Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Working under the direct supervision of the registered nurse administers as directed in the patients care plan.

Assist patients with personal care whilst maintaining privacy and dignity at all times

Assist with patients nutritional needs as requested by the registered nurse.

Be aware of the special psychological/spiritual needs of the Hospice patients and have a sensitive approach to their care.

To support relatives / friends during the immediate and early bereavement period, ensuring privacy and dignity is maintained.

Develop and maintain good verbal and written communications at all times.

Correctly record/report telephone messages

Assist registered nursing staff in maintenance of selected observation charts and patient documentation records.

Recognise and report any concerning change in patients condition immediately to the registered nurse.

Liaise with the Housekeeping team to maintain a clean environment for patient care within the unit and the surrounding areas at all times.

Identify and report all potential hazards, incidents and near misses within the patient areas to the registered nurse and appropriate personnel.

Exercise care and economy at all times in the use of property and equipment.

Ensure that any storage areas are kept tidy and appropriately stocked.

Assist with laundry duties as and when required.

To be responsible for undertaking some tasks independently without direction and supervision.

Makes accurate records at the point of care using the hospices electronic record and reports relevant information directly to the registered nurse.

To use and store all equipment safely and correctly in accordance with Hospice and manufacturers instructions, including decontamination of equipment and ensuring batteries in equipment are fully charged, ensuring safety for both patients and staff.

Ensure patient safety at all times and that any care given is in line with training received and follows either verbal direction from a registered nurse or is directed via written nursing care plans. This will also include the care and management of those patients who are unable to maintain their own safety because of confusion, cognitive impairment or any sensory deficit.

Assist in the monitoring, storing, and disposal of equipment and hazardous materials in accordance with health and safety guidelines. This will include safe disposal of sharps and soiled linen

To communicate appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team, other colleagues, patients, relatives and visitors to the ward. Displaying a friendly and approachable manner at all times

To have knowledge of current Fire and Health and Safety Policies and ensure they are practiced correctly.

To ensure that all Hospice supplies are used effectively and economically at all times.

Understand and comply with the policies and practices of the organisation.

The post holder will observe the organisations No Smoking policy.

You are required on an annual basis to attend and comply with the mandatory training requirements, plus any other training as deemed appropriate.

Maintain confidentiality in respect of all information

To be an effective representative of Willowbrook Hospice and to act at all times in a professional manner, promoting a positive company image.

Undertake any other duties which commensurate with the post at the request of the IPU Manager or other Willowbook Hospice Manager.

This is an outline of the post holders duties and responsibilities. It is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time in order to meet the changing needs of Willowbrook Hospice.

It is the responsibility of all employees to support Willowbrooks vision of promoting a positive approach to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of Equality & Diversity Strategies and Policies.

It is the responsibility of all employees to work with managers to achieve a healthy and safe environment, and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. The post holder must safeguard the welfare of patients, visitors, staff and volunteers in accordance with Health & Safety regulations under the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974.

The prevention and control of infection is the responsibility of everyone who is employed by Willowbrook Hospice. Employees must be aware of infection control policies, procedures and the importance of protecting themselves and others in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and is covered by the Exceptions Order of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Genuine interest / experience in Palliative Care.
• NVQ Level 2 in Direct Care or a relevant Care Certificate.
• Willingness to undertake further relevant training and studies.

Experience

Essential

• Understanding and ability to demonstrate how to care for a patient in a palliative care ward environment.
• Experience working within a health care environment.

Desirable

• Palliative Care experience

Skills

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively with patients, carers, families, and care professionals in difficult situations.
• Able to work and communicate with members of a multi-professional team.
• High standard of record keeping.
• A good level of IT literacy, with the ability to learn new computer skills.
• Possess empathy skills.
• Able to undertake full internal rotation of shifts and work flexible hours which may include nights, evening and weekends to meet service needs.
• Physical capability of performing the role and carrying out responsibilities required by the duties of this post. This includes the wearing of personal protective equipment.

Desirable

• Counselling 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.

Employer details

Employer name

WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE

Address

PORTICO LANE

PRESCOT

L34 2QT

Employer's website

https://www.willowbrook.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)