Job summary
Do you have experience working as a Health Care Assistant? We are currently looking to recruit a Health Care Assistant who has an interest in specialist palliative care, to join our Inpatient Unit.
If you would you like to be part of our friendly, supportive team delivering high standards of specialist palliative care which endeavours to go the extra mile in supporting our patients and their families, then we would love to hear from you.
This role will be full time/part time and operates over a 24-hour rotation, this would typically be 3 x 12.5-hour shifts or 2 x 12.5-hour shifts per week. The shift pattern includes working a proportionate number of days and nights over a 7-day working week.
In return for your commitment, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, generous leave allowance, pension and life assurance scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, free parking, and the option to continue your membership of the NHS pension scheme. We offer excellent development opportunities and are committed to supporting individuals in their learning and development.
For an informal discussion, please contact :Dawn Power on 01279 773713 or email: dawn.power@stclarehospice.org.uk
Please complete a St Clare Hospice application form and submit with a cover letter telling us why you feel you are suitable for this role
Please note St Clare Hospice does not have a Certificate of Sponsorship, we are therefore unable to Sponsor applications or accept transfer of Sponsorships.
Main duties of the job
To
assist the Registered Nurses and members of the multi-professional team in the
provision of high standard specialist palliative care to patients with
life-limiting conditions and their families.
To
perform associated clinical and general duties ensuring a compassionate and
professional service to the patients and their families in the Hospice.
To
mentor and work with the volunteers on the IPU.
To
keep yourself up to date with mandatory training and attend any relevant
clinical training.
About us
At St Clare
Hospice, our vision is that every adult with a life limiting condition in our
local communities should have access to palliative care services wherever and
whenever they need them, so that they can make the most of every moment, no
matter how long they have left to live.
Our many different services provide patients, their families, and
carers, with physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual support,
at home, or here at the Hospice.
The inpatient
unit has eight single rooms. We work as a Multidisciplinary team which includes
Drs, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers,
chaplains, complementary therapists, pharmacists, counsellors, and clinical
nurse specialists. We work alongside the other clinical services at St Clare
including Day Therapy, Hospice at Home and community clinical nurse
specialists.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Work
as part of the Nursing Team in maintaining the provision of a high standard of
specialist palliative nursing care for patients and their families. This
includes meeting their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.
To
have an understanding of and be able to work within the philosophy of
palliative and terminal care.
On
completion of appropriate training and assessment, carry out and record
clinical tests and observations and nursing procedures and interventions
accurately, legibly and appropriately, and reporting back in a timely manner to
the Registered Nurse on the IPU.
To
be aware of the changing needs of patients and their carers identified in the
initial assessment and to provide holistic palliative care in accordance with
the care plan.
Report
promptly to the Nurse in charge any changes in the condition of individual
patients.
Welcome
patients' relatives/friends on the Unit and in liaison with the Nurse in Charge
of the shift respond to any queries and anxieties.
To
communicate effectively with the patient and carer, supporting them in the
expression of emotional distress and ensuring that they have access to the
information they need.
Assist
in the preparation and serving of patients' meals.
Ensure
the marking and safe custody of patients' property.
Help
provide support and comfort to bereaved relatives/friends.
Assist
with last offices of patients in a dignified manner according to the hospice
policy and procedure.
Adhere
to Policies and Procedures of St Clare in particular those relating to Health
and Safety, risk management and clinical activities.
To
carry out a range of domestic duties as required on the IPU (e.g. laundry).
Ensure
that all patient and clinical areas are kept clean and stocked to the required
standard. This includes patient bathrooms, sluice, store, and treatment rooms.
Carry
out routine health and safety checks, reporting inadequacies to the Nurse in
Charge within a timely manner.
To
ensure that equipment used is properly cleaned and maintained and that he/she
is competent in its use.
To
maintain good communication with colleagues as appropriate and to report back
to the staff nurse on each shift.
To
work as a member of the multi-professional team, respecting the skills and
knowledge of all members.
Maintain
personal and professional development by attending relevant study sessions and
staff support meetings.
To
attend all mandatory training sessions.
At
all times maintain confidentiality with regard to patients, relatives/ carers
and other staff, abiding by St Clare Hospice policies and procedures.
To
report accidents/incidents/potential risks to IPU Manager or Staff nurse
immediately.
At
all times act as an ambassador for St Clare Hospice to patients, relatives, colleagues,
and members of the public.
To
undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the staff nurse working on
shift.
Be willing to work in
other clinical areas within the Hospice organisation as appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Work
as part of the Nursing Team in maintaining the provision of a high standard of
specialist palliative nursing care for patients and their families. This
includes meeting their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.
To
have an understanding of and be able to work within the philosophy of
palliative and terminal care.
