Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Health Care Assistant ITU-Critical Care Department

This job is now closed

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Health Care Assistant (HCA) to join our friendly and supportive critical care team. You will need to be comfortable in a busy environment where there are very unwell patients who are supported by different types of equipment. Be keen to learn and develop skills so that you will be able to help and support the nursing team to deliver the care to patients.

Our Critical Care department is made up of two intensive care units (ITU 1 & 2 ) with total of 12 beds. The service provides high quality focused care to patients that are very vulnerable and dependent for all of their nursing needs. You will be comfortable to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. masks, gloves, gowns etc. to deliver patient care.

Experience in an acute hospital setting would be preferable but if you feel that this post would be suited to you then we would love to hear from you !

It is a really exciting time to be joining our Critical Care team as brand new facilities are currently being built as part of a £168.8m capital scheme - the new ITU will be able to accommodate up to 22 patients in a modern spacious environment with up to date technology supporting the nursing teams to deliver excellent care - we will be moving in spring of 2025 so join us !

Note: When you come for interview you will be required to undertake and pass a literacy and numeracy test. The test can be challenging and we recommend that you review your English and Maths knowledge.

Main duties of the job

This post will be based on the both units. We are looking for staff who are flexible and willing to work across both ITU 1 and ITU2 in order to support service needs. This post requires the post holder to work both day & night shifts, weekends and bank holidays.

To assist in the delivery of patient/client care and participate in the safe and effective management of the nursing services under the supervision of registered nurses and midwives.

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will contribute in a variety of activities of patient/client care to the level of experience and assessed competence that he/she has acquired. The service users come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and the Health Care Assistant must be able to communicate effectively.

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.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and your patients from the virus. If you're still unsure, you can find lots of information on COVID-19 vaccines and the booking process on the NHS Website.

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

Date posted

26 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

418-HCA5153-DC

Job locations

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

You will be a friendly approachable, hardworking individual and flexible in your approach to your work.

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 such as ventilators, cardiac monitors, sonosites, haemofiltration machines. etc

Assist in the maintenance of ward/department stock levels, linen, catering supplies, Personal protective equipment , HSDU, etc.

PROBLEM SOLVING

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

Identify faulty equipment, label and report accordingly.

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 criteria

Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship

Desirable criteria

NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care

Experience Essential criteria

Demonstrable evidence of working with people

Desirable criteria

Experience as a care giver

Skills/Attributes Essential criteria

Demonstrable ability to work in team
Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant
Be able to work in COVID & NON-COVID unit

Desirable criteria

Experience of working in an acute environment as a Healthcare Assistant

Communication Skills Desirable criteria

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

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. 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. Travel between hospital sites may be required. 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: All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

You will be a friendly approachable, hardworking individual and flexible in your approach to your work.

MAIN DUTIES:

COMMUNICATION:

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

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

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 such as ventilators, cardiac monitors, sonosites, haemofiltration machines. etc

Assist in the maintenance of ward/department stock levels, linen, catering supplies, Personal protective equipment , HSDU, etc.

PROBLEM SOLVING

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

Identify faulty equipment, label and report accordingly.

TEAM WORKING

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 criteria

Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship

Desirable criteria

NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care

Experience Essential criteria

Demonstrable evidence of working with people

Desirable criteria

Experience as a care giver

Skills/Attributes Essential criteria

Demonstrable ability to work in team
Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant
Be able to work in COVID & NON-COVID unit

Desirable criteria

Experience of working in an acute environment as a Healthcare Assistant

Communication Skills Desirable criteria

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

Person Specification

Educational qualification

Essential

GCSC level Maths and English (grade 9-4 or A-C) or equivalent, NVQ level 2/3

Desirable

Care Certificate.

Skill

Essential

Understand the role of HCA
Able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

Demonstrable time management skills. Ability to work well under pressure. Able to demonstrate compassion for caring

Experience

Essential

experience in acute hospital setting
Previous Experience in Health Care.
Able to undertake shift work on a rota basis to include day shifts, evenings, night shifts, weekends and Bank holidays

Desirable

Carer experience

Person Specification

Educational qualification

Essential

GCSC level Maths and English (grade 9-4 or A-C) or equivalent, NVQ level 2/3

Desirable

Care Certificate.

Skill

Essential

Understand the role of HCA
Able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

Demonstrable time management skills. Ability to work well under pressure. Able to demonstrate compassion for caring

Experience

Essential

experience in acute hospital setting
Previous Experience in Health Care.
Able to undertake shift work on a rota basis to include day shifts, evenings, night shifts, weekends and Bank holidays

Desirable

Carer experience

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and Dunstable University 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 and Dunstable University Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

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