Health Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Supporting Clinical & Patient Excellence

Assist in the provision of nursing care under the supervision of a registered healthcare practitioner in relation to:

Monitor patients lying and standing blood pressure on arrival to Frailty unit and collect collateral history .

Assisting patients to meet their personal hygiene requirements, i.e.: bed bath, shower and hair washing etc.

Meeting the patients nutritional needs including supporting patients at mealtimes, completion of fluid balance charts and food charts and reporting any concerns to the registered nurse.

Safe manual handling of patients after establishing best method, following completion of the manual handling assessment form by a registered nurse.

Be proactive in the prevention of pressure ulcer development.Maintain safety of patients, personal clothing, and property in accordance with agreed policies related to security and confidentiality.

The collection of specimens, i.e., stool, urine, mid-stream urine, catheter specimen of urine, sputum and wound swabs.

Documenting admission details which include next of kin, social situation, and details of patient property.

Assist patients in meeting their continence needs, i.e.: taking them to the toilet, providing a commode, monitoring urine and bowel movements. Report any abnormalities/concerns to a registered nurse.

Recognising the Equality and Diversity of patients, clients, relatives and multi- disciplinary groups by supporting non-discriminatory practice & acknowledging the patients personal beliefs and identity.

Maintaining a clean and tidy environment, including bed areas, store cupboards, sluice, treatment room and equipment used for procedures.

Undertaking the cleaning of ward equipment, according to policy and procedure.

Make effective use of the infection control policy.

Take and record vital signs as requested, i.e., temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure, oxygen saturation and Early Warning Score (EWS) on observation charts and Vitalpac reporting any abnormalities/concerns to the registered healthcare practitioner.

Undertaking the cleaning of bed areas, suction, oxygen, lockers and prepare for admission, obtaining any essential equipment.

Report any concerns/incidents relating to patient or environment health and safety to a registered nurse/healthcare practitioner.

Provide clear and concise verbal communication to patients, clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Provide clear and concise written documentation as per Trust guidance.

Communication:Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records

Ensure clarity in communicating with patients/clients and their relatives as well as other team members and in answering questions within the sphere of ones own knowledge. Report changes in patients condition to the registered nurse/midwife on duty and participate in shift hand over to ensure effective continuity of care.

Contribute to the on-going support of patients/clients and others significant to them, enabling patients/clients to maintain their interests, identity and emotional well-being.

Welcome patients/clients, their families and other visitors to the ward/department. Introduce them to the facilities and services provided.

Answer the telephone in a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.

Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

LeadershipLead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families, and carers.

Set high standards of care for the ward, including ward cleanliness, nutrition etc., ensuring these are maintained so that the patients experience is excellent.

Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which impact on patients care and/or staff wellbeing.

People/Management Excellence

Have the ability and knowledge to competently deal with an emergency situation.

Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.

Undertake general clerical duties that may be associated with the smooth running of the ward/department/area. This will include data entry following training.

Assist in the maintenance of ward/department equipment and stock levels, e.g., equipment, linen, catering supplies, HSDU, etc.

Professional ResponsibilitiesAt all times to adhere to statutory, mandatory, Trust guidance and the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England (2013). Adopted and adapted for use at NGH January 2014.

Maintain own statutory, mandatory training, and divisional/directorate specific essential training.

Complete the Trusts Healthcare Support Worker training programme.

Complete the Care Certificate within the timeframe of four months from commencement in post.

Where required, complete the Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship and undertake the End Point Assessment within 15 months of start date in post or timescale as agreed for part-time HCAs

Be self-motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills To have an awareness of nursing policies and procedures

Identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations.

Understand own limitations and know where to find advice and assistance.

Act as a role model for new starters in the area.

Quality Assurance and MonitoringActively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area.

Identify and report any untoward incident/accident, problem and risk as soon as possible to the nurse/midwife in charge.

Corporate Responsibilities

Act as a role model in customer service towards visitors to the hospital. Facilitate any measures to help achieve directorate/divisional and Trust targets and agendas. Share best practice through meetings and forums.

Person Specification

Education, Training & Qualification

Essential

• Evidence of formal secondary education
• Possession of an acceptable Level 2 or above Health/Social Care qualification OR At least 6 months HCA experience in an acute hospital setting gained within the last 2 years OR Agreement to complete the Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship within the first 15 months of employment or timescale as agreed for part-time HCAs*

Desirable

• Level 2 or 3 qualification in Healthcare or equivalent qualification
• GCSE Maths and English (Grades 9-4 or A*-C) or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Understanding the role of a Healthcare Assistant
• Demonstrable ability to work within a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

• Previous healthcare experience within the National Health Service or care setting. x
• Information technology awareness
• Working with the public

Skills

Essential

• Ability to pass English and Maths tests at Entry Level 3 as part of the HCA recruitment process or provide original certificated evidence of acceptable alternative qualification(s) x
• Attention to detail including ability to keep clear and accurate written records
• Able to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues

Key Competencies/ Personal Qualities & Attributes

Essential

• Able to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues
• Willing and able to attend the Trust's 3-week full-time Healthcare Support Worker training programme
• Able to work 12.5 hour shifts to include days, nights, weekends, and Bank Holidays
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrable time management skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Able to demonstrate compassion for caring and empathy
• Listening skills
• Flexible
• Motivated - eager to learn new skills
• Smart appearance
• Good interpersonal skills
• Honest and Compassionate

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD

Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)