About this role
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced health care assistant to join a highly skilled and motivated team of medical, nursing, allied health professionals and social workers contribute to the delivery of high quality palliative and end of life care services on our in-patient unit.
The successful applicant will be a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual who will join our welcoming and caring environment. We pride ourselves on the high standards of care we deliver and are looking for applicants with a passion for palliative care, who have the right knowledge and skills to support this. You will have excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate in a sensitive manner and enjoy working as part of a team. Health care assistants will be educated to NVQ level 2 in Health and Social care or equivalent and have previous experience in a similar care setting.
Please be aware we do not have asponsor licence and are therefore only able to appoint candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.
Main duties of the job
Maintain effective communication with the other members of the clinical team and with all staff, both face to face and on the telephone including prompt reporting of routine, urgent or sensitive information to qualified staff. Communicating any investigation results, the general condition of patients to the qualified nurse. Receiving & acting appropriately to the receipt of sensitive information from patients, relatives etc., ensuring such information is delivered to the qualified staff Be actively involved in multidisciplinary team handovers and meetings. Undertake visual assessment of pressure areas with appropriate competencies and collaborate with registered nurse on duty to advise of any changes Participate in the delivery of personal care needs of patients on a daily basis Awareness of the palliative care approach and its significance in informing an appropriate communication process Understand boundaries of self and patient relationships and the impact of his/her own communication and approach may have on the well being of patient and carer. Understand the boundaries of the HCA role and know when to refer on to other professionals Actively participate in critical and untoward incidences, accidents and significant event, reporting to senior managers as appropriate Liaise with other members of the MDT to assist in supporting establish programmes of care
About us
About us-St Cuthberts Hospice provides holistic care for patients with life limiting illnesses. We are highly regarded for our quality of service and the first Adult Hospice in the country to be graded outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Our 11 bedded palliative care In Patient Unit provides individualised care planned to support the total wellbeing of each person, taking into account their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Our Living Well Centre delivers a 12 week programme offering advice and strategies to enable people with life limiting illnesses cope better with their health and wellbeing and support them to regain control of their life. We value the contribution of all our workforce comprising of over 90 staff and 395 volunteers. We are an equal opportunities employer and believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, encouraging applications from all sectors of the community.
Our Values: Compassionate, Respect, Integrity, Professionalism, Choice, Reputation. These define who we are and guide what we do to ensure the highest quality care for those accessing our services and the highest quality experience for staff working here.
Job description Job responsibilities
AIM
Deliver skilled and compassionate care of the highest standard to patients, families and carers.
Communication and relationships
Maintain effective communication with the other members of the clinical team & with all staff, both face to face and on the telephone including prompt reporting of routine, urgent or sensitive information to qualified staff. Communicating any investigation results they have found, the general condition of patients to the qualified nurse. Receiving & acting appropriately to the receipt of sensitive information from patients, relatives etc and ensuring such information is delivered to the qualified staff. Be actively involved in multidisciplinary team handovers & meetings. Be able to identify difficult situations & barriers to communication and respond appropriately and seek appropriate support when needed. Participate in difficult conversations with patients & their significant others within remit of HCA role & be aware when to seek support Communicate effectively with professionals from other organisations. Communicate with an empathic & caring approach effectively with patients and their significant other in an empathetic and caring way recognising the important of non verbal communication & active listening. Identify distressed relatives and offer comfort & support and to lease with appropiate qualified staff (i.e nursing staff, family support team). Communicate with distressed and /or bereaved people in an appropriately sensitive manner. Understand boundaries of self & patient relationships and the impact of his/her own communication and approach may have on the well being of patient & carer. Understand, recognise & support individuals with their spiritual well-being. Have an awareness of cultural beliefs & practices. Accurately document patient activity on electronic systems & paper records. Understand the dynamics of teams & to facilitate effective communication to promote functioning teams Actively participate in critical & untoward incidences, accidents & significant event analysis and report to senior managers as appropriateAnalytical and judgement skills
Act as a second checker alongside registered nurse in the administration of CD medications. You will be responsible for accuracy checking of controlled drugs alongside a registered nurse. As a 'second checker' you will be required to use your judgement and knowledge to accurately check the dose and formulation of controlled drug medications to ensure safe administration to patients. Identify situations in relation to the needs of patients, families & carers Recognise limitations within the HCA role & to be able to refer appropriately accordingly to needs. Undertake visual assessment of pressure areas with appropriate competencies & collaborate with registered nurse on duty to advise of any changes. To recognise abnormal recordings or signs of change in a patients condition & report changes to a registered nurse timely.Planning & organisational skills
Manage own time effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of the service. Provide care for complex patients on basis of priority ensuring the greatest needs are addressed first. Plan personal care needs of complex patients around the daily routine, changing these plans & re arranging throughout the day as needed Planning & organising appropriate activities for patients including multimedia activities Liaise with other members of the MDT to assist in supporting establish programmes of care ie relaxation groups, complimentary therapiesPhysical skills
