Job responsibilities
When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Main duties and responsibilities
Communication and Key Working Relationships
Working alongside Consultant Oncologists and Haematologists, site specific Clinical Nurse Specialists, Registered SACT/Chemotherapy Nurses, fellow Senior HealthCare Support Workers, the Day Unit Courier, members of the Pharmacy team, Administration team and Volunteers you will;
Act at all times in a respectful manner that protects and promotes patients' dignity and modesty.
Communicate information to patients and carers within your scope of practice.
Communicate information to the Multi-Disciplinary Team as required within your scope of practice.
Communicate with outside agencies (e.g GP's, Community Nurses), as required within your and their scope of practice.
Support and comfort the patient and their carer during treatments and when bad news is being delivered in a sensitive and caring manner.
Participate in and contribute to departmental meetings as required.
Accurately take and promptly pass on oral and written messages as appropriate.
Be aware of the importance of health education and be able to advise patients on relevant advice accordingly.
Responsibility for Patient Care, Treatment and Therapy
Working as part of a team and on your own, you will carry out basic patient assessment and recognise when to seek support and escalate when necessary.
Provide support to Oncologists and Haematologists during out-patient clinics, ensuring clinics run smoothly.
Support Healthcare professionals during clinical procedures.
Chaperone patients during intimate procedures as required.
Support the trained nurses in delivering SACT/Chemotherapy treatments.
Assist in monitoring patients' progress during treatment, investigations and therapy programmes.
Assist with mobility.
Assist patients to achieve emotional and physical comfort.
Contribute to the management of patient continence.
Contribute to the management of abusive and/or aggressive behaviour.
Provide feedback forms to patients to complete on a daily basis
Following the completion of appropriate training and assessment within protocols/competency frameworks and under the direction of the Registered Practitioners undertake agreed defined clinical activities. These will vary dependant on the needs of the department but may include for example:
Cannulation and venepuncture.
Facilitate and run venesection clinics.
Facilitate and run PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) clinics specifically for taking blood samples/cultures, changing dressings and removal of PICC's when no longer required.
Disconnecting SACT/Chemotherapy and other intravenous infusion treatments.
Weighing and measuring patients.
Blood glucose analysis.
ECG recording.
Scalp-cooling.
Urinalysis.
Obtaining and ordering routine specimens and blood tests as required.
Monitoring of vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, oxygen saturation levels and circulatory observations.
Safeguarding checks and carrying out visual acuity.
Changing of wound dressings using aseptic technique.
Accessing and inputting updated patient assessment information on Mosaiq (electronic prescribing and documentation system).
Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility.
Be aware of, keep up to date and follow the policies of the Trust, with particular attention to policies promoting infection control, confidentiality of patient information and professional behaviour.
Maintain personal standards of hygiene and promote universal precautions to limit cross infection.
Wear the correct uniform as agreed by the Trust.
Participate in personal training and development and assist the Registered Nurses in the development of other members of the team
Undertake surveys and audits in a timely and effective manner as required.
Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership and Management
Contribute and participate in the development of others, including supporting new staff and students to the work area.
Act as a role model and mentor for junior staff and assist trained staff in the support and education of others within their knowledge and skills base.
Supervise routine work of new Healthcare support workers and participate in the appropriate training and assessment process.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & other Resources
Responsibility to ensure training and practice in the correct use of equipment, being mindful of health and safety for self, colleagues and patients.
Ensure that equipment is decontaminated in line with current infection control measures.
Help maintain and control stock, equipment and material.
Stock up and tidy cupboards and trolleys and patient areas ensuring that all treatment stock areas are thoroughly cleaned and expiry dates are checked on a monthly basis.
Monitor IV fluid stocks and order as necessary.
Prepare and restore environments for clinical treatments and investigations.
Be aware of the implications regarding the working environment and act in a responsible and trustworthy manner when dealing with property and equipment.
The role also involves:
Attending meetings as appropriate.
To work flexibly and travel to other areas as and when required.
Routine daily cleaning of equipment and furniture.
Disposal of waste and sharps in accordance with Trust Policy and Procedures
Reporting incidents, accidents and equipment faults and defects
Review of Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
General Information
At all times promote and maintain the safety of children by working according the Trust's Child Protection Policy and supporting guidance. Being pro-active and responsive to child protection concerns by early reporting, recording and referral of issues according to Trust arrangements. Attending child protection training that is appropriate to your role.
Confidentiality
The post holder will maintain appropriate confidentiality of information relating to commercially sensitive matters in regard to Trust business, and also to personal information relating to members of staff and patients. The post holder will be expected to comply with all aspects of the Data Protection Act (1998), the Staff Code of Confidentiality and the IT Security and Acceptable Use Policy.
Equality & Diversity
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all staff and for those who access services. You must work in accordance with equal opportunity policies/procedures and promote the equality and diversity agenda of the Trust.
Safeguarding
All employees have a duty for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Staff must be aware of the Trust's procedure for raising concerns about the welfare of anyone with whom they have contact.
Risk Management / Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out and maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors.
