About this role
Job summary
An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Support Worker in Specialist Palliative Care.
The post holder will work under the direction of the Registered Nurse, work with all members of the multidisciplinary team, to contribute to the provision of the highest standards of patient care.
To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate EEC's Values and Behaviour Framework.
This job description is to be read in conjunction with the core skills list for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, work with all members of the multidisciplinary team, to contribute to the provision of the highest standards of patient care.
To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NCH&C's Values and Behaviour Framework.
This job description is to be read in conjunction with the core skills list for this particular role.
About us
Priscilla Bacon Lodge is a 24-bed inpatient unit, with 16 consultant-led specialist palliative care beds and eight nurse-led Continuing Health Care Fast Track beds. While many patients receive excellent support from primary care teams and other EEC colleagues, those with more complex needs benefit from the expert input of our specialist multidisciplinary team.
Patients admitted with specialist palliative care needs may require a period of assessment, symptom control, treatment for acute reversible conditions, psychological support, or end-of-life care. For patients in the nurse-led Continuing Health Care pathway, our team focuses on providing compassionate end-of-life care during the final days.
Please note, the selection processes at East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right values and skills, please be advised that the use of AI in applications are monitored. We remain watchful of candidates who misuse these tools to generate an application that doesn't accurately reflect their skills.
Job description Job responsibilities
Patient Hygiene
Assist with patient hygiene i.e., care of patients hair teeth, nails and general hygiene Assist patients in the management of continence and record accordingly
Bowel and Stoma Care
May undertake all basic aspects of stoma care with exception of newly formedstomas Record on the appropriate system all relevant patient bowel movement
Urinary Care
May undertake catheter care, change catheter bags and record urinary output, undertaking bladder scans (following trust training) reporting to Registered Nurse any abnormalities May take CSU from urinary catheter port under the direction of the Registered Nurse May remove urinary catheters following training under the direction of a Registered Nurse
Patient Physical Comfort
Assist by providing appropriate conditions for patient comfort e.g. fan, blankets, extra pillows - must report to Registered Nurse signs of physical distress Ensure on discharge, transfer or escorting patients that they have appropriate warm clothing, footwear with the patient consent Work with the patient on the posture care plan (including slings and splints) ensuring comfort is maintain, issues raised with registered nurse
Pressure Area Care
May assist with pressure area care and may decide on first line of treatment, e.g. use of heel pads and relevant documentation. This must be reported to Registered Nurse
Nutrition
Help patients to prepare for meals and assist feeding individual patients when required Be aware of the patient IDDSI requirements and act accordingly, raising issues with the registered nurse May complete, food and fluid charts accurately with amount taken by patient
Naso-Gastric Tubes and Feeds
May aspirate NG tube and complete an aspirate check recording amount May administer feed via enteral feedtube including RIG/PEG/JPEG. Prior to feed commencing Registered Nurse must check position of tube and check flow rate of feed (if NG)
Clinical Measurements
Blood Pressure Blood Glucose Monitoring TPR Observations Pulse Oximetery National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) Neurological Observations
Tracheostomy and airway support
Provide basic tracheostomy care once assessed competent under direction of appropriate person + document as appropriate Remove nebuliser mask and apply/remove Airvo and other humidification equipment under direction from senior registered practitioner Escalate any changes to registered practitioner Replace disposable equipment
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Following attendance at an appropriate enhanced clinical skills study day and successful completion of competency assessment may perform 12-lead ECGs on patients under direction of the registered nurse
Preparation of Patient/Equipment
Assist in preparation of patient/equipment for treatment, investigation or procedures as directed by RN
Infection Control
Must adhere to Infection Control procedures Must be FIT tested and regular (2 years) for re-fitting
Documentation
Participate in the admission procedure with regards to recording basic personal details including Body Mapping. Routine observations must be recorded. Record any care given on the trust electronic system
Wound Care
May undertake basic wound dressings following assessment by a RN May mark drains and record output following completion of recognised training May set up trolleys for aseptic techniques
Specimen Collections
May collect routine specimens i.e. urine, sputum and faeces and COVID, MRSA Must understand the need for correct labelling and prompt dispatch. May access ICE reporting and requesting package in accordance with Trust procedure.
Venepuncture
Following attendance at an appropriate enhanced clinical skills study day and successful completion of competency assessment may take routine blood samples using the Trusts approved blood collection system and place cannulas
Emergency Situations
Escalate using SBAR in the event of an emergency event Up to date with Resus level two and apply in event of an emergency event
Mobilisation / Rehabilitation Of Patients
Assist with mobilisation of patients on direction of a registered member of the multidisciplinary team
Support of the Relatives
May give support to patients and relatives who have just been informed of poor prognosis or bereavement. Initial support will be given by the RN
Property
Assist the patient to maintain safety of their own property i.e., nightwear, hearing aid, dentures Record a patients property and valuables, alongside another member of the nursing team, in accordance with trust policy
Care of the Deceased
Under the direction of a RN, may assist in the care of the deceased patient ensuring the correct procedure is adhered to for last offices
Handover Between Shifts
May assist the RN, but not lead the handover of the care of patients in that team
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Education to GCSE level Grade 5 in English and Mathematics or equivalent Care Certificate and or equivalent health care experience
Desirable
City and Guilds NVQ Level 3 in Care/Health and Social Care
Other Essential
Able to make own travelling arrangements Ability to work 12.5 hour shift day/night patterns May be required to work in other community hospital's within our trust in order to meet the needs of the service
Experience Essential
Some previous experience in a nursing/Care Assistant role
Communication Essential
Clear oral communication Basic computer skills
Personal and People Development Essential
Polite/courteous Caring personality Sensitive and tolerant Resilient
Personal Attributes / Behaviours (linked to the Trust's Behaviour Framework) Essential
Good interpersonal skills Responds positively to change Flexible Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team Social skills
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 East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust
Address Priscilla Bacon Lodge
Century Place
Colney
NR4 7YA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.eastofenglandcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)