Job summary
We are seeking highly motivated Health Care Assistants to join our team on Norfolk Ward, This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and committed team who are passionate about caring for our patients.
Norfolk ward is a 22 bedded Gastroenterology medical specialty area providing high quality care for patients with a variety of Gastric diseases and conditions both acute and chronic. Due to this eclectic footprint we can offer an interesting and challenging work environment. In return we commit to a strong support system made up of senior health care assistants and nurses.
Applicants should ideally have experience in a hospital setting, but this is not essential as in house training will be given. Enthusiasm for the specialty and the type of work is however essential. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to progress to the next level.
Flexible shift patterns are worked including internal rotation to night duty. For further information about specific areas and an informal discussion, please telephone Ward Manager Teena Rice 01752433565
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
Under the direction of the Nurse-in-Charge and working as part of a multidisciplinary team you will provide and deliver effective quality nursing care by assessing the needs, planning and implementing the care for a group of medical patients. Taking direction from the registered nurse, you will carry out a variety of duties (i.e. washing, mouth care, toileting, manual handling and mobility) to enable patients to fulfil their activities of daily living.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.
- Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.
- Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
- Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.
- Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
- Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.
- Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.
- Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.
- Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
- Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.
- Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.
- Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.
Post Profile
A combination of sitting, standing and walking with frequent requirement for physical effort in the manual handling of patients and inanimate loads.
Frequent requirement for concentration and a consistent ability to react to unpredictable work patterns and operational demands.
Frequent exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances. Provision of support to patients, carers and colleagues.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions within clinical environment, (body fluids, contaminated dressings, foul linen). Occasional exposure to verbal aggression.
- Prioritise own tasks under the direction of registered nurse.
- To carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting all changes in patients condition to senior staff.
- To support maintenance of fluid balance and dietary charts, recognising, recording and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
- Undertake the escort of patients to other Departments under the direction of the registered nurse (when deemed competent).
- To support nutritional needs of patients by assisting with feeding and drinking, reporting on concerns about dietary intake to senior staff.
- An awareness of skin integrity over pressure points, recognising and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
- To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers, and refer patients to senior staff
- Document and sign for all observations and care given with counter signature from a registered practitioner.
- To maintain his/her own professional development, attending courses/further training to enhance and optimise his/her role within the work area.
- To promote and safeguard the well being of patients, their families and colleagues.
- To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment on the ward and stock control.
- To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.
- To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients.
Report untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies to senior staff
For candidates that dont fully meet the qualifications being asked, we may be able to offer you the Health Care Support Worker program or the apprenticeship program
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.
- Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.
- Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
- Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.
- Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
- Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.
- Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.
- Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.
- Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
- Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.
- Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.
- Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.
Post Profile
A combination of sitting, standing and walking with frequent requirement for physical effort in the manual handling of patients and inanimate loads.
Frequent requirement for concentration and a consistent ability to react to unpredictable work patterns and operational demands.
Frequent exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances. Provision of support to patients, carers and colleagues.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions within clinical environment, (body fluids, contaminated dressings, foul linen). Occasional exposure to verbal aggression.
- Prioritise own tasks under the direction of registered nurse.
- To carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting all changes in patients condition to senior staff.
- To support maintenance of fluid balance and dietary charts, recognising, recording and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
- Undertake the escort of patients to other Departments under the direction of the registered nurse (when deemed competent).
- To support nutritional needs of patients by assisting with feeding and drinking, reporting on concerns about dietary intake to senior staff.
- An awareness of skin integrity over pressure points, recognising and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
- To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers, and refer patients to senior staff
- Document and sign for all observations and care given with counter signature from a registered practitioner.
- To maintain his/her own professional development, attending courses/further training to enhance and optimise his/her role within the work area.
- To promote and safeguard the well being of patients, their families and colleagues.
- To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment on the ward and stock control.
- To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.
- To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients.
Report untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies to senior staff
For candidates that dont fully meet the qualifications being asked, we may be able to offer you the Health Care Support Worker program or the apprenticeship program
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
- Level 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare support or Level 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health & Social Care Or Level 2 in Health & Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF)
- GCSE A*- D in English Language, or equivalent (e.g. Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 1)
- GCSE A* - D, or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1)
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
- Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
- Committed to providing high quality patient care
- Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
- Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting.
Desirable
- Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
Knowledge & Expirience
Essential
- Be able to work as a member of a team
- Experience of time management and prioritising work
- Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives
Desirable
- Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
- Level 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare support or Level 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health & Social Care Or Level 2 in Health & Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF)
- GCSE A*- D in English Language, or equivalent (e.g. Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 1)
- GCSE A* - D, or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1)
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
- Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
- Committed to providing high quality patient care
- Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
- Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting.
Desirable
- Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
Knowledge & Expirience
Essential
- Be able to work as a member of a team
- Experience of time management and prioritising work
- Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives
Desirable
- Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).