Overview
The Health Care Support Worker (In-Patient Unit) role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook, led by the Ward Manager and reporting to the Director of Care. Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per annum (FTE), dependent on experience. Closing Date: 13 October 2025. Interview Dates: 22 and 23 October 2026.
Role Type: Working in the In-Patient Unit, providing direct patient care under the supervision of a first or second level Registered Nurse and assisting in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and order on the unit.
Requirements: NVQ3 or equivalent and demonstrated experience in a Palliative Care environment. Shift Pattern: Week 1 – Monday and Saturday; Week 2 – Monday and Sunday; Week 3 – Monday; Week 4 – Monday and Sunday.
Main duties of the job
* Provide a high-quality nursing service to patients and their relatives by following set policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
* Assist qualified staff with general and specific care of patients within hospice guidelines.
* Assist the trained nurse with the administration of medicines as required.
* Efficiently undertake duties requested by the qualified nurses.
* Be flexible to work within other Sisters Teams according to patient dependency as directed by the Nurse Co-ordinator.
* Report any observed deterioration or abnormalities in patients to the Nurse Co-ordinator/Team Leader.
* Keep the unit and associated areas neat and tidy.
* Suggest ideas to improve patient care or quality of life and bring them to the attention of the Sister.
* Report any concerns related to inappropriate patient care to the Nurse Co-ordinator/Team Leader.
* Demonstrate courtesy and consideration to patients, relatives and visitors.
* Ensure patients’ dietary/hydration needs are met.
* Care for deceased patients by administering last offices and ensuring safe and timely removal of the body from the hospice.
* Record information in patient case notes and report relevant information at shift changeover; written reports must be countersigned by the trained nurse on duty.
* Under supervision of the Registered Nurse, plan and update care plans as appropriate.
* Perform clinical observations (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations) and report abnormalities.
* Take a blood glucose sample as part of routine measurements and record accordingly.
* Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, perform simple aseptic dressings.
* Complete drug competency workbook and participate in training related to medicines administration.
* Report enquiries/conversations with patients/relatives to the Nurse Co-ordinator/Team Leader; refer uncertainties to the Nurse Co-ordinator/Team Leader.
* Record and relay messages by telephone with courtesy and consideration.
* Establish and maintain effective communication with multi-disciplinary teams within the Hospice and the community.
* Communicate effectively with patients, carers and the bereaved to establish trusting relationships; offer emotional support as appropriate and refer to Registered Nurses when needed.
* Contribute to bereavement care and report any concerns related to risk assessment to the Registered Nurses.
* Complete mandatory and statutory training (e.g., Manual Handling, Health & Safety, Infection Control, Fire Safety).
* Act to safeguard children and vulnerable adults; report concerns to a senior manager.
* Maintain security of the building out of hours and ensure safe storage/use of hazardous substances per COSHH regulations.
* Ensure equipment is clean, in good working order, and report defects; report health and safety hazards to the Nurse Co-ordinator.
* Adhere to the Staff Handbook procedures for patient care and participate in induction programs for new staff.
* Undertake any training necessary for professional development and upskilling as identified in annual appraisals; attend relevant training for medicines and safety (CPR, fire drills) and participate in meetings.
Person Specification
Experience, knowledge and qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent; experience as a Health Care Support Worker in clinical settings; basic nursing care skills.
* Aware of coping strategies; ability to work in a large team; adaptability to changing situations; initiative; excellent interpersonal skills.
* Good written and verbal communication with diplomatic clarity; good report writing and presentation skills with computer literacy.
* Aware of palliative care principles and philosophy.
Other
* Undertake duties reasonably required within the scope of the role.
* This job description is not exhaustive; duties broadly in line with key responsibilities may be required.
* Rowans Hospice is committed to equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination; all employees follow the Code of Conduct and comply with policies. Training and safety responsibilities apply to relevant roles.
* This post may be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in line with policy.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS check may be necessary to check for any previous convictions.
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