On
completion of appropriate training and assessment, carry out and record
clinical tests and observations and nursing procedures and interventions
accurately, legibly and appropriately, and reporting back in a timely manner to
the Registered Nurse on the IPU.
To
be aware of the changing needs of patients and their carers identified in the
initial assessment and to provide holistic palliative care in accordance with
the care plan.
Report
promptly to the Nurse in charge any changes in the condition of individual
patients.
Welcome
patients' relatives/friends on the Unit and in liaison with the Nurse in Charge
of the shift respond to any queries and anxieties.
To
communicate effectively with the patient and carer, supporting them in the
expression of emotional distress and ensuring that they have access to the
information they need.
Assist
in the preparation and serving of patients' meals.
Ensure
the marking and safe custody of patients' property.
Help
provide support and comfort to bereaved relatives/friends.
Assist
with last offices of patients in a dignified manner according to the hospice
policy and procedure.
Adhere
to Policies and Procedures of St Clare in particular those relating to Health
and Safety, risk management and clinical activities.
To
carry out a range of domestic duties as required on the IPU (e.g. laundry).
Ensure
that all patient and clinical areas are kept clean and stocked to the required
standard. This includes patient bathrooms, sluice, store, and treatment rooms.
Carry
out routine health and safety checks, reporting inadequacies to the Nurse in
Charge within a timely manner.
To
ensure that equipment used is properly cleaned and maintained and that he/she
is competent in its use.
To
maintain good communication with colleagues as appropriate and to report back
to the staff nurse on each shift.
To
work as a member of the multi-professional team, respecting the skills and
knowledge of all members.
Maintain
personal and professional development by attending relevant study sessions and
staff support meetings.
To
attend all mandatory training sessions.
At
all times maintain confidentiality with regard to patients, relatives/ carers
and other staff, abiding by St Clare Hospice policies and procedures.
To
report accidents/incidents/potential risks to IPU Manager or Staff nurse
immediately.
At
all times act as an ambassador for St Clare Hospice to patients, relatives, colleagues,
and members of the public.
To
undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the staff nurse working on
shift.
Be willing to work in
other clinical areas within the Hospice organisation as appropriate.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good listening and communication skills both verbal and non-verbal. The ability to communicate with patients and families in distress.
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
- The ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of the patient and their families.
- A willingness to learn and share knowledge with the team.
- A willingness to learn or develop IT skills to enable completion of online study sessions.
- To demonstrate a flexible approach to team working.
- To be compassionate and non-judgemental.
- Ability to supervise volunteers and support them within their role.
- To be self-aware and seek to encourage an atmosphere of peace and calm upon the in-patient unit.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understands the philosophy and ethos of specialist palliative care.
Desirable
- Understands the changing and variable needs of patients with life limiting conditions.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Commitment to equality and valuing diversity and an understanding of how this applies to your area of work.
- Commitment to the aims and charitable objectives of St Clare Hospice.
- Committed to own continuing professional learning and development.
- To attend staff meetings, reflective sessions and participate within in house training.
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of working with patients who are dying and their families.
Other requirements
Essential
- Flexible approach to work patterns St Clares Hospice provides care, 24 hours a day 7 days a week so the role involves alternating between day/night shifts and includes weekends/public holidays.
- A willingness to assist within another clinical team if the need arises.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 1 Health and Social care or has worked as a healthcare assistant or student nurse within a healthcare setting e.g., hospice, hospital, nursing home.
Desirable
- Completion of end-of-life modules NVQ.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good listening and communication skills both verbal and non-verbal. The ability to communicate with patients and families in distress.
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
- The ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of the patient and their families.
- A willingness to learn and share knowledge with the team.
- A willingness to learn or develop IT skills to enable completion of online study sessions.
- To demonstrate a flexible approach to team working.
- To be compassionate and non-judgemental.
- Ability to supervise volunteers and support them within their role.
- To be self-aware and seek to encourage an atmosphere of peace and calm upon the in-patient unit.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understands the philosophy and ethos of specialist palliative care.
Desirable
- Understands the changing and variable needs of patients with life limiting conditions.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Commitment to equality and valuing diversity and an understanding of how this applies to your area of work.
- Commitment to the aims and charitable objectives of St Clare Hospice.
- Committed to own continuing professional learning and development.
- To attend staff meetings, reflective sessions and participate within in house training.
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of working with patients who are dying and their families.
Other requirements
Essential
- Flexible approach to work patterns St Clares Hospice provides care, 24 hours a day 7 days a week so the role involves alternating between day/night shifts and includes weekends/public holidays.
- A willingness to assist within another clinical team if the need arises.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 1 Health and Social care or has worked as a healthcare assistant or student nurse within a healthcare setting e.g., hospice, hospital, nursing home.
Desirable
- Completion of end-of-life modules NVQ.
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.
