Job summary
Assistant Practitioner for Falls and Pressure Ulcer Prevention (AUH Site) Band 4
Do you have a passion for safe patient care with high clinical standards and are looking for a chance to expand your skills in a challenging and dynamic environment?
Are you an experienced and qualified Assistant Practitioner Band 4 with current NHS hospital experience, preferably on the LUHFT Sites .
Have you been a pressure ulcer/ tissue viability champion/ falls champion? Do you want to work within a team of highly experienced clinical staff?
The Liverpool University Hospitals Tissue Viability & Falls team are seeking to appoint 1 new band 4 Assistant Practitioner who can support our clinical staff in preventing pressure ulcers and falls.
The post will involve, developing relationships with staff in all areas of the trust, educating staff at all levels, providing clinical care to patients and advice to our staff. You will be fully supported by the trust tissue viability and Falls team to undertake your role.
The post will primarily be based on the Aintree Hospital site however you must be willing to work on any site if the service delivery requires this at any point. If you are interested or just want to know more then please contact us for an informal visit or chat.
Main duties of the job
Pressure Ulcer Prevention specific duties:
Under an agreed framework & under proximal supervision of TV nurses who are registered professionals.
Review patients allocated by TVNs.
Provide non-complex wound care as directed by TVN.
Pressure ulcer prevention Training for clinical staff.
Monthly LUHFT Pressure Ulcer Steering Group.
Contribution to monthly site TV team meeting.
Involvement in ward and team based quality improvement projects.
Acts as a mentor for TV champions, students, cadets and HCA's.
Ward based clinical education pressure ulcer prevention strategies.
Clinical auditing , patient and staff surveys.
Involvement in pressure ulcer and MASD prevention weeks/days across the trust.
Falls specific duties:
Under an agreed framework and proximal supervision of falls team registered professionals.
Involvement in administration aspect caseload allocation
Managing a patient caseload.
Undertake falls assistant practitioner patient reviews.
Falls Training for clinical staff including bank, pool staff.
Monthly LUHFT Falls Steering Group.
Contribution to monthly Falls team meeting.
Involvement in ward and team based quality falls improvement projects.
Acts as a mentor for falls champions, students, cadets and HCA's.
Ward staff based clinical education falls prevention strategies.
Clinical auditing involving deep dives and patient and staff experience questionnaire.
Involvement in Falls Awareness weeks/days to promote falls across the trust
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was created on 1 October 2019 following the merger of two adult acute Trusts, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The merger provides an opportunity to reconfigure services in a way that provides the best healthcare services to the city and improves the quality of care and health outcomes that patients experience.
The Trust runs Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool University Dental Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
It serves a core population of around 630,000 people across Merseyside as well as providing a range of highly specialist services to a catchment area of more than two million people in the North West region and beyond.
To hear more about our achievements click herehttps://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/media/13089/1606-annual-report-booklet_final.pdf
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook - Liverpool University Hospitals Careers
Instagram - @LUHFTcareers
Twitter - @LUHFTcareers
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Assistant Practitioner will function at a higher competency level than that of other Health Care Support workers with responsibility for actively participating as part of the Multi Disciplinary Team within the ward/dept, to provide a seamless service to patients with proximal supervision from a registered nurse/practitioner.
The Assistant Practitioner will provide general/specific care as specified below for a specific client group and will be competent to work across professional disciplines, referring patients for Allied Health Professional assessment and treatment or to other agencies as required.
The post holder will be required to play an integral role in the delivery of safe and high quality care and will be expected to observe the patient andreact appropriately to any changes.
The post holder will contribute to the planning of care for patients and work in support of qualified nurses, doctors and allied health professionals within an acute in patient setting. Supervision and teaching of junior staff will be part of the role.
Clinical responsibilities Deliver clinical and therapeutic care, within the clinical setting within set protocols and within scope of Assistant Practitioner remit. Organise and prioritise time effectively. Perform patient assessment (under supervision and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner),and deliver high standards of care in line with the Plan of care Implement and evaluate individual care/treatment plans. Ensure care isdocumented accurately and in a timely manner as per Trust Policy. Coordinate and undertake the safe admission, transfer and discharge of patients in accordance with trust policies. Perform effective and timely discharge planning. Provide high quality patient care, appropriate to patient need. Take responsibility for the delivery of care to a group of patients. . Assist patients in maintaining their personal hygiene, grooming and dressing needs with respect for culture and religious needs ensuring privacy and dignity at all times. Contribute to a therapeutic environment to aid patient rest and sleep. Utilise knowledge in the prevention of pressure sores and risk assessment tools e.g. waterlow score, use prescribed pressure-relieving equipment appropriately. Implement and evaluate the plan of care for wound management as directed by a registered practitioner. Undertake MUST assessment and ensure the appropriate nutritional intake of all patients with due consideration to dietary and cultural needs. Assist and support patients with elimination as required. Measure and record body waste/fluid accurately. Take personal responsibility for ensuring that patients are treated with courtesy at all times, the individual needs of the patients are respected, and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of peopleTeam working. Coordinate a team of support workers in care delivery and where appropriate other students. Work effectively as part of a multi disciplinary team recognising the contribution of all team members in meeting patients needs. Actively participate in team development and make suggestions to the team onservice improvements.
