Nursing Assistant - Ward G1 (Macmillan Unit)

Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY TASKS:

To assist in the delivery of a high standard of patient care in all activities of daily living, as directed in the individual plan of care needs, observing and reporting specific changes to senior staff and documenting care given.

Assist patients with the maintenance of their personal and oral hygiene, including:

Washing and bathing

Mouth and dental care

Hair-washing

Nail care

Shaving

Dressing and undressing

Observe and report any changes/damage to patients skin to identify pressure ulcer risk.

Assist patients to use toilet facilities.

Record and monitor output; identify and report any abnormalities in body waste. Undertake established stoma care and long term catheter care.

Assist patients with mobility using manual handling risk assessment and safe manual handling.

Contribute to the movement and positioning of patients (using safe moving and handling techniques), to maximise their physical comfort and prevent the adverse effects of pressure.

Be aware of how equipment works and report any faults.

Assist patients to eat and drink as per identified care needs; identifying, recording and reporting abnormal dietary and fluid intake.

Recording intake and output on fluid chart and record food eaten in food diaries

Assist patients with the completion of menus.

Measure and observe the physical characteristics/condition of patients as follows:

Temperature

Pulse

Respiration

Blood pressure

Height and Weight

NEWS 2

Oxygen saturation

Use of assessment tools to document pain

Obtain specimens as requested and carry out relevant investigations, e.g. urinalysis and document the results, reporting them to registered practitioner as necessary.

Adhere to the principles of infection control demonstrating effective hand hygiene and awareness of potential cross infection.

Prepare and support patients undergoing clinical activities and recovering from clinical interventions. Accompany patients to other wards/departments as required.

Undertake end of life care, providing support to family and colleagues.

Undertake cleaning and decontamination of communal equipment between patient use and/or storage.

Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, relatives and colleagues, referring to senior staff as necessary.

Answer the telephone and relay messages accurately, courteously and competently. Welcome patients and visitors in a professional, friendly and helpful manner.

Work effectively as a member of the ward team, offering support to colleagues and requesting assistance as necessary.

Record care given accurately, completely and concisely.

Act to promote patients equality, diversity and rights at all times. Ensure provision of privacy and dignity in all activities.

Ensure all care is person centred and delivered with the informed consent of the patient. Act to promote active participation for patients under the care of the Trust.

Maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times.

Ensure appropriate management and security of patients property. Enter data into computerised systems as required.

Undertake errands off the ward as required e.g. to pharmacy, blood bank.

Report repairs/maintenance issues appropriately.

Identify stock/linen shortages and take appropriate action.

Demonstrate insight into own personal development needs and access development through an agreed Personal Development Plan.

Attend mandatory training, and complete other in-service training (including e-learning) as necessary.

Maintain and develop standards of practice through continuous personal development (CPD) in line with healthcare changes, developments and service delivery requirements.

Person Specification

Education & Qualification

Essential

• Care Certificate and recent previous experience working in an acute setting

Desirable

• Vocational qualification at Level 2 in Health, Health and Social Care or sector related subject area.
• Level 1 qualification or equivalent in both Maths and English*.

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• Communication with a range of different people including service users, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Able to understand the importance of how to apply Person Centred Values in the care environment: privacy, dignity, respect, active participation, equality, diversity, confidentiality.
• Demonstrates an awareness of the importance of keeping the clinical environment safe and clean.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a healthcare team environment Understanding of risk management and health and safety issues, including safe manual handling.
• Undertaken training and achieved competency in phlebotomy and accessing CVADs to obtain blood samples
• Undertaken training and competency for ECGs, bladder scanning, blood glucose measurement

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Communicates clearly in writing, verbally and using the telephone.
• Able to use information technology devices.
• Accurate with attention to detail.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• A genuine interest in kind and compassionate caring.
• Flexible approach to working hours with the ability to work an alternating shift pattern.
• Able to cope with exposure to unpleasant smells and bodily fluids.
• Able to deal with challenging situations.
• Able to relate to all people, valuing their individual traits that contribute to team working and the outcomes of care delivery.

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

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Address

West Suffolk Hospital

Hardwick Lane

Bury St Edmunds

IP33 2QZ

Employer's website

https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)