Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

EAU Health Care Assistant

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated individuals who are committed to delivering a high standard of patient care on our busy but friendly wards. You will be involved in a variety of duties such as bathing, toileting and the monitoring of patient observations.

As a vital member of our team, we know that you are often the first person our patients talk with and trust. As such, we are offering you development and support through your care certificate and an apprenticeship qualification. You will be expected to complete the National Care Certificate within 12 weeks of commencement (if full time) and if you do not hold a Level 2 or higher qualification in Health & Social Care you will need to complete the Clinical Apprenticeship in General Health.

If you are 18 or over and can show empathy and understanding whilst maintaining patients self-respect and dignity, we would like to hear from you, previous experience of working in a health care setting would be an advantage but not essential.

PLEASE NOTE:

You will be expected to be able to work a variety of shifts, including long days, long nights, weekends and public holidays.

When you come for assessment you will be required to undertake a literacy and numeracy test. This test is necessary in order to ensure you meet the requirements of apprenticeship study at a later date. The test can be challenging and we recommend that you review your English and Maths knowledge prior to completing this.

Main duties of the job

To assist in the delivery of patient/client care and participate in the safe and effective management of the nursing services under the supervision of registered nurses and midwives.

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will contribute in a variety of activities of patient/client care to the level of experience and assessed competence that he/she has acquired. The service users come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and the Health Care Assistant must be able to communicate effectively.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

09 May 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pa

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

418-HCA9648-DC

Job locations

Luton and dunstable hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will at all times work under the supervision of the RegistereNurse/Midwife in charge of the shift and will be accountable to the Registered Nurse/Midwife you are working with and to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/midwife of the ward/department

You will work to the level of your experience, assessed competence and skills acquired within the post.

You will require immediate and direct supervision in areas of unfamiliar work. You should not undertake any task that you are unfamiliar with.

MAIN DUTIES:

COMMUNICATION:

Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records

Ensure clarity in communicating with patients/clients and their relatives as well as other team members and in answering questions within the sphere of ones own knowledge. Report changes in patients condition to the registered nurse/midwife on duty and participate in shift hand over to ensure effective continuity of care.

Contribute to the ongoing support of patients/clients and others significant to them, enabling patients/clients to maintain their interests, identity and emotional well-being.Welcome patients/clients, their families and other visitors to the ward/department. Introduce them to the facilities and services provided.

Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.

Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSING/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE

Assist with admitting, discharging, transferring and escorting patients, clients, mothers and babies in line with Trust policies, e.g. escort guidelines. Once training and assessment of competence is obtained carrying out tasks and planned care as designated by a registered nurse/midwife, e.g. baseline observations, bathing and toileting.

Contribute to the promotion of equality for all individuals by supporting anti-discriminatory practice, patient/client choice and acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity.

Maintain personal and organizational standards of health, safety and security, e.g. following the uniform policy.

Appropriately respond in the event of a health/clinical emergency e.g. cardiac arrest.

MANAGEMENT:

Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.

Undertake general clerical duties that may be associated with the smooth running of the ward/department/area. This will include data entry following training.

Assist in the maintenance of ward/department equipment and stock levels, e.g. equipment, linen, catering supplies, HSDU, etc.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Identify and report any untoward incident/accident, problem and risk as soon as possible to the nurse/midwife in charge.

TEAM WORKING

Participate as a member of the team in fulfilling ward/departmental administrative, clerical and housekeeping duties as designated by the ward sister, e.g. booking transport, appointments, maintaining patients records, requisitions etc.

Participate, with all team members, in maintaining and monitoring standards and assisting with audits. Help to identify potential improvements within the environment.

Contribute to the team as an active member, always demonstrating a flexible and co-operative approach

CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Maintain high standards of care ensuring that all procedures and guidelines are followed.

Following training and assessment of competence undertake practical tasks as designated by a registered nurse/midwife. With your mentor, you will be required to complete individual Skills profile.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Understand own limitations and know where to find advice and assistance.

Be self motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills

With assistance identify own training needs and limitations and actively participate with training and attend relevant training sessions.

Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria

Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship

Desirable criteria

NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care

Experience Essential criteria

Demonstrable evidence of working with people

Desirable criteria

Experience as a care giver

Skills/Attributes Essential criteria

Demonstrable ability to work in team
Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant

Desirable criteria

Experience of working in an acute enviroment as a Healthcare Assistant

Communication Skills Desirable criteria

Able to keep clear and accurate written records
Able to communicate clearly with a variety of people
Good interpersonal skills

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required.We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care.The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will work to the level of your experience, assessed competence and skills acquired within the post.

You will require immediate and direct supervision in areas of unfamiliar work. You should not undertake any task that you are unfamiliar with.

MAIN DUTIES:

COMMUNICATION:

Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records

Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.

Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSING/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE

Contribute to the promotion of equality for all individuals by supporting anti-discriminatory practice, patient/client choice and acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity.

Maintain personal and organizational standards of health, safety and security, e.g. following the uniform policy.

Appropriately respond in the event of a health/clinical emergency e.g. cardiac arrest.

MANAGEMENT:

Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.

Undertake general clerical duties that may be associated with the smooth running of the ward/department/area. This will include data entry following training.

Assist in the maintenance of ward/department equipment and stock levels, e.g. equipment, linen, catering supplies, HSDU, etc.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Identify and report any untoward incident/accident, problem and risk as soon as possible to the nurse/midwife in charge.

TEAM WORKING

Participate, with all team members, in maintaining and monitoring standards and assisting with audits. Help to identify potential improvements within the environment.

Contribute to the team as an active member, always demonstrating a flexible and co-operative approach

CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Maintain high standards of care ensuring that all procedures and guidelines are followed.

Following training and assessment of competence undertake practical tasks as designated by a registered nurse/midwife. With your mentor, you will be required to complete individual Skills profile.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Understand own limitations and know where to find advice and assistance.

Be self motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills

With assistance identify own training needs and limitations and actively participate with training and attend relevant training sessions.

Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria

Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship

Desirable criteria

NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care

Experience Essential criteria

Demonstrable evidence of working with people

Desirable criteria

Experience as a care giver

Skills/Attributes Essential criteria

Demonstrable ability to work in team
Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant

Desirable criteria

Experience of working in an acute enviroment as a Healthcare Assistant

Communication Skills Desirable criteria

Able to keep clear and accurate written records
Able to communicate clearly with a variety of people
Good interpersonal skills

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Previous healthcare experience

Desirable

worked in an NHS trust
previous experience in acute medicine
previous experience in EAU

skills

Essential

Has Maths and English qualification

Desirable

Achieved Maths/English GCSE c or above

Skills

Essential

Good team work skills

Desirable

Computer literate

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Previous healthcare experience

Desirable

worked in an NHS trust
previous experience in acute medicine
previous experience in EAU

skills

Essential

Has Maths and English qualification

Desirable

Achieved Maths/English GCSE c or above

Skills

Essential

Good team work skills

Desirable

Computer literate

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and dunstable hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and dunstable hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)