Additional Clinical responsibilities.Utilizing Trust policies and protocols, under the proximal supervision of theRegistered Nurse, the assistant practitioner will: Undertake and interpret a range of patient observations as required in clinical area e.g. temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, neurological observations, Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS], oxygen saturation levels, ECG. Reporting adverse signs to registered Nurse/Doctor/Therapist. Obtain requested specimens and ensure transportation to appropriatedepartment urine, faeces, sputum, and exudates e.g. swabs from nose, eye, wound. Order routine bloods/investigations if required and have a basic understanding of normal and altered values, report adverse results. Assist with basic and where agreed intermediate cardio-pulmonary resuscitation procedures Maintain intravenous therapy safely as per Trust policy, report abnormalities to registered Nurse. The Assistant Practitioner will not alter infusion rates but will perform second checks for infusion fluids without drug additives. Assist in the administration of medications under the direction of the Registered Nurse. Be responsible for and demonstrate competence utilising mechanical infusion pumps devices. Perform equipment and alarm checks at shift change. Undertake a range of procedures relevant to area of work e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, catheterisation, bladder scanning and complex dressings following assessment of competency. Undertake clinical audit for example, infection control audits.Environmental Responsibilities. Ensure the maintenance of a safe environment at all times. Ensure the safe custody of patients valuables and property. Ensure the most effective and economical use of all supplies and equipment. Escort patients to other wards and departments as required. Be aware of Manual Handling regulations, particularly with regard to the moving and handling of patients, and attend both theoretical and practical training provided by the Trust
Educational Responsibilities. Demonstrate procedures to and supervise unqualified staff. Contribute to the learning environment on the ward and team mentoring at an optimum level. Supervise, assess and mentor Trainee Healthcare Support workers, Trainee Assistant Practitioners, assist in the supervision and learning of other students with the exception of their assessment. Undertake A1 assessors award to assess up to NVQ level 3. Participate in the induction of new members of staff to impart specific local knowledge of the ward/dept.
Promote and participate in the Health Education both personally and with all patients and relatives as appropriate.
Professional responsibilities. Exhibit professional behaviour and attitude at all times, and demonstrateexcellent customer care skills. Recognise the level of competence to ensure safe practice. Be familiar with and abide by Trust policies and procedures to ensure to ensure optimum patient care and safety of patients and staff. Adhere to trust uniform policy. Take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with new developments and participate in research/ clinical audit. Attendance at annual update sessions is mandatory. Act as a role model by upholding and implementing good practice in theworkplace, always ensuring the highest standards of evidenced based care. Take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge. Identify objectives within a PDP that support the delivery of high standards of clinical care
Communication. Provide verbal reports and maintain written reports on the patients condition for professionally qualified workers. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt communication style to the situation/person. Provide concise handovers to other members of the MDT. Communicate effectively with patients, staff and relatives. Report all accidents and incidents involving self, patients, staff or visitorsaccording to procedure. Participate in ward/unit and multi-disciplinary meetings. Use of IT. Communicate effectively using computer systems within the Trust i.e. PAS, E-Mail.* The post holder shall as necessary provide cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues.* The post holder shall follow all the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Assistant Practitioner will function at a higher competency level than that of other Health Care Support workers with responsibility for actively participating as part of the Multi Disciplinary Team within the ward/dept, to provide a seamless service to patients with proximal supervision from a registered nurse/practitioner.
The Assistant Practitioner will provide general/specific care as specified below for a specific client group and will be competent to work across professional disciplines, referring patients for Allied Health Professional assessment and treatment or to other agencies as required.
The post holder will be required to play an integral role in the delivery of safe and high quality care and will be expected to observe the patient andreact appropriately to any changes.
The post holder will contribute to the planning of care for patients and work in support of qualified nurses, doctors and allied health professionals within an acute in patient setting. Supervision and teaching of junior staff will be part of the role.
