Job responsibilities
Role Overview
The Health Care Assistant works collaboratively as part of the ward or department team under the supervision of registered nurses/line manager. The role involves:
- Delivering patient-centred care with a compassionate and professional approach.
- Contributing to the organisation and smooth functioning of the ward or department.
- Supporting registered nurses/service in providing a safe and caring environment.
The post-holder will demonstrate competency in both generic and specialist skills within an agreed timeframe, following appropriate training and education. They are also responsible for achieving and maintaining mandatory and statutory training requirements.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Cooperatively support the multidisciplinary team in delivering patient care.
- Undertake competency-based practices following training and supervision, as delegated by a registered nurse/line manager.
- Assist with personal care for patients, supporting mobility, repositioning, and independence.
- Monitor and record clinical observations, including (not limited to):
- Blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
- Height, weight, fluid balance, stool charts, food diaries, and blood glucose monitoring.
- Urine testing/urinalysis and peak flow.
- Support the surgical team during procedures, including assisting the scrub nurse and surgeon. Chaparoning clinicians.
- Provide post-operative advice to patients.
- Ensure specimens are labelled, bagged, and dispatched correctly, with all necessary documentation completed.
- Ensure all Clinical equipment safe to use and use appropriatley.
- Maintain the clinical environment by restocking areas, managing waste collection, and ensuring sharps bins are secure.
- Participate in audits, maintain accurate patient notes, and assist with administrative duties as required.
- Escort patients between clinical areas and ensure accurate transfer documentation.
Governance Responsibilities
- Work within the clinical governance framework to improve care quality and ensure safe practices.
- Maintain awareness of, and involvement in, strategies to improve clinical care standards, including:
- Patient and user involvement.
- Risk and complaints management.
- Clinical effectiveness and audit programmes.
- Continuous professional development.
- Act promptly to safeguard patients, including reporting signs of abuse or neglect to a registered nurse in line with safeguarding policies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Duty of Care and its role in safe practices.
Education/Professional Development (Self/Others)
- Actively engage in the appraisal process to evaluate effectiveness and identify development needs.
- Take responsibility for personal development, acquiring new skills and knowledge, including computer skills, to enhance patient care.
- Participate in in-service training and maintain competency in specific clinical tasks, including phlebotomy and 12-lead ECG recording where required.
- Support the orientation and induction of new staff, trainees, and learners, including student nurses and HCAs.
- Foster an educational environment conducive to learning in collaboration with training centres.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.
- Actively participate in infection prevention and control by following procedures, attending training, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge.
- Adhere to all operational, health and safety, and personnel policies, including fire safety, COSHH, and no-smoking policies.
- Report absences and manage annual leave in line with organisational policy.
- Uphold a professional appearance by adhering to the uniform policy.
- Provide a courteous and respectful environment for patients, carers, and visitors, always ensuring clear and effective communication.
Responsibility for Information Resources
- Accurately document care and activities with patients using paper and electronic systems.
- Ensure compliance with policies on the secure transmission and storage of information.
- Use the organisations electronic systems effectively, including accessing patient information and retrieving resources.
Health, Safety, and Security
- Follow all health and safety guidelines, including the use of personal security systems and emergency procedures.
- Assess risks within the work environment and implement measures to maintain safety.
- Report hazards, incidents, or near-misses using the appropriate reporting system.
- Monitor work areas to ensure they are free from hazards and conform to health and safety legislation.
Teamwork
- Work as an effective and supportive member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Actively participate in team activities that improve patient care.
- Maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships with patients, colleagues, and visitors.
- Share information and collaborate with colleagues during handovers and team meetings.
Confidentiality
- Respect and maintain patient confidentiality at all times, disclosing information only as required for the role.
- Follow organisational policies and legal requirements regarding confidentiality and information governance.
Equality and Diversity
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion by respecting the rights, privacy, dignity, and beliefs of all individuals.
- Actively prevent discrimination based on age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
- Be aware of statutory and local guidance on the protection of vulnerable adults and children, acting in accordance with policies and procedures
This job description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations of the Band 2 Health Care Assistant role. Duties may evolve to meet service needs.
