Health care Assistance - Hospice Wellbeing Unit

Job description

Job responsibilities

1 To maintain the highest possible standards of compassionate and professional patient care with particular attention to privacy and dignity

2 Assist with the implementation of care delegated by Registered Nursing Staff for which training has been given and competencies achieved.

3 Assist patients with personal care, hygiene and sanitary needs, ensuring privacy and dignity is maintained

4 Assist in the care both physical, emotional and social needs of the patient and their families.

5 Assist in meeting patients nutritional needs, including non-oral nutritional and fluid intake. Ensure that patients who require assistance at mealtimes are assisted with eating and drinking

6 Where identified in the plan of care, ensure that food and fluid intake and elimination output are accurately documented on appropriate charts.

7 Assist in skin and pressure area care to prevent pressure ulcers developing. Under the supervision of registered nurses, ensure patients are helped to move position to prevent discomfort and / or pressure ulcers and promote effective respiratory function.

8 Assist patients with safe mobilisation according to their plan of care and where appropriate seek help from other members of the hospice team.

9 Utilise appropriate moving and handling aids to reduce the risk of injury to the patient and themselves

10 Assist in supporting therapeutic recreational activities for patients as appropriate

11 Contribute to the assessment, implementation and evaluation of care.

12 Communicate effectively with all staff members.

13 Help to ensure a high standard of general cleanliness of the unit.

14 Observe patients and report any concerns/changes promptly in condition, to the nurse responsible for the patients care.

15 Take responsibility for the removal and safe disposal of clinical waste.

16 Participate in audits following support or training e.g. hand washing, environmental observations.

17 Ensure privacy, dignity, and confidentiality for patients and families is maintained at all times.

18 Support trained nurses in their roles as instructed.

19 Participate in end of life care which will include Last Offices

20 Participate in social activities to offer further support to patients and families.

21 Assist registered staff in the taking and recording of vital signs as per the patients plan of care

22 Be aware of and contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse and report any suspicions of abuse to the nurse in charge

23 Have a duty and a responsibility to protect vulnerable adults, children and young people in accordance with National Guidelines, local policies and training.

24 Be aware of the framework for the Mental Capacity Act (2005

25 Contribute to the emotional support of identified patients who may be anxious or upset.

26 Recognise and promote the patients rights, cultural beliefs and values

Communication

1 Communicate with patients and relatives in a courteous, caring, sensitive and appropriate manner, and refer to the nurse in charge as required

2 Report any incidents, accidents, concerns, near misses or complaints to the nurse in charge or using the VANTAGE System

3 Maintain good relationships with all colleagues in the hospice community and hospitals.

4 Attend relevant unit meetings and contribute to the Clinical Supervision sessions provided by the hospice.

5 Be aware of the reputation of the hospice and ensure that it is upheld.

6 Demonstrate positive behaviours and effective communications, particularly as practices and changes occur.

7 Do not accept gifts from patients and families without discussion with the Senior Nurse.

Education

1 Understand that personal development is the responsibility of the individual.

2 Participate where appropriate, in helping to develop the skills and knowledge of yourself and others.

3 Support and help registered nurses in the development and orientation of other HCAs, learners and students within the team. Participate in educational programmes when required and continuous training.

4 Undertake and satisfactorily complete mandatory training and Participate in own annual performance appraisal.

5 To take responsibility for being up to date with current policies and procedures and know where and how to access these of the Lindsey Lodge L Drive.

6 Co-operate fully in the introduction of any new technology and methods as appropriate.

7 Undertake and satisfactorily complete mandatory training and annual performance appraisal (PADR).

8 Successfully complete all training programmes and relevant study days as required

Other Responsibilities

1. Be responsible for maintaining and promoting the tidiness and cleanliness of all patient areas, including equipment rooms and storerooms, and take appropriate care of furniture and equipment.

2. Be aware of the cost of equipment and clinical consumables and take responsibility for safe and appropriate use

3. Ensure beds and equipment are properly cleaned between patient use in align with infection control standards

4. Adhere to infection control policy and procedures demonstrating an understanding of universal precautions and good hand hygiene

5. Undertake clinical skills in which you have received training and have been deemed to be competent in by appropriately trained and experienced registered practitioner as per Trust guidance.

Be of smart appearance and wear the correct uniform in accordance with the Hospice Uniform and Dress Code policies

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Good communication skills.
• Kind, caring and compassionate.
• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to delivering high quality care.
• Team player with the ability to work independently when required.
• Clearly understands the need for confidentiality.
• Reliable and flexible. Enthusiasm and motivation .
• Commitment to continual cycle of personal and professional development.
• Committed to high personal and professional standards.

Experience

Essential

• Understanding of the needs of patients in a care setting.
• Has a sound understanding of the need for confidentiality
• Experience of working with people with confident people skills

Desirable

• Ability to use patient administration IT systems
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a care setting with transferable experience, demonstrable keenness and passion for the role

Qualifications

Essential

• An NVQ/QCF Level 2 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or a commitment to undertaking and successfully completing available training and education once in post and within an agreed timeframe.
• Level 2 in English and Mathematics or equivalent Cavendish Care Certificate to be completed within 12 months if not already achieved and no NVQ /QCF

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake Palliative Care training
• IT Skills Undertaking of recent study including statutory and mandatory
• Food Hygiene certificate

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

Lindsey Lodge

Address

Burringham Road

Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire

DN17 2AA

Employer's website

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