Clinical responsibilities Deliver clinical and therapeutic care, within the clinical setting within set protocols and within scope of Assistant Practitioner remit. Organise and prioritise time effectively. Perform patient assessment (under supervision and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner),and deliver high standards of care in line with the Plan of care Implement and evaluate individual care/treatment plans. Ensure care isdocumented accurately and in a timely manner as per Trust Policy. Coordinate and undertake the safe admission, transfer and discharge of patients in accordance with trust policies. Perform effective and timely discharge planning. Provide high quality patient care, appropriate to patient need. Take responsibility for the delivery of care to a group of patients. . Assist patients in maintaining their personal hygiene, grooming and dressing needs with respect for culture and religious needs ensuring privacy and dignity at all times. Contribute to a therapeutic environment to aid patient rest and sleep. Utilise knowledge in the prevention of pressure sores and risk assessment tools e.g. waterlow score, use prescribed pressure-relieving equipment appropriately. Implement and evaluate the plan of care for wound management as directed by a registered practitioner. Undertake MUST assessment and ensure the appropriate nutritional intake of all patients with due consideration to dietary and cultural needs. Assist and support patients with elimination as required. Measure and record body waste/fluid accurately. Take personal responsibility for ensuring that patients are treated with courtesy at all times, the individual needs of the patients are respected, and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of peopleTeam working. Coordinate a team of support workers in care delivery and where appropriate other students. Work effectively as part of a multi disciplinary team recognising the contribution of all team members in meeting patients needs. Actively participate in team development and make suggestions to the team onservice improvements.
Additional Clinical responsibilities.Utilizing Trust policies and protocols, under the proximal supervision of theRegistered Nurse, the assistant practitioner will: Undertake and interpret a range of patient observations as required in clinical area e.g. temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, neurological observations, Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS], oxygen saturation levels, ECG. Reporting adverse signs to registered Nurse/Doctor/Therapist. Obtain requested specimens and ensure transportation to appropriatedepartment urine, faeces, sputum, and exudates e.g. swabs from nose, eye, wound. Order routine bloods/investigations if required and have a basic understanding of normal and altered values, report adverse results. Assist with basic and where agreed intermediate cardio-pulmonary resuscitation procedures Maintain intravenous therapy safely as per Trust policy, report abnormalities to registered Nurse. The Assistant Practitioner will not alter infusion rates but will perform second checks for infusion fluids without drug additives. Assist in the administration of medications under the direction of the Registered Nurse. Be responsible for and demonstrate competence utilising mechanical infusion pumps devices. Perform equipment and alarm checks at shift change. Undertake a range of procedures relevant to area of work e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, catheterisation, bladder scanning and complex dressings following assessment of competency. Undertake clinical audit for example, infection control audits.Environmental Responsibilities. Ensure the maintenance of a safe environment at all times. Ensure the safe custody of patients valuables and property. Ensure the most effective and economical use of all supplies and equipment. Escort patients to other wards and departments as required. Be aware of Manual Handling regulations, particularly with regard to the moving and handling of patients, and attend both theoretical and practical training provided by the Trust
Educational Responsibilities. Demonstrate procedures to and supervise unqualified staff. Contribute to the learning environment on the ward and team mentoring at an optimum level. Supervise, assess and mentor Trainee Healthcare Support workers, Trainee Assistant Practitioners, assist in the supervision and learning of other students with the exception of their assessment. Undertake A1 assessors award to assess up to NVQ level 3. Participate in the induction of new members of staff to impart specific local knowledge of the ward/dept.
Promote and participate in the Health Education both personally and with all patients and relatives as appropriate.
Professional responsibilities. Exhibit professional behaviour and attitude at all times, and demonstrateexcellent customer care skills. Recognise the level of competence to ensure safe practice. Be familiar with and abide by Trust policies and procedures to ensure to ensure optimum patient care and safety of patients and staff. Adhere to trust uniform policy. Take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with new developments and participate in research/ clinical audit. Attendance at annual update sessions is mandatory. Act as a role model by upholding and implementing good practice in theworkplace, always ensuring the highest standards of evidenced based care. Take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge. Identify objectives within a PDP that support the delivery of high standards of clinical care
Communication. Provide verbal reports and maintain written reports on the patients condition for professionally qualified workers. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt communication style to the situation/person. Provide concise handovers to other members of the MDT. Communicate effectively with patients, staff and relatives. Report all accidents and incidents involving self, patients, staff or visitorsaccording to procedure. Participate in ward/unit and multi-disciplinary meetings. Use of IT. Communicate effectively using computer systems within the Trust i.e. PAS, E-Mail.* The post holder shall as necessary provide cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues.* The post holder shall follow all the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree in assisting professional practice/equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Previous acute care experience
- Ability to provide excellent patient care
Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to analyse patient progress in response to care given
- Understands the role of audit in assuring standards of care and can undertake audits in practice.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the Healthcare setting
- Basic Computer Skills: I/E can use PAS systems, email and can access policies on the Trust intranet
Other
Essential
- A good team player supportive of colleagues and patients
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree in assisting professional practice/equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Previous acute care experience
- Ability to provide excellent patient care
Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to analyse patient progress in response to care given
- Understands the role of audit in assuring standards of care and can undertake audits in practice.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the Healthcare setting
- Basic Computer Skills: I/E can use PAS systems, email and can access policies on the Trust intranet
Other
Essential
- A good team player supportive of colleagues and patients
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).
