Healthcare Assistant - Critical Care

Job description

Job responsibilities

To assist in the admitting of, critically ill patients to the unit, including recording these on clinical systems, recording base-line observations and performing pre-procedure/safety checklists.

To provide personal care to patients following instructions within the Care Plan or Pathway, and contribute to promoting critical care rehab, under supervision of the registered nurse

To carry out clinical skills relevant to the role and scope of practice, which may include recording ECGs, recording blood glucose, performing MRSA/CPE screening.

Assist the MDT in preparing equipment for clinical procedures;

To assist the clinical team with data entry, filing, completion and recording of safety checks, and documentation of care delivery.

Safely handle specimens( blood gases, urine) following CDDFT guidelines;

Actively participate in patient handovers to ensure seamless care delivery;

Support the registered nurse with internal transfers and for interventional procedures;

Communicate effectively with patients, and their families, respecting their dignity and confidentiality;

Monitor stock levels and support restocking of clinical areas to ensure the availability of essential supplies; liaising with stores to maintain adequate stock levels.

Contribute to the cleaning and decontamination processes of all equipment and the environment as per infection control protocols.

To demonstrate competence in accurate recording of clinical observations when required.

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, supporting the patient with these as required, in line with patient care plan instructions

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

To participate in Clinical Supervision

To participate in the orientation/induction of less experienced staff

To adopt a positive attitude within the unit environment and always treat patients, visitors and colleagues with respect

To assist in resolving conflict by responding to concerns and complaints in a positive manner.

Report and document any incidents as per Trust guidelines;

Comply with all trust policies and procedures in relation to all aspects of practice;

To maintain confidentiality in line with trust policies

The post holder will be responsible for their own personal development:

To attend Mandatory Training and in house training appropriate to support role.

To work through Band 3 Critical Care Competency Framework and departmental competency framework.

To attend regular unit meetings

Person Specification

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.

Desirable

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

Experience

Essential

• Computer skills.
• Ability to learn new skills.

Desirable

• Previous experience in caring for others.

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

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.

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)