Job overview
Are you a caring and compassionate individual with the ability to communicate effectively within a team? Do you enjoy using your initiative and are capable of adapting to change? The Neurosciences outpatient department is looking for an enthusiastic Band 3 Nursing Assistant who thrives both working within a team and individually.
We are looking for a motivated and caring individual who is committed to providing excellent standards of care and creating a positive experience for our patients
Main duties of the job
The primary purpose of this role is to assist in the delivery of fundamental nursing care and clinical duties under the supervision of a registered nurse. Key responsibilities include:
Clinical Care: Carrying out tasks to support direct patient care, including duties such as taking and recording vital signs, heights and weights as well as venepuncture as directed. Within our Neurofibromatosis clinics these duties will also cover paediatric patients.
Specialist Support: Within our Neurofibromatosis clinics clinical duties cover paediatric patients, performing observations, getting height and weight and supporting them within the clinic outside of their appointment
Leadership and Supervision: Supervising and teaching less experienced or new Healthcare Assistants and pre-registration student nurses to ensure patient-focused care.
Operational Support: Maintaining a safe, clean, and pleasant clinical environment, as well as providing administrative and clerical support to the department team as required.
Safety and Risk: Identifying and reporting clinical risks, untoward incidents, or complaints to the department sister or matron in accordance with Trust risk management policies.
Working for our organisation
The Neurosciences outpatient department is based on the 1st floor of Southwark wing in Guys Hospital and caters to patients who are diagnosed with such conditions as Epilepsy, Parkinson's, MS, Headache and Neurofibromatosis.
Within the Neurofibromatosis clinics we also care for patients from childhood through transition and into adulthood. Our Band 3 Nursing Assistants work clinically; taking observations, escalating abnormal results and performing blood tests. They also support patients in the waiting area, getting feedback from patients which will be used for service improvement.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Patient and Customer Care You will provide holistic, high-quality care, supporting patients with meeting their health and wellbeing needs. This includes assisting with activities of daily living like toileting when required, responding to clinical emergencies appropriately, and acting as a patient advocate to safeguard individuals from harm.
Communication and Teamwork Effective communication is vital. You will demonstrate politeness and sensitivity when dealing with patients, relatives, and colleagues. You are expected to participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and working cohesively to ensure the best services are provided at all times. You must immediately inform a registered nurse if asked to perform a task outside of your training or capacity.
Resource and Information Management You will ensure the effective use of resources by adhering to departmental procedures for supplies and equipment. This includes assisting with restocking and the maintenance of equipment. You will utilize relevant IT systems and the Trust intranet to support patient care and professional development,
Personal and Professional Development Adhering to the National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers is mandatory. You will participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan (PDR) schemes, identifying your own learning needs and attending mandatory training as required. You should be flexible in your approach to the clinical area and willing to work flexible shift patterns
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Evidence of general education Functional skills level 2 in numeracy and literacy or GCSE's maths and English grades A-C / grades 4 – 9 or equivalent.
2. Vocational Level 3 in Health care or equivalent qualification in the area of speciality ( Operating Dept. Practice for posts in Theatre)
3. Completion of Care Certificate
Previous Experience
Essential criteria
4. Previous experience of working as a healthcare assistant in a hospital or registered care setting
5. Has a completed venepuncture competency and is confident in carrying out phlebotomy skills
6. Experience of working in an environment with changing demands and priorities
Skills
Essential criteria
7. Able to communicate effectively with staff, colleagues and patients, using a sensitive /sympathetic approach, updating the team and using handover effectively
8. Maintains accurate, timely, concise and legible clinical records both electronic and handwritten which adhere to the Trust’s policies
9. Demonstrate competence in taking, recording and interpreting routine vital signs.
Desirable criteria
10. Knowledge of hospital systems
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.