Job responsibilities
- To assist and support the Outpatient staff in the safe, effective delivery of outpatient care. To assist, support and deliver care without direct supervision in close liaison with, clerical, nursing and medical staff to ensure the smooth running of clinics within the Department.
- Clinical support workers are expected to work as part of a Team within the clinical setting. After appropriate training and demonstration of competence, they will perform basic procedural tasks without direct supervision. To include procedures that will include the sorting of specimens, initial processing of clinical samples and handling issued reports to ensure a smooth transition of work within the clinic/laboratory areas. Once trained to be able to use the equipment for point of care testing within a clinical setting, this will include the Coagcheck and Diabetic.
- In addition to the processing and handling of samples, the post holder will be required to undertake a number of other supportive duties including preparing agents and carrying out initial specimen preparation.
- To be approachable and able to present him/herself in an effective, polite and helpful manner at all times.
- Orientate and welcome patients, visitors, relatives and new staff to the area.
- To answer the telephone, deal politely and appropriately with all callers and transmit messages accurately to staff, patients and colleagues.
- To be aware that any information regarding any patient is private and confidential and must remain so.
- To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, visitors and all members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Ensure that patients are kept informed of any delays or problems in clinics, and keep information boards up to date.
- Ensure that complaints and problems are dealt with in the first instance and reported to the nurse in charge.
- Participate in self-development in keeping with the Trusts individual performance review system.
Key Result areas
Receiving, sorting, labelling and coding specimens and request forms accurately and in a timely manner, enabling processing of samples.
Assisting in the preparation of samples for analysis and may carry out simple analysis without direct supervision.
Communicating authorised patient results and general laboratory information accurately, according to protocols.
To enter patient sample request details and result details accurately into the departmental and designated Trust computer systems and ensure data integrity.
Mobility
In accordance with the individuals ability support patients to meet their mobility needs and prevent the hazards of immobility by:
- Provide supervision and assistance where necessary to assist patient mobility.
- Promoting patient comfort by adding ensuring appropriate seating is available.
Elimination
In accordance with the individuals needs, support patients to meet their elimination needs by:
- Assisting patients to use the appropriate toilet facilities regularly.
- Changing clothing if patient is incontinent.
- Performing / assisting the patient to perform catheter care, stoma site care.
Maintaining a safe environment
Contribute to the provision of a safe environment for patients by:
- Ensuring departmental equipment is cleaned and well maintained and report any repairs required in line with Trust policy.
- Adhering to any patient isolation requirements
- Safely disposing of blood and blood products, and sharps
- Cleaning up spillages,
- Contribute to the resuscitation of a patient that is administering basic CPR following appropriate training.
Communication
Support effective communication by:
- Answering telephone and personal enquiries in a clear, polite and professional manner, taking messages and referring call or enquiries as appropriate, ensuring strict confidentiality at all times in line with trust policy.
- Participating in meetings as required.
- Supporting the transfer of patients to other wards and departments with the appropriate documentation.
- Communication with patients about the times of tests appointments.
- Preparation of medical notes for outpatient appointment, in line with trust policy, as and when provided.
- Provide clear verbal updates to members of the multi-disciplinary team relating to patient care.
Contribute to the assessment of a patient by undertaking the following observations and recording/reporting findings to the doctor attending the clinic:
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Blood Pressure manual and electronic
- Respirations
- Peak Expiratory flow rate
- Oxygen saturation levels
- Check and use trust blood glucose monitoring equipment to measure and record patients blood sugar following appropriate training.
- Weighing patients
Contribute to the assessment of a patient by undertaking the following tests and reporting findings to the doctor attending clinic.
- Undertake urinalysis
- Obtain Mid-Stream Urine specimens and Catheter Specimens of Urine
- Undertake Pregnancy testing (urine only) and report findings
- Collect specimens via invasive swabs as and when requested by a clinician; i.e., urine, faeces, sputum and wound. Pack and label same.
Outpatient Housekeeping
Support the general day to day administration of the area by:
- Putting away stock items when delivered to the area.
- Reporting and recording any potential hazards and equipment repairs.
Personal
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Attend mandatory study sessions and training associated with the maintenance of the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the role.
- Participate in the staff appraisal process
- Provide a safe environment for the safety and welfare of patients, visitors and staff be ensuring compliance with:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Fire Prevention Management
- Infection Control procedures
- Risk Management
- COSHH
- Mandatory Training
Workforce
- A close working relationship will be maintained with the teams based in Outpatients for clinical and educational purposes.
- With the Clinical Nurse Specialist/ Outpatient Nurse Manager and outpatient team assist in the completion and submission of relevant audits, with resulting changes in practice being implemented.
- Where appropriate, to work with other team members to provide a positive team role.
Financial
Supporting the appropriate use of all ward non-pay items
Partnerships
- To liaise with and facilitate effective communication within the multi-disciplinary team.
- To act as a role model to other staff, providing informal education and support for them in their provision of care to all outpatients
General
- To demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through performance review, clinical supervision and continuing education.
- To complete mandatory training, as determined by the Trust
- To provide guidance on the legal and professional responsibilities of the trained nurse
- To ensure adherence to and implementation of Lewisham and Greenwich Healthcare NHS Trust Policies and Procedures
- To ensure that the Outpatients department and other areas in the trust practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
- To demonstrate understanding of research and its application to nursing practice.
