Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Health Care Assistant in The Respiratory Department. The post holder will join our dedicated and friendly team on Ward 2C at Whiston Hospital. Ward 2C is a 33 bedded medical ward specialising in Respiratory Medicine. The ward receives patients from Clinics, Accident and Emergency, and the Medical Assessment Unit. The post holder is expected to rotate to both days and nights and be flexible in caring for a group of patients. The post holder will deliver care of the highest standard and work closely with other members of the multi-disciplinary team. The ability to work as part of a team is essential.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Work as part of a team; duties will be delegated by the registered healthcare professional.
* Act within the scope of training and competence; know who to ask for help if unsure.
* Work within agreed ways of working, following relevant Trust standards, policies and protocols.
* Communicate compassionately and effectively with individuals and their families, carers and health care practitioners, maintaining confidentiality and using tact, empathy, persuasion and reassurance.
* Observe, assess and respond to patients’ personal care needs; escalate concerns to nursing staff as required.
* Organise self in general work tasks or when delivering patient care with supervision where needed from Senior Health Care Assistant and/or nursing staff.
* Undertake personal care duties and support activities of daily living, e.g. mouth care, personal hygiene, and toileting needs, demonstrating person-centred care.
* Safely deliver care duties including manoeuvring patient equipment (such as hoists and wheelchairs).
* Under supervision of a registered healthcare practitioner, undertake delegated procedures within the limits of training and competence (e.g. patient moving and handling, and providing personal care).
* Support patients with feeding, diet and nutritional needs; accurately record intake and output; notice and report changes to nursing staff.
* Ensure patient property is managed as per Trust policy.
* Monitor levels of supplies and order supplies for the department as appropriate.
* Demonstrate duties to new starters and contribute to the learning environment.
* Work in line with Trust policies and procedures; contribute to maintaining a safe, healthy working environment.
* Follow duty of care principles, acting in the best interest of individuals to prevent harm.
* Work in partnership with the individual, their carers/families and the wider healthcare team.
* Maintain and develop your own skills and knowledge; participate in appraisal and development activities.
* Participate in team handovers.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Completion of Trust Care Certificate within 4 months of appointment
* Basic literacy and numeracy skills
Desirable criteria
* NVQ level 2 Health and Social Care or equivalent
* Care Certificate (equivalent to level 1)
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of personal care and related procedures
* Experience of working in a team
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in a patient care/health related role
Skills
Essential criteria
* Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats
* Good interpersonal skills
* Able to work within a team
* Able to accept direction and guidance
* Aware of own limitations
* Flexible in working hours
* Ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively
* Flexible, adaptable and responsive to change
* Reliable and professional
* Ability to cope in stressful and challenging situations
* Inclusive and non-judgmental
* Punctual, motivated and committed
* Demonstrates Trust values
* Basic IT skills
Other essential criteria
* Frequent, moderate effort for several short periods during shifts such as manual handling and personal care
* Occasional concentration with few competing demands for attention
* Aware that resilience to distressing situations is necessary while maintaining compassionate care
* Aware of access to staff health and wellbeing support
* Occasional exposure to distressing situations including end-of-life care/care after death
* Able to carry out direct personal care as required on ward/department
* Frequent exposure to blood or body fluids
* Occasional exposure to patients with challenging behaviours
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Health Care Provider
Industries
* Hospitals and Health Care
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