REPORT TO                    Ward Manager

DEPARTMENT               In-patient Unit

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.

 

·   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.

 

 

·   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 

 

 

 

·    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. 

 

Essential
NVQ level 2 direct care or equivalent experience   
Desirable
NVQ level 3 direct care  Palliative care training relevant to the role.

Skills/Experience
Essential
Experience of caring for patients’ holistic needs   
Good communication skills
Good numeracy and literary skills
Desirable
Working within a specialist palliative care setting
Communication skills training

Interests and Motivation to the job
Essential
Knowledge of hospice care and palliative care

Personal Qualities
Essential
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

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

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