Job responsibilities
The
role of the Senior Health Care Assistant is to assist the trained nurse in
delivering physical, social, and psychological care to the patient/client
with physical healthcare problems/illnesses, admitted to Frailty Virtual
Wards.
To
have the ability to recognise and report any changes in a patients condition
and needs.
The
post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has
been given by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task
can be fulfilled competently. The post
holder will provide line management and mentorship to junior staff.
However,
the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making
and direction.
To
work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times
will not have direct supervision (as in a community
setting).
To work within a
team supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patient
care, that includes personal hygiene, toileting, undressing and dressing of
patients, moving and handling and assisting with mobilisation.
To liaise and assist all disciplines involved in the
management and care of patients in ward/home environment.
Once
assessed as competent, perform simple wound care, ECG recording, tracheostomy
care, blood sugar monitoring, catheter care, venepuncture, temperature, blood
pressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated by
the registered nursing staff.
To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care,
such as, Waterlow, MUST etc. and be able to highlight significant results to
senior staff.
To be able to give information and advice to patients
and carers as appropriate i.e. nutritional or pressure care information.
To be able to
identify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer and
know the process to follow.
To be able to identify if a patient needs to be
signposted or referred to another service to ensure all care needs are met and
liaise with the senior staff to ensure this occurs.
To acknowledge own limitation and scope of practice
and seek advice and support from senior staff as needed.
To
undertake a range of competencies that have been included within the job role
as a senior healthcare assistant.
To
provide self-directed, individual activities for specified patients in all healthcare settings working within risk
management guidelines, this may include working alone in the clinical area/
community for periods of time.
To
carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the registered
nurse.To
undertake only those tasks for which she/he has had instruction and is
competent to fulfil as a senior healthcare assistant.
To provide mentorship
and support to junior staff or students
To engage
with audits, quality improvement projects and service changes as directed by
the inpatient manager.
To
provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior
staff
To
assist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patient
care.
To liaise across inpatient and community
colleagues in the statutory and non-statutory services as appropriate.
To
provide professional influence, direction, clarification and support for new
and existing staff, nursing, occupational therapy, students, volunteers etc.
To
ensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
guidelines at all times.
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility for People Management
To be involved in the continued development of the Senior Health Care
Assistant role and other Health Care Assistants
To provide
guidance and support to junior staff or students
To provide line management to Health Care Assistants
To receive
line management support and supervision
Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources
The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however,
they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues
The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly
Responsibility for administration
To ensure competencies in
record keeping
Report
any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained
nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.
Maintain
accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational
guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality
of information being aware of trust policies and local protocols and keeping
up-to-date with changes
To access email and other
information through Livewell Southwest intranet
Responsibility for people who use
our services
Support
peoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual
care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene,
and nutritional awareness.
Assist
people to achieve their optimal level in their physical health care whilst
always maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.
To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship
of empathy and trust.
To work with patients and carers to work towards
patients recovery.
To monitor the physical health of service
users and report any changes to registered staff so that the care plan can be
kept fully up to date.
The post holder will act
as a suitable role model.
The
post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control
policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to
their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is
the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief
Executive Office.
Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know
procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.
To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and
planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record
contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.
Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing,
and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review
and assessment for admission / discharge process
Escort patients to other inpatients /
departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the
community settings.
Record and manage patients property.
Responsibility for implementation
of policy
and/or service developments
To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to
the role.
This
will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy.
To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour,
accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment.
To participate professionally in service development and proposed
service changes
Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.
To
behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute
To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the
role, as agreed by line manager.
Other Responsibilities
The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and
competencies within a band 3 senior health care assistant.
Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in
accordance with Livewell Southwest policies
To participate in induction and support
programmes in relation to new staff and volunteers as directed by the nurse
To actively engage in clinical
supervision both as a supervisor and supervisee if appropriate. In line with
local guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and performance
through effective use of professional and operational supervision and
appraisal.
To demonstrate ongoing personal and
professional development through participation in internal and external
development opportunities, reflecting and recording learning outcomes in a
professional portfolio. This would include support groups and induction
opportunities.
To
know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
To
act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner
organisations.
Always
address staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and
respectful manner either in person or on the telephone.
Be
conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and
policies and have valid organisational IT access.
Compassionate,
caring and kind in their practice.
De-escalation
skills.
To
support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying
recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as
required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The
post holder will be competent in computer skills.
The post holder may be exposed to some working conditions
including exposure to vomit, sputum and body fluids.
Inpatient: Carry out
measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis,
phlebotomy, wound care, intentional rounding and ECGs.
Community: Carry out measurements (height, weight, blood
pressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis, phlebotomy, wound/ pressure area
care, assisting in Doppler assessments and certain injections/ diabetes
management and catheterisation when deemed competent on a known patient.
To assist with ordering clinical supplies and equipment to ensure stock
is maintained.
The post holder will be expected to travel around Plymouth in the course of their duties as appropriate.
To
undertake and be competent in breakaway training.
Shift
work including night shifts if working in an inpatient -based scenario.
The post holder will always have to carry a personal alarm with
them when working within the constraints of the community-based area (clients
homes).
The post holder will need to travel and attend to service users based across Plymouth and other geographical areas. Full and valid driving licence and access to a car for work purposes is required. Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act will be taken into account for the successful applicant.
Please see supporting information for full Job
Description and Person Spec.