Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Assist in the provision of nursing care under the supervision of a qualified nurse in relation to:

Assisting patients to meet their personal hygiene requirements, i.e.: bed bath, and hair washing etc.

Meeting the patients nutritional needs including supporting patients at meal times, completion of fluid balance charts and food charts and reporting any concerns to the qualified nurse.

Recording patient observations as required, under the direction of a trained member of staff.

Safe manual handling of patients after establishing best method, following completion of the assessment form by a registered nurse.

Be proactive in the prevention of pressure ulcer development.

Maintain safety of patients, personal clothing and property in accordance with agreed policies related to security and confidentiality.The collection of specimens, i.e. stool, urine, mid-stream urine, catheter specimen of urine, sputum and wound swabs, and delivery of laboratory specimens as required.

The collection of blood products, as required, from the blood transfusion laboratory following appropriate training and in accordance with the trust policy.

Assisting with the admission, transfer and discharge of patients under the supervision of a trained member of staff

Assist patients in meeting their continence needs, i.e.: providing a commode, monitoring urine and bowel movements. Report any abnormalities to a Registered nurse.

Recognise the Equality and Diversity of patients, clients, relatives and multi- disciplinary groups

Carry out any other duties for which competency has been assessed and as requested by a trained member of staff with supervision if required.

Preparing trolleys for procedures and cleaning them after use.

Care of, and disposal of, used linen, sharps boxes and refuse in accordance with the trust policies.

Maintain a clean and tidy environment, including bed areas, store cupboards, sluice, treatment room and equipment used for procedures.

Undertake the cleaning of ward equipment, according to policy and procedure. Make effective use of the infection control policy.

Undertake the cleaning of bed areas, suction, oxygen, monitors, ventilators etc. and prepare for admission, obtaining any essential equipment.

Maintenance of the visitors waiting areas, ensuring tidiness. Restocking of beverage supplies.

Offering hospitality to patients relatives and visitors to the unit.

Escorting relatives to and from the patients bedside, and to other areas of the hospital as required.

Other general clerical duties as required.

Have the ability and knowledge to competently deal with an emergency situation.

Ensure that the individual is up to date with statutory, mandatory training, and divisional/directorate specific essential training.

Complete the HCA training programme.

Successfully complete the Care Certificate within the time frame of three months.

To be actively involved in own self development.

Undertake further training as required

Will be appraised annually and personal development plans formulated

To maintain standards of conduct and dress in accordance with the trust policies /procedures

To attend when possible, team and unit meetings.

Not to undertake any task which is not commensurate to the grade, for which the individual has not been assessed and deemed competent or is outside of the Health care assistants code of conduct.

Report any concerns / incidents relating to patient health, and safety of the environment to a registered nurse,

Provide clear and concise verbal communication to patients, clients and multi disciplinary teams

Answering the telephone and intercom system and communicating theinformation to the appropriate person.Provide clear and concise written documentation as per Trust guidance.

The postholder may be required to carry out other relevant duties as required.

The postholder will adhere to the duties specified under the Staff Responsibilities of the NHS Constitution in their day to day work and behaviours.

The postholder will be expected to aspire to the Values of the Trust in their day to day work and behaviours in order to support the Trust in achieving its Vision.

The postholder will adhere to, at all times, any Professional, NHS Code of Conducts and legislation relevant for their area of work.

The postholder will make themselves familiar with, and adhere to, at all times, the policies and procedures of the Trust, and their area of work.

The postholder will be expected to work to any Corporate/Division/Directorate/Department objectives and standards in order to provide an acceptable level of service.

The postholder will be expected to undertake training, including mandatory and role specific training, relevant to their role and ensure it is renewed as required.

Person Specification

Education, Training & Qualifications

Essential

• Evidence of formal education up to the age of 16.
• Recent experience of working in an acute area within a hospital.
• Commitment to undertake NVQ Level 3.
• A willingness to contribute to continuing professional development programmes.

Desirable

• NVQ 2 or 3 in Health Care or equivalent qualification.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Understanding the role of a Health Care Assistant.
• Understanding of the responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act.
• Experience of working in an environment with changing demands and priorities.

Desirable

• Previous Health Care experience within the National Health Service or care setting..
• Information technology awareness.
• Working with the public.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess basic keyboard skills.

Desirable

• Works well within a multi-disciplinary team.

Personal Qualities & Attributes

Essential

• Compassion and empathy.
• Listening skills.
• Team Worker.
• Motivated - eager to learn new skills.
• Smart appearance and pleasant manner.
• Honesty.
• To have a good attendance at work record.
• The ability to recognise own limitations.
• The ability to remain calm in an emergency situation.
• To be physically able to carry out the full range of duties expected of a Health Care Assistant.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD

Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)