Healthcare Assistant (Band 2)

Job summary

If you are caring, compassionate, enthusiastic and motivated and have a passion for delivering high quality person-centred care then we have the right job for you!

Laurel Ward is a 13 bedded acute mental health ward providing assessment and treatment for older adults with both organic and functional mental illnesses. We believe care and treatment for mental health comes in a variety of forms ranging from medication, psychological input and therapeutic activities and we promote a holistic approach on the ward utilising a wide range of mental health professionals.

The ward provides 24hrs a day 7 days a week healthcare cover and so the position involves shift work comprising of a mixture of early, late and night shifts. Long days are also available where requested.

The role involves providing care for predominantly older adults, which can include personal cares, ensuring nutrition and hydration needs are being met, completing supportive observations, taking physical observations, carrying out basic mental health assessments and supporting patients' mental health at various stages of their admission. It is vital that our patient's receive high quality care, ensuring their needs are being met and that their stay on the ward is a positive experience. We provide full training for all aspects of the role including immediate life support, prevention and management of violence and aggression, moving and handling, record keeping and infection control.

Main duties of the job

Assisting patients with activities of daily living that they cannot achieve alone, seeking advice from and reporting to Registered Nurses in demonstrating initiative

Always maintaining patient dignity and promoting patient independence. Allowing for individual expression emotionally and of their personality and acting as a chaperone when required.

Observing patients and reporting to Registered Nurses verbally and in writing, especially with regard to untoward incidents.

Carrying out simple nursing procedures as instructed at the discretion of Registered Nurses, reporting on and recording findings, (e.g. blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate, maintaining fluid balance charts, diet charts, testing urine, weighing patients).

Assisting Registered Nurses in the care of those requiring full nursing care.

At the discretion of Registered Nurses, escorting patients between departments in the Hospital and on therapeutic outings.

Developing and maintaining self-awareness during inter-personal contact with patients; demonstrating sensitivity, empathy, compassion and understanding.

Carrying out therapeutic and recreational programs under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

Responding to routine relative/carer enquiries, reporting these to Registered Nurses and passing on other enquiries to them.

About us

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 3700 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values.

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

http://workwith.rdash.nhs.uk/