Health Care Assistant - Level 2

St Margaret's Somerset Hospice

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

About the role

Location: Taunton based

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £21,035 per annum to include 18% unsocial hours enhancement. (pro-rata for part time hours)

Are you a Healthcare Assistant who shares and believes in our values and wants to make a positive difference by working with an innovative and respected organisation which delivers highest quality support to people affected by life-limiting illnesses across Somerset?

Can you demonstrate commitment to the foundational competencies of St Margarets of:

Working with others holding self-awareness leading in your area and working to outcomes and results

We currently have a vacancy for a permanent full time Health Care Assistant level 2 within our In-patient team and are looking for a caring, enthusiastic individual who thrives on being part of a patient focused team, and who is motivated to develop their skills and knowledge in this area.

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist palliative nursing care for patients that is patient centred, holistic and quality driven.

Provide appropriate support and advice for families, carers, and bereaved relatives.

Work as part of the multidisciplinary team under the direction and leadership of the registered staff supporting them with operational and clinical activities in order to meet the needs of patients and their families.

About you

NVQ 2 qualification

Minimum of one year working as a health care assistant or similar

Previous experience of working in a palliative care environment

Team player.

Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Knowledge of pressures that exist for patients, who are living with life limiting conditions, and their families

About us

What we offer

In return we offer a rewarding role in a stimulating and positive working environment, with active support for training and opportunities to develop new skills and new career pathways, while knowing that you are helping to make each day count for individuals and families in Somerset.

The opportunity to remain in NHS pension scheme if already contributing (or have been within last 12 months). Alternatively, you can join the Hospice pension plan.

Access to learning and support opportunities

Free car parking.

Confidential and free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family

Date posted

16 February 2021

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£21,035 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0386-21-8433

Job locations

Heron Drive

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5HA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Support and assist patients with their individual hygiene and personal needs, prioritising care according to need.

Support patients with their individual dietary requirements and assist with eating and drinking as required.

Provide patients with support and assistance to maintain their level of mobility using specified mobility appliances as required.

Ensure patients comfort by changing their position as necessary to minimise and prevent the adverse effect of pressure.

Assist in minimising patients anxiety, pain, and discomfort by promoting an environment and atmosphere that is calm and restful.

Report any changes in the patients condition to the shift leader.

Provide support to patients during treatments, investigations, and procedures.

Act as the patients escort.

Assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and document patient care in accordance with hospice philosophy and under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Assist with Last Offices demonstrating empathy and compassion.

Assist in the provision of nursing care to meet the physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individual patients and their families, under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Offer advice and support to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and social needs of families, carers and bereaved relatives under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Promote as much independence as possible within the limits of disease progression.

Maintain accurate documentation under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Use all ward equipment safely, competently and appropriately taking responsibility to clean and maintain to keep in good working order. Report any defects to registered staff and record in the dedicated maintenance book.

Ensure the safe handling of patients property and valuables and keep accurate records.

To be aware of, and adhere to, hospice nursing policies and procedures

Working with a registered nurse, act as a proactive link nurse as an effective resource for your area of expertise. Help to maintain an up to date, evidence-based resource file and organise teaching sessions to update staff on best practice.

Support the work of the volunteers working in the clinical area.

Actively contribute in housekeeping duties to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness in the clinical areas.

Participate in audit as requested

Educational responsibilities:

  • Participate in Clinical and Health and Safety mandatory training programmes.
  • Participate in appropriate internal and external training sessions in order to provide high standards of specialist palliative nursing care.
  • Attend journal club and significant event meetings.
  • To be aware of own limitations and work within levels of competency. Maintain the competencies that are required to meet the criteria for NVQ 2. Provide documentary evidence for each competency.
  • Assist in the promotion of health education with patients and their families/carers
  • Apply a consistent and positive attitude towards training and professional development.
  • Participate in the performance review process and take responsibility for achieving the objectives identified in the Personal Development Plan.
  • All staff are responsible for ensuring they follow good infection control practices at all times and that they are familiar with infection control policies, procedures and guidance. Undertaking the necessary level of training relevant to their area of work.

Professional responsibilities:

  • Work in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Act as a role model for junior colleagues, embracing the ethos of hospice care
  • Participate in induction programmes and provide effective and supportive mentorship for new members of staff
  • Provide support and encouragement for student nurses
  • Participate in regular clinical supervision as provided by the organisation
  • Ensure Health and Safety Polices are adhered to and report any accidents, incidents, and complaints to the shift leader.

Communication and people skills:

Liaise with all members of the multidisciplinary team in the provision of specialist palliative care for patients, families and carers. Support, attend and make an active contribution to the ward multidisciplinary team meetings acting as patient advocate. Promote and maintain a culture of multidisciplinary team working.

Liaise with team members in a constructive and positive manner, adhering to best practice when giving and receiving feedback.

Develop and maintain regular opportunity for team discussion regarding service development and decision making. Attend ward meetings on a regular basis.

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, families, and carers to include those with communication difficulties and report relevant information to the multi-disciplinary team.

Maintain a respectful, non- judgemental and caring attitude towards all patients, their families, and friends.

Use excellent communication skills to welcome new patients, relatives, and hospice visitors and to show sensitivity in sharing difficult information and to assist in the support of bereaved relatives.

Working under the direction of the Nurse in charge.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Support and assist patients with their individual hygiene and personal needs, prioritising care according to need.

Support patients with their individual dietary requirements and assist with eating and drinking as required.

Provide patients with support and assistance to maintain their level of mobility using specified mobility appliances as required.

Ensure patients comfort by changing their position as necessary to minimise and prevent the adverse effect of pressure.

Assist in minimising patients anxiety, pain, and discomfort by promoting an environment and atmosphere that is calm and restful.

Report any changes in the patients condition to the shift leader.

