Health Care Assistant

at  St Josephs Hospice

Job title: Healthcare Assistant Responsible to: Ward Manager / Charge Nurse Responsible for: no one, however the post holder is responsible for performing all the key responsibilities listed here with minimal supervision and for presenting themselves and their work effectively Basic function The post holder will be responsible for the provision of nursing care to palliative care patients and for maintaining a homely, supportive and stimulating in-patient environment in order to improve or sustain, as far as possible, the patients quality of life. The post holder will work as member of the ward team and, with supervision, assist the trained nurse in all aspects of basic nursing care. Key Responsibilities: Patient Care Ensure that the palliative care unit is run in an effective and caring manner in order to promote a happy and secure environment for patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Keep the ward tidy and promote high standards at all times.
Adhere to good infection control practice as per policy. Assist patients with their personal care and advise on health needs within the limits of the role, seeking advice as necessary from members of the multi-disciplinary team Assist in admitting patients to the ward, which includes receiving patients from the ambulance and helping them settle into the ward, offering tea and coffee, orientating to the layout and ward routine. Help patients at mealtimes, in line with their specific needs as identified in the care plan. Take patients to the garden, tea bar, etc.
Ensure at all times the safe custody of patients property, as per St Josephs policy. Maintain a good level of nursing stock and equipment and assist with ordering, advising the registered nurse when these are running low. Sit with dying patients. Escort patients to outpatient appointments and, whilst out, continue to be the patients advocate, particularly if they cannot advocate for themselves.
Understand the safe handling and storage of oxygen. Communication Have good communication skills and be able to use the telephone. Read, familiarise themselves with and follow the prescribed plan of care, writing clearly in the daily nursing reports on care given, and ensuring that the report is countersigned by a registered nurse. Welcome, assist and advise patients relatives and friends, whilst always observing confidentiality.
Provide emotional support to patients, their relatives and friends. Assist patients in their choice of food and, in discussion with the registered nurse and the dietician, advise if their diet / food consistency has to be changed Order patients menu daily from the kitchen. Regularly participate in nursing handover. Occasionally participate in multidisciplinary meetings.
Help new staff to settle into the ward routine. Strategic planning and development Contribute to a comprehensive departmental induction and in-service ongoing training for nursing auxiliaries and volunteers in the in-patient area. Perform last offices when a patient dies, following the patients wishes or beliefs. Take patients to the mortuary when required, with dignity and sensitivity.
Assist other members of the multidisciplinary team, as required, e.g. Physiotherapist, when moving a patient. Be aware of all regulations regarding the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff and report and record all accidents, incidents and complaints to the registered nurse. Attend relevant study days, particularly statutory in-service training.
Bring new knowledge back to the team Personal development Identify your own learning and development needs in order to meet the key requirements of the post. Take responsibility for linking your own development needs with the Hospice appraisal and objective setting process. Take responsibility for your own continuing development by undertaking specific areas of work/projects to develop new skills. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including keeping up-to-date with relevant professional and other developments in HR at local and national levels Engage in supervision to support your personal and professional development.
Equality, diversity and inclusion Comply with and promote St Josephs Hospice Equal Opportunity Policy and avoid any behaviour which discriminates against colleagues, potential employees, patients/clients or their families on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, age, belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion, disability, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation. Mission & core values All Hospice staff are expected to work in line with St Josephs Mission & Core Values as these precepts act as a value base which directly influence how all work activities are undertaken. The ethos of the Hospice should be apparent in the behaviours and attitudes of all employees as the work they undertake, whether it is direct or indirect, care is ultimately for the benefit of patients. The Mission and Core Values are an integral part of all job descriptions, the probationary period and performance and development reviews.
(Full details attached). Environment and sustainability Comply with and promote the Hospices environmental policies, which stem from our core values. Promote environmentally sustainable practice and development and avoid any behaviour, which undermines environmentally sustainable practice and development throughout the Hospice services and departments. Health, safety and welfare Ensure a safe working environment and be aware of responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, taking appropriate action in the event of an accident to patients, staff, self or any other person in the work area.
St Josephs Hospice operates a no smoking policy

Please refer the Job description for details