Healthcare Assistant - Permanent

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Come and join our fantastic team of skilled Healthcare Support Workers. We have a variety of roles over a number of specialities within Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

All new HCSWs will start with a comprehensive induction and receive ongoing pastoral and technical support from our dedicated Recruitment and Education Support Assistants (RESA). You will be supported to achieve your Care Certificate, this will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and compassionate care.

Following your induction and 6 month probationary period, you will be enrolled onto our A2E "preceptorship style" ongoing development programme 6 months into your role in order to give you the tools needed to thrive in your role.

Support and training package available to you:

  • 6 day induction programme.
  • 2 week supernumerary period - you will be supported by your new colleagues whilst getting to know your departments and new job role.
  • Local induction to learn procedures in your department.
  • Our RESA's will keep in close contact during your first few weeks to ensure that you are settling in to your new role.

We welcome applicants who are new to healthcare as full training and support will be provided'.

Main duties of the job

A2E ongoing development programme.

  • ACE (Achieving Care Excellence)
  • BEACH (Bedside Emergency Assessment Course for HCAs)
  • Care Certificate.
  • Disability awareness
  • Experience

ACE- HCSWs automatically enrolled 6-12 months into role.

3 day course based on the trust's THRIVE values including: teamwork, civility, patient experience, resilience and wellbeing and quality improvement project.

BEACH- HCSWs automatically enrolled 6-12 months into role.

Improves effective escalation of critically ill patients

Care Certificate

All Non- Registered Clinical support staff employed by the NHS since 2015 need to have completed this competency as set out by Health Education England. There are two parts of the certificate which need to be completed; the Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and the 15 ESR Care Certificate modules.

We offer full support throughout the completion of the competency, have monthly Care Certificate Workshops and support from Care Certificate Assessors.

Disability awareness- HCSWs automatically enrolled 6-12 months into role.

Includes - Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, frailty, hidden disabilities, learning disabilities and physical disabilities

Experience- 2 week supernumerary period.

Local induction

Competency based training

Regular supportive 1:1 meetings with RESA

Shared decision-making forum

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

07 September 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pa

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-HCA0285-DC-AU

Job locations

Luton & Dunstable NHS Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see full job description attached

You will at all times work under the supervision of the Registered Nurse/Midwife in charge of the shift and will be accountable to the Registered Nurse/Midwife you are working with and to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/midwife of the ward/department

You will work to the level of your experience, assessed competence and skills acquired within the post.

You will require immediate and direct supervision in areas of unfamiliar work. You should not undertake any task that you are unfamiliar with.

MAIN DUTIES:

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 ongoing 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 on 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.

IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSING/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE

Assist with admitting, discharging, transferring and escorting patients, clients, mothers and babies in line with Trust policies, e.g. escort guidelines. Once training and assessment of competence is obtained carrying out tasks and planned care as designated by a registered nurse/midwife, e.g. baseline observations, bathing and toileting.

Contribute to the promotion of equality for all individuals by supporting anti-discriminatory practice, patient/client choice and acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity.

Maintain personal and organizational standards of health, safety and security, e.g. following the uniform policy.

Appropriately respond in the event of a health/clinical emergency e.g. cardiac arrest.

MANAGEMENT:

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.

PROBLEM SOLVING

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

TEAM WORKING

Participate as a member of the team in fulfilling ward/departmental administrative, clerical and housekeeping duties as designated by the ward sister, e.g. booking transport, appointments, maintaining patients records, requisitions etc.

Participate, with all team members, in maintaining and monitoring standards and assisting with audits. Help to identify potential improvements within the environment.

Contribute to the team as an active member, always demonstrating a flexible and co-operative approach

CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Maintain high standards of care ensuring that all procedures and guidelines are followed.

Following training and assessment of competence undertake practical tasks as designated by a registered nurse/midwife. With your mentor, you will be required to complete individual Skills profile.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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

Be self motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills

With assistance identify own training needs and limitations and actively participate with training and attend relevant training sessions.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see full job description attached

You will at all times work under the supervision of the Registered Nurse/Midwife in charge of the shift and will be accountable to the Registered Nurse/Midwife you are working with and to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/midwife of the ward/department

You will work to the level of your experience, assessed competence and skills acquired within the post.

You will require immediate and direct supervision in areas of unfamiliar work. You should not undertake any task that you are unfamiliar with.

MAIN DUTIES:

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 ongoing 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 on 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.

IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSING/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE

Assist with admitting, discharging, transferring and escorting patients, clients, mothers and babies in line with Trust policies, e.g. escort guidelines. Once training and assessment of competence is obtained carrying out tasks and planned care as designated by a registered nurse/midwife, e.g. baseline observations, bathing and toileting.

Contribute to the promotion of equality for all individuals by supporting anti-discriminatory practice, patient/client choice and acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity.

Maintain personal and organizational standards of health, safety and security, e.g. following the uniform policy.

Appropriately respond in the event of a health/clinical emergency e.g. cardiac arrest.

MANAGEMENT:

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.

PROBLEM SOLVING

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

TEAM WORKING

Participate as a member of the team in fulfilling ward/departmental administrative, clerical and housekeeping duties as designated by the ward sister, e.g. booking transport, appointments, maintaining patients records, requisitions etc.

Participate, with all team members, in maintaining and monitoring standards and assisting with audits. Help to identify potential improvements within the environment.

Contribute to the team as an active member, always demonstrating a flexible and co-operative approach

CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Maintain high standards of care ensuring that all procedures and guidelines are followed.

Following training and assessment of competence undertake practical tasks as designated by a registered nurse/midwife. With your mentor, you will be required to complete individual Skills profile.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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

Be self motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills

With assistance identify own training needs and limitations and actively participate with training and attend relevant training sessions.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
  • Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship

Desirable

  • NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable evidence of working with people

Desirable

  • Experience as a care giver

Skills/Attributes

Essential

  • Demonstrable ability to work in team
  • Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant

Desirable

  • Experience of working in an acute enviroment as a Healthcare Assistant

Communication Skills

Desirable

  • Able to keep clear and accurate written records
  • Able to communicate clearly with a variety of people
  • Good interpersonal skills
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
  • Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship

Desirable

  • NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable evidence of working with people

Desirable

  • Experience as a care giver

Skills/Attributes

Essential

  • Demonstrable ability to work in team
  • Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant

Desirable

  • Experience of working in an acute enviroment as a Healthcare Assistant

Communication Skills

Desirable

  • Able to keep clear and accurate written records
  • Able to communicate clearly with a variety of people
  • Good interpersonal skills

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).

Additional information

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

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton & Dunstable NHS Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton & Dunstable NHS Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Sister

Blenda Correya

agnes.correya@ldh.nhs.uk

Date posted

07 September 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pa

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-HCA0285-DC-AU

Job locations

Luton & Dunstable NHS Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Supporting documents

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