Job responsibilities
The primary duty and responsibility is to support the work of the clinical and nursing teams in providing high quality and safe care to patients and their families.
Excellent observation and communication skills as well the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals who have experienced severe trauma in their lives is required. A non-judgemental approach and the ability to demonstrate unconditional positive regard is absolutely essential.
Ellern Mede can sometimes be a challenging environment and therefore the ability to think on your feet, remain focused and maintain your composure in difficult clinical situations is highly important to this post.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder carries out assigned tasks in support of and supported by a qualified nurse. Contribute to the provision of high quality care for patients.
Work honestly and collaboratively as part of the ward team.
Work as directed by the named nurse to provide agreed individual or group work with named patients Work flexibly regarding shift and ward changes according to the needs of the Hospital
Provide reception and administrative cover as directed by the Management To maintain professional boundaries at all times
Undertake any reasonable request.
KEY DUTIES
1. To assist the patient to meet his or her needs in respect of activities of daily living and provide practical day to day care under direction of the Nurses (i.e. personal care and hygiene, eating, attendance in education etc.
2. To co-operate with other members of the nursing team in ensuring a safe environment is maintained for the patients.
3. To ensure patients personal possessions and cash are effectively itemised, stored and managed.
4. To be responsible for the clinical and ward environment and to intervene in any situation which constitutes a potential risk to patients, staff or visitors.
5. To escort patients on outings and appointments and to plan and conduct such outings in a consideration of Nursing and Clinical Management.
6. To book visits to the ward and maintain a ward diary.
7. To ensure that all visitors to the ward are pre-approved by the MDT and are escorted and managed in accordance with nursing plans.
8. To question unknown visitors to the site and ward to ensure the safety of patients and refuse entry if necessary.
9. To ensure that all patients are safeguarded from potential harm and to conduct activities in a manner which is consistent with professional practice, policy and legislation.
10. To report any incident of concern to management.
11. To co-operate with other members of the nursing team to ensure the ward meets any therapeutic needs of the patient, which are conducive to recovery.
12. To communicate in a respectful manner, clearly and precisely with patients, staff, parents and visitors and in a way which is mindful of a supportive attitude to body image.
13. To intervene and utilise verbal de-escalation skills to avoid potential escalation of distress to patients.
14. To utilise approved restraint techniques under the guidance and management of Nurses.
15. At all times ensure that the patient’s rights and dignity are maintained.
16. To be actively involved in the admission, assessment, implementation and discharge of patients and their care under the supervision of the named nurse
17. To record accurate clinical data including observations, vital signs, fluid and food intake, stool and urine charts.
18. To be involved in manual handling and movement of patients under instruction of a Nurse to ensure that physical treatment and interventions can be safely delivered.
19. To be jointly responsible with the named nurse in keeping patient files up to date including recording relevant data in a written or electronic format and filing same appropriately.
20. To ensure countersignatures by qualified staff are recorded
21. To adhere to all company policies and procedures.
22. To undertake all duties delegated by the nurse in charge to ensure the efficient running of the ward.
23. To be involved in the training of other staff as required
24. To be involved in marketing activities as required.
25. Will undertake additional ward based duties above and beyond those duties of a nursing assistant including responsibilities such as phlebotomy, patients monies, facilitating groups when appropriate training given.
26. To ensure that you attend all statutory and mandatory training as directed. Specifically you must complete all mandatory training as shown in your MLC training needs (100%) by the end of your probation. You CANNOT pass probation without being 100% on MLC.
27. It is essential that you maintain 100% training as shown on MLC. This will be reviewed at every supervision. If you do not maintain 100% training as shown on MLC and this is noted on 2 consecutive individual supervisions (and it is clearly a failing on your part) you will be prevented from going on shift until such time as you are fully compliant with your training requirements. This is simply a matter of patient safety.
28. Will take part in supervising junior staff when directed to do so by senior staff.
29. Act at all times in a manner which promotes a positive image of the Ellern Mede.
30. Maintain Security Procedures at all times.
31. Individual supervisions MUST take place at least every 2 months. You are required to take part in some form of supervision at least monthly. This can include (but not limited to) group supervision, reflective space or individual supervision.
32. Ensure annual appraisal takes place in a timely fashion.
33. Maintain Patient and Staff/Organisation confidentiality at all times.
34. Assist in transfers and Community outings as directed by senior staff.
35. To act in a manner which places the safety of patients as the first priority and immediately report to the Nurses, any incident or potentially dangerous situation.
36. To complete incident forms and provide statements as necessary.
37. Cover other care areas at short notice under direction of senior staff.
38. Ensure high levels of hygiene and infection control systems are maintained.
39. To conduct audits, assessments, inventories, risk assessments, Health & Safety reports and other administrative tasks required for the effective running of the service under the direction of the Nurses
40. To maintain clinical records and summaries consistent with confidentiality, professional practice and in accordance with any legal requirements currently in force.
41. To attend and contribute to professional meetings as required.
42. In agreement with Nursing Management, to safely drive company vehicles for patient escorts in agreement with the Nursing Management. The Hospital will not indemnify staff against any driving or parking offenses which are accrued whilst driving hospital transport.
