Job Description
Job overview We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Health Care Assistant to join our team on ward 14. We are a 32 bedded complex care ward. You will be working as part of a team with experienced nurses to provide a high standard of specialised care to patients including assessments, planning, implementing and evaluating all care needs. We are proud that the team's continued diligence and high standards of performance have enabled us to achieve a gold status during recent accreditation. We remain committed to the patients on our ward who continue to be looked after in a safe, clean and caring environment. Main duties of the job We are looking for enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated individuals who are committed to delivering a high standard of patient care on our busy but friendly Ward 14. As a Healthcare Assistant you will be a valued member of the team and support our Nurses to look after our patients. You will be involved in a variety of duties such as bathing, toileting and the monitoring of patient observations.As a vital member of our team, we know that you are often the first person our patients talk with and trust. We want to be able to support you in this role and help you develop. As such, we are offering you development and support through your care certificate. You will be expected to complete the National Care Certificate within 12 weeks of commencement (if full time). There are also opportunities for further development.When you come for assessment you will be required to undertake a literacy and numeracy test. This test is necessary in order to ensure you meet the requirements of apprenticeship study at a later date. The test can be challenging and we recommend that you review your English and Maths knowledge prior to completing this. This post is subject to the successful completion of a probationary period of 6 months within which the notice period for both you and Bedford Hospital is four weeks. Working for our organisation Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job. Detailed job description and main responsibilities MAIN DUTIES:COMMUNICATION:4 Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records5 Ensure clarity in communicating with patients/clients and their relatives as well as other team members and in answering questions within the sphere of ones own knowledge. Report changes in patients’ condition to the registered nurse/midwife on duty and participate in shift hand over to ensure effective continuity of care.6 Contribute to the ongoing support of patients/clients and others significant to them, enabling patients/clients to maintain their interests, identity and emotional well-being.7 Welcome patients/clients, their families and other visitors to the ward/department. Introduce them to the facilities and services provided.8 Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.9 Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSING/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE10 Assist with admitting, discharging, transferring and escorting patients, clients, mothers and babies in line with Trust policies, e.g. escort guidelines.11 Once training and assessment of competence is obtained carrying out tasks and planned care as designated by a registered nurse/midwife, e.g. baseline observations, bathing and toileting.12 Contribute to the promotion of equality for all individuals by supporting anti-discriminatory practice, patient/client choice and acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity.13 Maintain personal and organizational standards of health, safety and security, e.g. following the uniform policy.14 Appropriately respond in the event of a health/clinical emergency e.g. cardiac arrest.MANAGEMENT:15 Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.16 Undertake general clerical duties that may be associated with the smooth running of the ward/department/area. This will include data entry following training.17 Assist in the maintenance of ward/department equipment and stock levels, e.g. equipment, linen, catering supplies, HSDU, etc.PROBLEM SOLVING18 Identify and report any untoward incident/accident, problem and risk as soon as possible to the nurse/midwife in charge.TEAM WORKING19 Participate as a member of the team in fulfilling ward/departmental administrative, clerical and housekeeping duties as designated by the ward sister, e.g. booking transport, appointments, maintaining patient’s records, requisitions etc.20 Participate, with all team members, in maintaining and monitoring standards and assisting with audits. Help to identify potential improvements within the environment.21 Contribute to the team as an active member, always demonstrating a flexible andco-operative approachCLINICAL DEVELOPMENT22 Maintain high standards of care ensuring that all procedures and guidelines are followed.23 Following training and assessment of competence undertake practical tasks as designated by a registered nurse/midwife. With your mentor, you will be required to complete individual ‘Skills profile’.PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT24 Understand own limitations and know where to find advice and assistance.25 Be self motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills26 With assistance identify own training needs and limitations and actively participate with training and attend relevant training sessions.ORGANISATION CHART:Director of Nursing↓Associate Director of Nursing↓Divisional Matron↓Lead NurseSenior Sister/ Charge Nurse (Band 7)↓Sister / Charge Nurse (Band 6)↓Registered Nurses (Band 5)↓Pre-Registration NurseAssistant Nurse Practitioner↓Student Nurse↓Health Care Assistant Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Educated to GCSE level or equivalentWillingness to undertake an apprenticeship Desirable criteria NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care Experience Essential criteria Demonstrable evidence of working with people Desirable criteria Experience as a care giver Skills/Attributes Essential criteria Demonstrable ability to work in teamUnderstanding the role of the Health Care Assistant Desirable criteria Experience of working in an acute enviroment as a Healthcare Assistant Communication Skills Desirable criteria Able to keep clear and accurate written recordsAble to communicate clearly with a variety of peopleGood interpersonal skills Applicant requirements This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.