Health Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

To work as a member of the Practice Nursing team, under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, support the organisation and facilitation of clinical care in a holistic and proactive manner to patients registered at the practice.

To maintain a high professional standard of nursing care in adherence to all Practice protocols/policies & guidelines, as well as to provide nursing assistance to the GPs and other members of the primary healthcare team.

• The role of Healthcare Assistant needs to be flexible in line with the present atmosphere for change within health service delivery. It is essential that the healthcare assistant works within their own level of competency and expand her/his role in accordance with practice requirements and own scope of practice.

Job Responsibilities:

To assist and perform routine nursing tasks related to patient care, such as routine BP checks, ECG, suture and clip removal, BMI and lifestyle advice, as directed and agreed with line manager, registered general nurses and GPs.

To support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing by using behavior change interventions, such as undertaking health checks (physical and mental), smoking cessation services.

To support the RGN with the holistic assessment and planning of wound care plans for patients with chronic and acute wounds.

To implement agreed wound care plans, following local and national evidence-based guidelines, inclusive of the treatment of minor traumatic wounds within own level of competency. To recognise any deterioration of wounds or infection and arrange early review with PN/GP or specialist as required.

Following recognised Leg Ulcer management training and the completion of competencies, to undertake Leg Ulcer care and compression bandaging, following agreed care plans in line with local/practice policy.

Following training and competency assessment, to undertake adult NHS immunisation programmes and ensure vaccines/injections are administrated under national protocol or patient specific direction.

To undertake administration of prescribed medications appropriate to the role such as B12.

Provide holistic care of patients attending for ear irrigation following relevant training.

To support chronic disease management including supporting monitoring of patients with stable asthma, undertaking preliminary investigations for Type 2 diabetes patients, such as foot checks.

To provide general health promotion education, advice on national screening programs and guide/refer patients to appropriate services.

To undertake any investigatory test, such as Ambulatory BP monitoring, automated Dopplers and Spirometry, taking basic history and referring patients to relevant clinician for interpretation/ planning of care.

Chaperone and assist patients where appropriate who are being examined by another clinician.

To assist GPs with minor surgery and well women procedures.

To maintain effective infection control measures in line with local guidelines and practice policy.

To be able to recognise and manage anaphylaxis, according to the current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.

To be able to perform Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS) and the correct use of Automated Defibrillator following training, according to the current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.

To engage in the support and training of colleagues where appropriate.

Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and medication. Assist in the completion of monthly stock take and support the cost-effective use of disposable items.

Maintain adequate stock within the treatment room and assist with the re-stocking of other clinical rooms as required.

To participate in developments within the practice and support QOF requirements.

• Ensure accurate notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patients notes and on computers
• Attend and actively participate in practice meetings as required.
• Awareness of statutory protection procedures including referral and recognition of signs and symptoms of child abuse.
• Awareness of referral mechanisms for mental health issues, family violence, vulnerable adults and addictive behaviours.

Actively take part in mandatory and internal/external training as requested.

Adhere to and follow all policies and protocols as listed in the Staff Handbook and contract.

Confidentiality:

• As per both Government legislation and Practice policies ensure that all confidentiality, data protection and information governance policies and guidelines are followed and strictly adhered to, reporting any infringements to the Management Team immediately.

Health & Safety:

• The post-holder will maintain their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy and related Risk Assessments..

Equality and Diversity:

• The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues in line with Practice Policies.

Research Projects;

• The post-holder will support and participate, as required, in research projects within the practice.

Professional Development;

• Maintain continued professional education, by self-learning, reflection and attending courses, as agreed at annual appraisal and in line with personal and practice needs.
• Be responsible for the completion of all mandatory training as per training schedule and attend annual cardio-pulmonary resuscitation/ anaphylaxis updates.

IT;

• Commitment to the use of IT, data entry, read coding and targets, as required by the practice.

Any other delegated duties considered appropriate to the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Healthcare qualification (Level 3 or 4) or working towards gaining equivalent Care certificate or be willing to undertake

Empathy and Sensitivity

Essential

• Patient focused approach to clinical care.
• Treats patient(s) with sensitivity and personal understanding
• Is empathetic and checks patient needs are satisfied
• Generates safe/ understanding atmosphere

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Open to new ways of thinking and willing to contribute to new ideas to improve patient care/ outcomes
• Recognises own limitations and when to seek help/refer onwards.
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Good communication skills
• Potential to cope with stressful situations and undertake responsibility
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Motivated and Trustworthy
• Flexibility and a Good Timekeeper
• A team player who contributes to and facilitates decision-making and develops trust as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Views self as part of larger organisation
• Uses resources efficiently
• Recognises own limitations and shares the load with others
• Potential to cope with stressful situations and undertake responsibility
• Calm under pressure and able to switch-off outside work
• Able to develop appropriate coping mechanisms and is prepared to ask for help

Ability/Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Record accurate and coherent clinical notes
• Clear, polite telephone manner Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure

Desirable

• Interest or working knowledge of any area of Chronic Disease management
• Leg Ulcer management knowledge
• Ear care/syringe competency
• Spirometry/Doppler skills and competency.
• Completed training to be able to administer injections

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with the general public
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting

Desirable

• Preferably experience of working within a primary care or community setting

Other Requirements

Essential

• Ability to use computer on daily basis for email and Microsoft programs
• Previous experience of General Practice clinical systems effectively
• Demonstrate knowledge of the clinical uses of the Internet
• Enhanced DBS clearance
• Occupational Health Clearance.

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

North Brink Practice

Address

7 – 9 North Brink

Wisbech

PE13 1JU

Employer's website

https://northbrink.com/ (Opens in a new tab)