g. Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure) on completion of relevant competency training.

To second check CD administration if training and competency achieved (within inpatient environment).

To record information on care given in patient held records and other documentation to comply with legal and professional requirements.

To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To comply with all appropriate policies and clinical practices and protocols.

To attend such courses/lectures/in-service training as indicated by needs of the service and own personal developments.

To give verbal handovers to other members of the team, including volunteers.

To escort patients to hospital appointments or transfer to another place or home.

Assisting to carry out personal care after death incorporating family members if that is their wish.

GENERAL

To have an understanding of the role of other professionals involved in the patients care and provide support to them.

To work collaboratively alongside volunteers on a day-to-day basis. To give support, guidance and instruction to the volunteer team members as and when required, incorporating handover at commencement of session

To give practical support to relatives/carers/visitors.

At all times to act as ambassador for Severn Hospice to patients, relatives, to colleagues and members of the public.

To support the process of audit in an active way. Attending meetings and making a contribution.

To comply with Health and Safety policy and fire regulations and to report accidents/incidents/potential risks immediately to a Senior Nurse.

To abide by security procedures relating to staff, patients, visitors and their property.

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

To work flexibly across the organisation including rotation to all shifts (as appropriate) and through all departments as required to support the delivery of nursing care within the Hospice.

The above job description is a summary of the main responsibilities of the postholder, and not an exhaustive list of duties to be undertaken. The duties may be redefined in accordance with the demands of the service. Any redefinition will be subject to discussion between yourself and your manager and be within your level of competence.

Supplementary Information and Requirements

All new Hospice employees are on a 6 month probationary period (excluding bank)

A DBS Disclosure will be requested in the event of an individual being offered the post.

Health and Safety

In accordance with the Hospices Health & Safety Policy all employed persons while at work are required by Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Appraisal

Employees are required to participate in the Hospices appraisal process as required.

Community Services:

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Make a positive contribution to excellent communications across the whole organisation, ensuring effective communication both internally and externally

Ensure that corporate values of the Hospice are actively promoted and followed at all times

Troubleshoot issues or problems with team members, referring concerns to appropriate level when necessary

To provide basic nursing care and, in addition, interventions deemed appropriate and supported by training.

To be flexible and understanding to the needs of the patient and their family/carers.

To liaise with senior staff after each encounter to update them about the patients condition.

To have an understanding of and be able to work within the philosophy of palliative and terminal care.

To work in close liaison with all professionals, including the community and Primary Health Care Team.

At all times maintain confidentiality concerning patients, relatives/carers, and other staff.

Ensuring the holistic physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of patients and their families, carers are met.

Ensuring that clear, precise documentation is carried out at all times about patient care.

Be trained in verification of death

PERSONAL

To attend all mandatory training sessions as required.

To act at all times following all relevant policies and procedures of Severn Hospice.

To report accidents/incidents/potential risks to appropriate senior staff.

At act as an ambassador for the Severn Hospice to patients, relatives, carers, colleagues, and members of the public.

To attend such courses/lectures/in-service training as indicated by needs of the service and own personal developments as identified

Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain

Responsibilities and duties may include other tasks as determined by the Lead Nurse Hospice at Home.

This job description is intended as a guide to the range of duties covered and should not be regarded as inflexible. There is a mutual obligation to modify the description when changes in the work situation occur

Supplementary Information and Requirements

All new Hospice employees are on a 6-month probationary period.

A DBS Disclosure will be requested in the event of an individual being offered the post.

Health and Safety

In accordance with the Hospices Health & Safety Policy all employed persons while at work are required by Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Appraisal

All employees are required to participate in the Hospices appraisal process (permanent contracts only).

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake relevant training

Desirable

• NVQ level 3 in health care

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written
• Basic nursing skills
• Basic understanding of Hospice philosophy
• Good listening skills
• Good understanding of holistic care
• course and carry this out in practice when deemed competent

Desirable

• Examples of extended practice / skill set
• Understanding of palliative care philosophy

Experience

Essential

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Previous experience in healthcare in professional capacity
• Experience in community care (community roles only)

Desirable

• Experience working in more than one type of care settings e.g. hospice, hospital, care home and within a patients home
• Experience in care work which includes care for people at end of life

Aptitudes and Attributes

Essential

• Calm and reassuring manner
• Able to take instruction and document events during shift
• Sensitive
• Emotionally strong
• Good sense of humour

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Severn Hospice

Address

Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

Shropshire

SY3 8HS

Employer's website

https://www.severnhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)