Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

NB. A FULL JOB DESCRIPTION IS ATTACHED AS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT

Role Summary

The role of the HCA is to assist the Registered Nurse in the, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care. The post holder will be required to work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the individual needs of patients and their families.

The post holder is responsible for carrying out assigned tasks involving direct patient care in support of and supervised by an Assistant Practitioner/Registered Nurse, maintaining a high standard of quality patient care and staff morale

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Clinical

1. Work within a multidisciplinary team to provide an optimum level of care to the local population

2. Recognises and responds appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.

3. Maintain clear accurate records of all patient interventions

4. Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and colleagues on a range of factual information and overcome any barriers to understanding

5. Communicate effectively with patients and visitors by showing courtesy at all times. Answering enquiries within the limits of the role and referring more complex enquiries to appropriate staff.

6. Listen sensitively to patients and visitors who may be anxious or distressed and respond with sensitivity and empathy.

7. Prioritise own work load

Staff Management, Education and Training

1. To participate in training activities within own areas.

2. To participate in an annual performance review with line manager to identify personal development needs.

3. Participate in the induction of new staff to their area and support less experienced workers in this role.

4. Promote an effective learning environment

Clinical Governance, Audit and Research

1. Keep up to date with all policies, procedures and protocols related to client group/organisation and relevant clinical practice.

2. To be aware of the complaints procedure. Be able to de-escalate, or refer to a registered nurse, any verbal complaints with sensitivity.

3. To actively contribute to providing a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors to their areas; assessing and minimising risks where possible

4. Participate in clinical audit

5. Treat all staff, patients and relatives with respect and equality as per Trust policy

6. Understand the boundaries of the role and acts in a way that is consistent with legislation, policies, procedures and acquisition of competencies.

7. To actively ensure the privacy and dignity of patients is not compromised

8. To ensure that all patient information is confidential and is not disclosed to any third party except with the permission of the patient, nurse or medic

9. To report any untoward incident or occurrences

10. To ensure that all patient care is delivered with the highest degree of professionalism

11. To present an appearance which gives a positive image of the Trust and act in a manner which is appropriate and inspires confidence

12. Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others

Service Development

Specific tasks associated with this clinical area.

Following completion of competency, areas marked with an *.

1. Support patients to be as independent as possible within their own limits

2. Provide direct care to patients who have difficulties with activities of daily living according to the nursing care plan and under the guidance of a Registered nurse;

3. Assisting with all aspects of personal hygiene including oral hygiene

4. Elimination needs: Aiding patients in the use of toilet facilities, including emptying urinary catheters and stoma care.

5. Assist patients in maintaining mobility and movement. Minimising the risk of pressure sore developing, using specialist equipment such as pressure relieving mattresses and hoists.

6. Care of patient nutritional needs. Assisting patient with eating and drinking, completion of food/fluid charts and menus.

7. Remove intravenous and subcutaneous cannulae.*

8. Chaperone clinicians and patients as required

9. Obtain, label and transport specimens

10. Undertake weight/height and BMI measurements

11. Perform venepuncture if relevant to clinical area *

12. Perform recording of vital signs demonstrating an awareness of normal blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiratory parameters *

13. Undertake removal of wound care dressings with an understanding of safe disposal of clinical waste if relevant to clinical area.

14. Ensure that you are trained to use all medical devices, appropriate to the role

15. Escort/direct patients between departments and for investigations according to Trust policy.

16. Up-dating patient’s documentation both electronic and written

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in an acute/critical care healthcare environment
• Application of skills and knowledge in varied settings.

Skills, knowledge and competencies

Essential

• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• Good organisational skills and able to prioritise
• Able to deal with sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Basic IT Skills
• Team player
• Flexible
• Motivated
• Good time management
• Able to use own initiative

Desirable

• Demonstrate evidence of personal development

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of secondary education
• Care Certificate or must be completed within 6 months of commencement at Trust

Desirable

• Level 2 qualification in healthcare

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

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHSFT

Address

Warrington Hospital

Lovely Lane

Warrington

Cheshire

WA5 1QG

Employer's website

https://whh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)