Health Care Assistant (Band 3)

Vacancy at The Mary Stevens Hospice

Health Care Assistant (Band 3)

Salary £ 16,112.14 (based on 24 hours per week)

The Mary Stevens Hospice, 221 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, DY8 2JR.

Details

The Healthcare Assistant (Band 3) will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to provide compassionate, person-centred care to patients with life-limiting illness in the hospice in-patient unit. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the post holder will support patients with their personal care, comfort and wellbeing, while maintaining dignity, respect and privacy at all times.

The role involves supporting patients’ physical, emotional and psychological needs, assisting with clinical observations and care activities, and contributing to a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for patients, families and visitors.

·  To assist patients with their holistic care needs as identified in their care plan.

·  To carry out aspects of patient care within their competency level (as identified in Higher Level HCA Competency Document) unsupervised but with the advice of qualified nursing staff e.g. simple dressings, observations, urinalysis.

• Support patients with nutrition and hydration, including assisting with meals and drinks
• Promote dignity, respect and emotional wellbeing at all times
• Observe and report changes in patients’ condition or behaviour to the Registered Nurse
• Provide emotional support to patients and others, including family members, carers etc.
• To escort patients within the hospice and to other locations where considered safe (including home, hospital etc) and to undertake patient moving and handling in line with hospice policy

• Carry out delegated clinical tasks within competence and training
• Support and adhere to infection prevention and control practices
• Assist with moving and handling in accordance with training and policy

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, colleagues and the wider multidisciplinary team
• Contribute to handovers, team meetings and discussions
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with hospice policy

·   The post holder will work as part of the In-patient Unit nursing team but may be required to work in our Day Services Centre at times.

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients and visitors
• Ensure equipment is used safely, cleaned appropriately and stored correctly
• Report accidents, incidents, risks or concerns accurately and promptly

• Work within the boundaries of the role and under the direction of a Registered Nurse
• Uphold hospice values of care, compassion and kindness, policies, procedures

·   Assessment of patients’ needs and priorities of care by using the Holistic Assessment tool.

·    Engage in active communication with patients to facilitate advanced care planning.

·   Developing plans of care with patients and with the advice of qualified staff, delivering care within their level of competency and evaluating care during each shift.

·   May be required to change patient’s dressings in line with their established wound care plan under the instructions of the qualified nurse.

·   Assisting patients with personal care and elimination needs, including care of indwelling catheters.

·   Assisting with patient’s nutrition, ensuring individual needs are met in terms of diet, preferences, and clinical condition and to be actively involved with use of the nutrition risk assessment tool.

·  Giving reassurance and comfort by establishing a good relationship with patients, carers and other healthcare staff whilst maintaining dignity, privacy, and confidence always.

·   To support patients in the expression of their spiritual care needs, completing a spiritual care assessment and liaising with the Spiritual Care Lead and volunteers where appropriate and with patients consent.

·   To share responsibility for one of the following areas along with the relevant registered nurse: Nutrition; Infection Control: Tissue Viability; Manual Handling and Patient Experience. (This may be on a rotation basis if more than 1 person is interested in each area) - 

·   To undertake the role of second checker of medication, if trained and assessed competent to do so, including controlled drugs, working alongside a qualified nurse in order for the symptom management of patients to be optimized. 

·   To be actively involved with audit throughout the hospice

·    Participate in mandatory training, supervision, appraisal and personal development 

• Work in accordance with health and safety policies to protect patients, visitors and colleagues
• Be aware of own wellbeing and access support when needed, recognising the emotional impact of hospice care

• Patient and/or staff information is confidential. It is the condition of The Mary Stevens Hospice employment that you will not use or disclose any confidential information obtained.

·    To be proficient in operating IT systems and use information systems to generate reports for analysis and performance to aid decision making.

·    Champion safe information governance within the organisation.

·    To work within the policies, procedures, codes of practice and clinical guidelines of The Mary Stevens Hospice and professional bodies.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and is subject to review and change, along with reasonable requests to carry out other duties that assist in the smooth operation of the hospice. 

NVQ level 2 direct care or equivalent experience

NVQ level 3 direct care Palliative care training relevant to the role.

Essential

Good communication skills

Good numeracy and literary skills

Working within a specialist palliative care setting

Communication skills training

Knowledge of hospice care and palliative care

The ability to work as part of a team and able to self-direct, working without direct supervision

Compassionate, caring and respectful approach

Reliability, flexibility and a professional attitude

Calm under pressure and able to respond to challenging situations

Willingness to learn and develop within the role

Experience of supporting individuals throughout, or preparing for, loss and grief

• Flexibility to work shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays

·  This post is subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment checks.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave 27 days plus bank holidays starting entitlement.
Enhanced Sick Pay entitlement.
Employee Assistance Programme
Blue Light Card discounts.
Free car parking
Supporting the local community.

Notes

We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are happy to provide support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.