About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled and committed Nursing Associate to join our Inpatient Unit on a 12-month temporary contract, supporting the delivery of high-quality palliative and end-of-life care.
As a valued member of a caring and skilled multidisciplinary team, and under the leadership of Registered Nurses, you will plan, organise and deliver person-centred care to patients with complex and evolving needs. You will play a vital role in providing compassionate, holistic care while supporting patients and those important to them during some of life's most challenging times.
Caring is what we do best, and that includes caring for our staff. You will work in a friendly, fulfilling and supportive environment, with access to clinical supervision, strong peer support and a culture that values compassion, respect and excellence.
We are also committed to your development, offering excellent professional and personal learning opportunities through our on-site Skills Lab and education team.
Whether you are newly qualified and looking to build a strong foundation for your career, or an experienced Nursing Associate seeking a rewarding opportunity within a specialist palliative care setting, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
To assist in the care of patients with a life limiting illness under the direction of a Registered Nurse and to maintain a high standard of care. To support the patients and relatives through ongoing communication
To provide a safe environment for patients, visitors staff and volunteers.
Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and with the multi-disciplinary team.
To assist in training new HCAs in their duties
To help embed the practices and culture of rehabilitative palliative care to effectively support people with long term life-limiting conditions to live well.
About us
At Severn Hospice we provide compassionate and specialist care for people living with incurable illness and we are looking for a dedicated and empathetic Nurse Associate to join our Inpatient team on a 12-month fixed term contract.
As part of a supportive multi-disciplinary clinical team, you will play a vital role in delivering the highest standards of nursing and holistic person-centred care. You will support patients with complex needs at a crucial time in their lives, providing care with dignity, respect and kindness, while also supporting those important to them.
Job description Job responsibilities
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
To support the trained members of the nursing team in the admission and discharge process and the implementation of individualised care programmes for patients comfort, safety and dignity at all times
To undertake advanced nursing tasks after completion of appropriate training and deemed competent by a qualified nurse.
To report to the Ward Sister/ Nurse in Charge as appropriate for any changes in patients condition or relevant information pertinent to patient care
To second check CD administration with qualified staff when theoretical and clinical competence has been achieved.
To monitor and record observations
To record appropriate information in patient held records and other documentation to comply with legal and professional requirements.
To maintain confidentiality at all times.
To comply with all appropriate policies and clinical practices and protocols.
To attend such courses/lectures/in-service training as indicated by needs of the service and own personal developments as identified via appraisal.
To undertake any other duties required to meet the needs of the service within the limitations of a Nurse Associate.
To act as a role model, mentor and principal support to new members of staff and students
To escort patients to hospital appointments or transfer to another place.
Assisting to carry out personal care after death incorporating family members if that is their wish including verification.
To participate in multi-disciplinary meetings.
Recognise the need for and undertake referrals to registered practitioners as appropriate.
Welcome and introduce patients to the ward routine, completing admission documentation and care plans.
Participate in ward rounds and handovers to other members of the medical /nursing/ volunteer team.
Complete discharge documentation and liaise with external agencies as deemed appropriate when planning discharge.
Under direction, support the registered nurse to carry out procedures including the administration of medication.
To be able to support the bereavement process
GENERAL
To give practical support to relatives/carers/visitors.
To have an understanding of the role of other professionals involved in the patients care and provide support to them.
At all times to act as ambassador for Severn Hospice to patients, relatives, to colleagues and members of the public.
Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain
To support the process of audit in an active way. Attending meetings and making a contribution.
To comply with Health and Safety policy and fire regulations and to report accidents/incidents/potential risks immediately to a Senior Nurse.
To abide by security procedures relating to staff, patients, visitors and their property.
Responsibilities and duties may include other tasks as determined by Ward Manager/ Ward Sister.
To participate in shift rotation as and when requested.
To work flexibly across the organisation as and when required.
Promote and incorporate equality and diversity in all aspects of the teams operations and in the public domain
The above job description is a summary of the main responsibilities of the postholder, and not an exhaustive list of duties to be undertaken. The duties may be redefined in accordance with the demands of the service. Any redefinition will be subject to discussion between yourself and your manager and be within your level of competence.
Supplementary Information and Requirements
All new Hospice employees are on a 4 month probationary period (excluding bank staff)
Health and Safety
In accordance with the Hospices Health & Safety Policy all employed persons while at work are required by Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Appraisal
Employees are required to participate in the Hospices appraisal process as required.
Last updated Sep 2021 (CG)
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Ability to prioritise own workload Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Established nursing skills Good listening skills IT skills Awareness of Hospice service strategy
Desirable
Examples of extended practice / skill set
Other Requirements Essential
DBS disclosure Prepared to work flexible hours inc. nights and across sites
Experience Essential
Experience in palliative care Working within or in partnership with multi-professional team
Desirable
Leadership/supervisory experience
Aptitudes and Attributes Essential
Calm and reassuring Ability to give instruction / co-ordinate junior colleagues Ability to take instruction and document events during a shift Sensitive Emotionally strong Reflective Good sense of humour
Qualifications Essential
Nurse Associate Qualification NVQ Level 3 in Health Care English and Maths GCSE/O Level Grade A-C or equivalent
Desirable
Willingness to undertake training Leadership qualification
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Severn Hospice
Address Bicton Heath
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY3 8HS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.severnhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)