About this role
Job summary Would you like to develop your skills and knowledge in palliative an end-of-life care? We have an opportunity for a Bank Senior Healthcare Assistant role in our Bedded Unit Team. We are particularly looking for applicants who would be willing to offer the full range of shift cover, including night shifts
Main duties of the job Our nursing team are proud to support and care for patients and their families at their most difficult and vulnerable time. Our highly committed multi-disciplinary team of staff and volunteers, work seamlessly together to provide care of the highest standard.
Our bedded unit receives referrals for patients needing support for various reasons including symptom control, rehabilitation following treatment or care in the last days of life. Our specialist medical team provides round the clock care and support to our patients in the comfort of a welcoming and homely environment. We are fortunate to have time to spend with our patients to really understand what is important to them and plan their care accordingly
About us
Working for us is awesome! Benefits include:
An excellent working environment (& beautiful outside areas)
Regular Wellbeing events
The opportunity to give us your feedback on how we can improve as an organisation
Job description Job responsibilities
Assisting with a range of patient care duties under the indirect supervision of registered staff
Assisting in the provision of high-quality palliative care for patients and their relatives and carers
Assisting with care which encompasses the physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of patients and their family members
Assisting patients to maintain all aspects of daily living activities and, where appropriate, promote and facilitate patients to develop independence in accordance with individual programmes of care as delegated by registered nursing staff
Maintaining patient skin integrity, updating pressure ulcer risk assessment tools that have been completed initially by a Registered Nurse, as well as escalating any change in risk level or changes to skin appearance that require assessment from a Registered Nurse.
Assisting patients with eating and drinking, including supporting patients with enteral feeding regimes, according to training and competency Updating eating and drinking assessments and sharing information appropriately with the Catering team
Assisting and assessing patients elimination needs including continence, catheter and stoma care, considering alternative management plans in collaboration with the Registered Nurse where identified
Helping with non-pharmacological approaches to maintain patient comfort and managing symptoms, e.g. comfort rounds and re-positioning, mouth care, listening and reassuring
Demonstrating a knowledge of, and carrying out care and clinical procedures and clinical observations etc. that are consistent with Diploma in Health and Social Level 3 or equivalent
Providing patients with complementary therapies where workload allows and in accordance with training and competency, ensuring documentation is completed following any therapies provided
Assisting with last offices when required
Acting as second checker for controlled drugs administration following training and competency being achieved
Supporting the Registered Nurse in the admission process by completing individualised core care plans and eating and drinking assessments according to training and competence
Supporting the Registered Nurse in staff competency training / assessments in moving and handling, blood glucose monitoring, pressure ulcer risk assessments and Display Screen Equipment assessments
Working closely with Registered Nurses in a link nurse role, assisting with training, audits and service development for areas of special interest
Taking an active role in training on the electronic healthcare record system for any Healthcare Assistants who are new to the team
Supporting bereaved people with advice and signposting to relevant services following the death of their friend / relative Carrying out aspects of technical care following appropriate training with accurate record keeping, e.g. clinical tasks such as:
Taking and recording vital signs. i.e. temperature, pulse, and respiration rate
Urine testing and obtaining specimens
Blood glucose monitoring
Venepuncture
Wound care
Basic foot care including nail trimming and filing
Maintaining appropriate sensitive, caring and tactful relationships with patients, families and carers
Ensuring valid consent is gained before all aspects of care are delivered and understanding how the Mental Capacity Act is implemented when patients are unable to give valid consent
Supporting patients, and their family members, as they approach end-of life and at time of bereavement Informing Registered Nurses of any significant changes in patients condition and familys needs
Supervising, where appropriate, less experienced Healthcare Assistants who might be new to the team, welcoming them and help them learn the role of the HCA and North Devon Hospice
Ensuring that confidentiality of information is maintained at all times and in compliance with GDPR Developing and sustaining a good working partnership with your colleagues, other health care professionals and external agencies
Providing all care within the boundaries of your own clinical competencies as delegated by a Registered Nurse and working to the standards set out in the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social care Workers in England (Skills for Health 2013)
Maintaining accurate and timely paper and electronic records of patient care delivered in accordance with guidance and training provided
Working with and supporting voluntary staff in the provision of care as directed Following training, and in accordance with level of competency, updating patient moving and handling assessments, escalating any concerns to the Registered Nurse / Occupational Therapist/ Physio Working alongside the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist to plan goals and activities where appropriate rehabilitative treatment is identified. In the absence of the therapists, continuing plans of care to promote success of set goals Supporting the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist with fact finding for home environment to support early identification of equipment needs on discharge
Assisting patients with engaging in activities that they find enjoyable and meaningful
Assisting with manual handling activity, in the effective and safe use of aids, escalating any need for re-assessment by the Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist Being aware of, and complying with all manner of North Devon Hospice policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines alongside observing a personal duty of care when using equipment or handling patients valuables for example Undertaking other duties as may be required, and which are consistent with the responsibilities of the post, learning new skills associated with the role
Engaging with and contributing to clinical supervision sessions, and providing evidence of attendance
Utilising hospice resources efficiently keeping waste to a minimum
Engaging in clerical and housekeeping duties as directed
Ensuring that you follow good infection control practice at all times and that you are familiar with infection control policies, procedures, and guidance relevant to your area of work
Understanding your role in the safeguarding of adults and children by being able to identify risks, and recognise signs of harm, abuse or neglect including how to report concerns and take immediate action to protect a person at risk of harm or abuse
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a health or social care setting Experience and knowledge of working with patients at end of life Experience of working directly with patients, families and carers Experience of delivering personal care and assisting with activities of daily living Experience of contributing to the development of a service
Qualifications Essential
A good standard of education including Maths and English GCSE at Level 4 or above (or equivalent) Level 3 NVQ in Care or Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship
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 North Devon Hospice
Address North Devon Hospice
Barnstaple
Devon
EX32 0HU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)