Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

To contribute to the care planning process involving and informing patients and where appropriate their carers.

Support the Frailty Team in gathering patient information and collateral history on the patient by liaising with next the of kin, carers and external agencies.

Support the Frailty Team with complex discharge planning.

Support the Frailty Team with administrative duties and referrals to support services.

Organise, prioritise and adjust own workload in relation to patient care

Liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of care programs

To recognise and act upon deterioration in a patients condition informing a Registered Nurse of action taken

To assess patients level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and ensure appropriate assistance is given

To discuss with patients strategies to maximize independence and manage chronic illness

To keep accurate and timely written records of care delivered and patient progression

To carry out additional clinical skills relevant to the patient group/speciality

To assist medical staff and registered nurses in carrying out invasive procedures

To act as team representative where appropriate reducing demands on Registered Nurse time

To assist in resolving conflict and diffusing situations where appropriate

To take responsibility for ongoing education and their personal development plan

To welcome patients to the unit, and facilitate patient transport needs to and from hospital

To assist in the admitting of patients to the ward, including recording these on clinical systems, recording base-line observations

To provide care to patients following instructions within the Care Plan or Pathway

To carry out clinical skills relevant to the unit which may include phlebotomy, recording ECGs, recording blood glucose, performing MRSA screening and monitoring/removal of IV cannulas

To assist the clinical team with data entry, filing, documentation of care delivery, including scheduling of planned procedures.

To ensure the unit area and clinical rooms remain tidy and well stocked, including liaison with supplies team to ensure adequate stock provision

To demonstrate competence in accurate recording of clinical observations

To recognise abnormal recordings or changes with the patients condition and report to registered nurse

To act as chaperone when necessary

Serving of patient meals/drinks/snacks

Provide and support patients with hygiene needs

To assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients ensuring return of property and preparation of bed space for next patient

Person Specification

Special Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Good verbal and written command of English.
• Ability to act upon own initiative.
• Good communication skills.
• Able to work under some pressure.
• Ability to show leadership.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Willing to take and record patient observations.

Desirable

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics - able to produce both certificates on interview day.

Desirable

• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
• Reflective practitioner.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.

Desirable

• Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Experience

Essential

• Computer skills.
• Ability to learn new skills.

Desirable

• Previous experience in caring for others.

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

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX

Employer's website

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