Provide support to patients during treatments, investigations, and procedures.

Act as the patients escort.

Assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and document patient care in accordance with hospice philosophy and under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Assist with Last Offices demonstrating empathy and compassion.

Assist in the provision of nursing care to meet the physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individual patients and their families, under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Offer advice and support to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and social needs of families, carers and bereaved relatives under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Promote as much independence as possible within the limits of disease progression.

Maintain accurate documentation under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Use all ward equipment safely, competently and appropriately taking responsibility to clean and maintain to keep in good working order. Report any defects to registered staff and record in the dedicated maintenance book.

Ensure the safe handling of patients property and valuables and keep accurate records.

To be aware of, and adhere to, hospice nursing policies and procedures

Working with a registered nurse, act as a proactive link nurse as an effective resource for your area of expertise. Help to maintain an up to date, evidence-based resource file and organise teaching sessions to update staff on best practice.

Support the work of the volunteers working in the clinical area.

Actively contribute in housekeeping duties to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness in the clinical areas.

Participate in audit as requested

Educational responsibilities:

  • Participate in Clinical and Health and Safety mandatory training programmes.
  • Participate in appropriate internal and external training sessions in order to provide high standards of specialist palliative nursing care.
  • Attend journal club and significant event meetings.
  • To be aware of own limitations and work within levels of competency. Maintain the competencies that are required to meet the criteria for NVQ 2. Provide documentary evidence for each competency.
  • Assist in the promotion of health education with patients and their families/carers
  • Apply a consistent and positive attitude towards training and professional development.
  • Participate in the performance review process and take responsibility for achieving the objectives identified in the Personal Development Plan.
  • All staff are responsible for ensuring they follow good infection control practices at all times and that they are familiar with infection control policies, procedures and guidance. Undertaking the necessary level of training relevant to their area of work.

Professional responsibilities:

  • Work in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Act as a role model for junior colleagues, embracing the ethos of hospice care
  • Participate in induction programmes and provide effective and supportive mentorship for new members of staff
  • Provide support and encouragement for student nurses
  • Participate in regular clinical supervision as provided by the organisation
  • Ensure Health and Safety Polices are adhered to and report any accidents, incidents, and complaints to the shift leader.

Communication and people skills:

Liaise with all members of the multidisciplinary team in the provision of specialist palliative care for patients, families and carers. Support, attend and make an active contribution to the ward multidisciplinary team meetings acting as patient advocate. Promote and maintain a culture of multidisciplinary team working.

Liaise with team members in a constructive and positive manner, adhering to best practice when giving and receiving feedback.

Develop and maintain regular opportunity for team discussion regarding service development and decision making. Attend ward meetings on a regular basis.

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, families, and carers to include those with communication difficulties and report relevant information to the multi-disciplinary team.

Maintain a respectful, non- judgemental and caring attitude towards all patients, their families, and friends.

Use excellent communication skills to welcome new patients, relatives, and hospice visitors and to show sensitivity in sharing difficult information and to assist in the support of bereaved relatives.

Working under the direction of the Nurse in charge.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Minimum of one year NVQ level 2 nursing experience

Desirable

  • Experience in a Palliative Care environment

Communication and People Skills

Essential

  • Team Player
  • Good Interpersonal skills
  • Assertive
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable

  • Experience of compassionately dealing with distressed patients, families and carers

Organisational skills

Essential

  • Ability to manage own time
  • Ability to work under pressure

Special Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of pressures that exist for patients, who are living with life limiting conditions, and their families
  • Knowledge of pressures that exist for colleagues who are caring for patients to improve their quality of life, meet their needs and facilitate patient choice.
  • Basic IT skills

Desirable

  • Knowledge of current NHS and independent sector issues facing nursing and in particular specialist palliative care.

Other Requirements

Essential

  • Positive attitude towards equal opportunities and towards working in a multicultural/multi-disciplinary environment
  • Flexible approach to working arrangements
  • Enthusiastic
  • Pro-active
  • Committed to self-development
  • Uses initiative
  • Can-Do approach
  • Reflective practitioner
  • Conscientious, reliable and punctual

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 2 Qualification in Health and Social Care
  • Basic Literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

  • Working towards NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Minimum of one year NVQ level 2 nursing experience

Desirable

  • Experience in a Palliative Care environment

Communication and People Skills

Essential

  • Team Player
  • Good Interpersonal skills
  • Assertive
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable

  • Experience of compassionately dealing with distressed patients, families and carers

Organisational skills

Essential

  • Ability to manage own time
  • Ability to work under pressure

Special Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of pressures that exist for patients, who are living with life limiting conditions, and their families
  • Knowledge of pressures that exist for colleagues who are caring for patients to improve their quality of life, meet their needs and facilitate patient choice.
  • Basic IT skills

Desirable

  • Knowledge of current NHS and independent sector issues facing nursing and in particular specialist palliative care.

Other Requirements

Essential

  • Positive attitude towards equal opportunities and towards working in a multicultural/multi-disciplinary environment
  • Flexible approach to working arrangements
  • Enthusiastic
  • Pro-active
  • Committed to self-development
  • Uses initiative
  • Can-Do approach
  • Reflective practitioner
  • Conscientious, reliable and punctual

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 2 Qualification in Health and Social Care
  • Basic Literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

  • Working towards NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care

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

St Margaret's Somerset Hospice

Address

Heron Drive

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5HA


Employer's website

https://www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/home-page (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

St Margaret's Somerset Hospice

Address

Heron Drive

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5HA


Employer's website

https://www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/home-page (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Nurse Inpatient Unit

Sarah Manges

sarah.manges@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk

01823333822

Date posted

16 February 2021

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£21,035 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0386-21-8433

Job locations

Heron Drive

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5HA


Supporting documents

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