Job summary
As a vital member of our team, we know that you are often the first person our patients talk with and trust. As such, we are offering you development and support through your care certificate. You will be expected to complete the National Care Certificate within 12 weeks of commencement (if full time). There are also opportunities for further development.
If you are 18 or over and can show empathy and understanding whilst maintaining patient’s self-respect and dignity, we would like to hear from you, previous experience of working in care is not essential.
PLEASE NOTE:
You will be expected to be able to work a variety of shifts, including long days, long nights, weekends and public holidays.
When you come for assessment you will be required to undertake a literacy and numeracy test. This test is necessary in order to ensure you meet the requirements of apprenticeship study at a later date. The test can be challenging and we recommend that you review your English and Maths knowledge prior to completing this
Main duties of the job
We are looking for enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated individuals who are committed to delivering a high standard of patient care on our busy but friendly wards. You will be involved in a variety of duties such as bathing, toileting and the monitoring of patient observations.
To assist in the delivery of patient/client care and participate in the safe and effective management of the nursing services under the supervision of registered nurses and midwives.
The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will contribute in a variety of activities of patient/client care to the level of experience and assessed competence that he/she has acquired. The service users come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and the Health Care Assistant must be able to communicate effectively.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see full job description attached
You will at all times work under the supervision of the Registered Nurse/Midwife in charge of the shift and will be accountable to the Registered Nurse/Midwife you are working with and to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/midwife of the ward/department
You will work to the level of your experience, assessed competence and skills acquired within the post.
You will require immediate and direct supervision in areas of unfamiliar work. You should not undertake any task that you are unfamiliar with.
MAIN DUTIES:
COMMUNICATION:
Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records
Ensure clarity in communicating with patients/clients and their relatives as well as other team members and in answering questions within the sphere of ones own knowledge. Report changes in patients condition to the registered nurse/midwife on duty and participate in shift hand over to ensure effective continuity of care.
Contribute to the ongoing support of patients/clients and others significant to them, enabling patients/clients to maintain their interests, identity and emotional well-being. Welcome patients/clients, their families and other visitors to the ward/department. Introduce them to the facilities and services provided.
Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.
Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSING/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE
Assist with admitting, discharging, transferring and escorting patients, clients, mothers and babies in line with Trust policies, e.g. escort guidelines. Once training and assessment of competence is obtained carrying out tasks and planned care as designated by a registered nurse/midwife, e.g. baseline observations, bathing and toileting.
Contribute to the promotion of equality for all individuals by supporting anti-discriminatory practice, patient/client choice and acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity.
Maintain personal and organizational standards of health, safety and security, e.g. following the uniform policy.
Appropriately respond in the event of a health/clinical emergency e.g. cardiac arrest.
MANAGEMENT:
Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.
Undertake general clerical duties that may be associated with the smooth running of the ward/department/area. This will include data entry following training.
Assist in the maintenance of ward/department equipment and stock levels, e.g. equipment, linen, catering supplies, HSDU, etc.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Identify and report any untoward incident/accident, problem and risk as soon as possible to the nurse/midwife in charge.
TEAM WORKING
Participate as a member of the team in fulfilling ward/departmental administrative, clerical and housekeeping duties as designated by the ward sister, e.g. booking transport, appointments, maintaining patients records, requisitions etc.
Participate, with all team members, in maintaining and monitoring standards and assisting with audits. Help to identify potential improvements within the environment.
Contribute to the team as an active member, always demonstrating a flexible and co-operative approach
CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
Maintain high standards of care ensuring that all procedures and guidelines are followed.
Following training and assessment of competence undertake practical tasks as designated by a registered nurse/midwife. With your mentor, you will be required to complete individual Skills profile.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Understand own limitations and know where to find advice and assistance.
Be self motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills
With assistance identify own training needs and limitations and actively participate with training and attend relevant training sessions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
- Willingness to undertake an apprenticeship
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2/3 or an Apprenticeship in Care
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable evidence of working with people
Desirable
- Experience as a care giver
Skills/Attributes
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to work in team
- Understanding the role of the Health Care Assistant
Desirable
- Experience of working in an acute enviroment as a Healthcare Assistant
Communication Skills
Desirable
- Able to keep clear and accurate written records
- Able to communicate clearly with a variety of people
- Good interpersonal skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Closing Date: 11 May 2023