Standard keyboard skills to input data onto patient database. Physical skills for safe moving & handling techniques and the use/manoeuvring of moving & handling equipment.Patient/Client Care Support the nursing team to deliver patient centre care within a palliative care context. Provide personal care to patients with complex needs. Ability to recognise all aspects of holistic care including physical, emotional, spiritual & social aspects and to respond appropriately. Recognise needs of families & carers and to refer as appropriate. Act as a second checker (staff to complete safe handling of medications) alongside registered nurse in the administration of CD medications. You will be responsible for accuracy checking of controlled drugs alongside a registered nurse. As a 'second checker' you will be required to use your judgement & knowledge to accurately check the dose and formulation of controlled drug medications to ensure safe administration to patients.Policy and Service Development
Comply with all clinical & non clinical Hospice Policies & Procedures. Comment on clinical procedures within own area of work to contribute towards service improvements.Financial & Physical Resources
Report as necessary any faults re: equipment or office accommodation & ensure the safety & security of the building is met. Contribute towards the maintenance of stocks & supplies.Human Resources
Attend any appropriate training requirements both statutory & mandatory to comply with current Health & Safety legislation and in line with the Hospices responsibility to comply with Government Directives. Preserve confidentiality of any information regarding patients, staff, volunteers & the business of St Cuthberts Hospice Identify own learning needs & seek support to ensure that individual learning needs are met. Attend agreed courses & study days to develop knowledge and skills in line with competencies required. Participate in the St Cuthberts appraisal system.Information Resources
Document and store relevant information utilising computerised & paper-based systems. Appreciate the need for patients & carers to have access to information that enables informed choice.Research & Development
Actively engage in audits as appropriate and continually look for ways to improve the quality of the service one provides to patients & visitors.Freedom to Act
Work within defined policies & procedures Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and expertise and to seek guidance from more senior colleagues where appropriateEFFORT & ENVIRONMENT
Physical
Moderate physical effort required frequently to manage complex patients with advanced progressive diseases i.e. manoeuvring patients into position for personal care or using mechanical aids such as hoistsMental
Occasional required to concentrate whilst examining patients. Occasional requirement for concentration when acting as a second checker in the administration of CD medication in which the workload may be unpredictable.Emotional
Frequent exposure to distressing and emotional circumstances with occasional exposure to highly distressing circumstances. Recognise difficulties in relation to dealing with situations within palliative care in self & other colleagues and to engage & encourage other colleagues to participate in clinical supervision for support.Working Conditions
Frequent requirement to deal with uncontained body fluids & foul linen when caring for patients. Flexible in approach across all clinical areas in order to meet the changing needs and for the improvement of service delivery & care.Data Protection & Confidentiality
All employees have a responsibility in line with information governance to maintain confidentiality and ensure the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 are applied to patients, clients, staff, volunteers & Hospice business information, including electronic information. Only information required to fulfil the duties of the role should be accessed by the post holder. All employees have a responsibility to use electronic systems in a way that preserves the dignity & privacy of people, helps to ensure services of the highest quality, and is compliant with the law and Hospice policies & proceduresHealth & Safety
The Hospice will take all reasonably practical steps to ensure the health, safety & welfare of its employees while at work. Employees will familiarise themselves with the Health & Safety Policy and procedure as well as the fire procedures & ensure a safe working environment for self & others in line with these.Safeguarding
All employees within the Hospice have a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & vulnerable adults & ensure they are protected from harm. All employees should make themselves aware of the policies & procedures of safeguarding, take personal responsibility as far as is reasonably practicable, to safeguard children & vulnerable adults, complete statutory & mandatory training and take appropriate action as set out in the Hospices policies & procedures.Infection Control
All employees have a responsibility to ensure the risk of infection to themselves, colleagues, patients, relatives and visitors is minimised by:
Attending mandatory training & role specific infection prevention education and training Challenging poor infection prevention & control practices Ensuring their own compliance with Hospice Infection Prevention & Control policies and procedure.Equal Opportunities
The Hospice welcomes all persons without regard to race, religion or belief, age, gender re-assignment, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, physical or mental disability. The Hospice aims to provide services in a manner that enables all members of the community to access them.Employees must behave in a non-judgemental manner that respects the differing needs and cultures of others.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Previous experience in a similar care setting. Ability to communicate in a sensitive manner.
Desirable
Special interest in area of care eg Lymphoedema or Complementary Therapy. Previous experience in the administration of medication
Personal Attributes Essential
Self aware Compassionate Confident and self assured Motivated and enthusiastic Team player Able to evidence behaviour consistent with the Hospice Values of professionalism, choice, integrity and reputation
Special Requirements Essential
Willing to undertake internal rotation Flexible approach
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Good verbal communication skills Ability to articulate in a clear and sensitive manner Good interpersonal skills Demonstrate resilience to working with those facing loss and bereavement Ability to work effectively in a demanding environment
Desirable
Computer skills
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care
Desirable
NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or willing to work towards this
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 St Cuthbert’s Hospice
Address St. Cuthbert's Hospice
Park House Road
Durham
DH1 3QF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stcuthbertshospice.com/ (Opens in a new tab)