Bank Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB TITLE: Health care assistant

REPORTS TO: Ward Manager/Sister (In Care)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Ward Manager/ Sister/ Staff nurse

PURPOSE

To assist nursing staff in ensuring that the highest possible standards of patient care, which reflects the philosophy, ethos and behaviours of St Lukes (Cheshire) Hospice and work within the policy and procedure framework as adopted by the Hospice based on the NMC Code of Conduct and care certificate.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Clinical Tasks

Through guidance from qualified staff, be able to assist patients with all aspects of daily living, acknowledging their personal preferences, rights and choices and promoting privacy, dignity and respect for personal values and identity.

Be aware of the communication needs of patients and significant others and use a range of effective interpersonal skills to aid communication.

Become aware of the recognised grief reactions to terminal illness in patients and carers in order to be able to offer care and support.

Recognise changes in patients, both physical and emotional and report them to qualified staff.

Following appropriate training, to safely undertake the following duties under guidance and supervision of a qualified nurse or therapist:-

- Assist in the safe delivery of medications

- Catheter care

- Gastrostomy feeds and administration of feeds via the gastrostomy tube

- Temperature observation during blood transfusions

- Simple massage of patients

Participate in essential ward cleaning duties.

To be supportive to volunteers, students and staff on duty in the Hospice.

Ensure confidentiality in all aspects of patient care, including the safe storage of information.

To have a welcoming approach to patients and visitors, and assist in ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.

Assist in the monitoring and maintenance of a healthy, safe and secure working environment ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for patients, visitors and self.

Educational

To increase the knowledge of risks and cross infection in patient care and work accordingly.

Participate in role specific statutory & mandatory teaching sessions organised for staff and volunteers

Follow appropriate training to act as a mentor for other nursing assistants from other care settings.

Introduce volunteers and visitors to the layout of the Hospice.

Be aware of the written policies and procedures of St Lukes (Cheshire) Hospice in order to maintain a safe environment.

Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn. Complete the care certificate with support from staff within 3 months

Personnel

To follow agreed policies of St Lukes (Cheshire) Hospice with regard to sickness and absence, grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Complete self-certification forms following an episode of sickness or absence.

Report to Senior Nurse on duty.

Participate in ward meetings.

Recognise the potentiality of stress creating aspects of the work, accept and give support to others.

Assist in maintaining a close working relationship with volunteers

This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the service.

Personal Development

The post holder will be expected to maintain high professional standards and keep abreast of professional issues and best practice in their area of specialism. The Hospice will support relevant education and development opportunities whenever possible and as agreed as part of personal development discussions and to meet core skills requirements and competencies .

Health & Safety & Security

Under health and safety legislation, each individual has a legal responsibility for their own welfare and for the health and safety of others and to co-operate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition, thereby minimising risk. The Hospice has a Health & Safety Policy which applies to all staff.

Similarly, it is each persons responsibility to ensure a secure environment and bring any breaches of security to the attention of their manager.

Equal Opportunities

St Lukes Cheshire Hospice has given its full commitment to the adoption and promotion of the key principles of equal opportunities contained within current legislation and St Lukes Cheshire Hospice Equality & Diversity Policy.

Confidentiality

In the course of your duties, you will have access to confidential material about members of staff, volunteers, other hospice business and patients. The Hospice has Data Protection Policy which applies to all staff.

St Lukes Cheshire Hospice is committed to safeguarding adults and children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that they are aware of specific duties relating to their role and should familiarise themselves with the Hospices Safeguarding Policies. Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to Level 2 and/or equivalent working

Desirable

• NVQ in care
• Care certificate

Knowledge

Essential

• Basic understanding of Hospice values and ethos
• Some understanding of palliative/terminal care
• Good understanding of holistic care for patient and family

Desirable

• A willingness to learn and increase knowledge base

Other Requirements

Essential

• Enhanced DBS disclosure
• Flexibility to work as part of a team that provides 24hr care 365 days of the year

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to empathise and treat people with dignity and respect
• Basic hands on nursing skills

Desirable

• Willingness to develop skills and abilities to accommodate the changing needs of the service

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Shows compassion and treats people with dignity, respect and kindness
• Flexible approach to work
• Organised and reliable
• Self aware and cares for own wellbeing

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a care environment
• Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable

• Working in a palliative care setting

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

St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice

Address

Grosvenor House

Queensway

Winsford

Cheshire

CW7 1BH

Employer's website

https://www.slhospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)