Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Elimination

In accordance with the individual care plan, support patients to meet their elimination needs by:

Assisting patients to use the appropriate toilet facilities regularly.

Changing clothing/bedding and cleaning if patient is incontinent.

Performing / assisting the patient to perform catheter care, stoma site care.

Maintaining a safe environment

Contribute to the provision of a safe environment for patients by:

Ensuring ward / departmental equipment is cleaned and well maintained and report any required repairs required in line with Trust policy.

Adhering to any patient isolation requirements

Safely disposing of blood and blood products, and sharps.

Cleaning up spillages, washing beds/tables/lockers/chairs in the absence of the ward /department domestic and between patients.

Contribute to the resuscitation of a patient by performing basic CPR following appropriate training.

 Communication

Support effective communication by:

Answering telephone and personal enquiries in a clear, polite and professional manner, taking messages and referring calls or enquiries as appropriate, ensuring strict confidentiality at all times in line with Trust policy.

Participating in meetings as required.

Supporting the transfer of patients to other wards and departments with the appropriate documentation.

Communication with patients about the times of tests, at the request of a registered nurse

Participating in discussions with the Registered Nurse when evaluating patient care.

Documenting patient care, in line with Trust policy, as and when provided, ensuring that this is discussed with and countersigned by a registered Nurse.

Provide clear verbal updates to members of the multi-disciplinary team relating to patient care.

 In accordance with the individual care plan, support patients who are undergoing intravenous therapy or wound care by:

 General observation of an infusion site (peripheral, central and subcutaneous), reporting findings.

Performing simple wound dressings that are non-aseptic.

Contribute to the registered Nurse assessment of a patient by undertaking the following observations and reporting findings to the registered Nurse:

Temperature

Pulse

Blood Pressure – manual and electronic

Respirations

Peak Expiratory flow rate

Oxygen saturation levels

Check and use trust blood glucose monitoring equipment to measure and record patient’s blood sugar following appropriate training.

Weighing patients

Capillary Blood Sugars (Blood sugar monitoring)

Urine output

Contribute to the registered Nurse Assessment of a patient by undertaking the following assessment and reporting all findings to the registered Nurse:

Undertake patient at risk observations and scoring, escalating as per protocol

Undertake mouth care assessment

Undertake nutritional scoring

Undertake Waterlow scoring

Undertake falls assessment

Undertake moving and handling assessment

MRSA Screening

Contribute to the registered Nurse assessment of a patient by undertaking the following tests and reporting findings to the registered Nurse/Midwife.

Undertake urinalysis

Obtain Mid-Stream Urine specimens and Catheter Specimens of Urine

Undertake Pregnancy testing (urine only) and report findings

Collect specimens via invasive swabs as and when requested by a registered nurse/midwife/AHP; i.e., urine, faeces, sputum and wound. Pack and label same.

Undertake phlebotomy and cannulation as directed by the RN

Ward Administration Housekeeping

Support the general day to day administration of the ward by:

Putting away linen and stock items when delivered to the area.

Reporting and recording any potential hazards and equipment repairs.

Caring for patient’s property and clothing particularly dentures, hearing aids and glasses.

 Personal

Attend mandatory study sessions and training associated with the maintenance of the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the role.

Participate in the staff appraisal process

Provide a safe environment for the safety and welfare of patients, visitors and staff by ensuring compliance with:

Health and Safety at Work Act

Fire Prevention Management

Infection Control procedures

Risk Management

COSHH

Mandatory Training

 Workforce

Works under the direct supervision and direction of Registered Nurses

Acts as a role model to other Health Care Assistants

Works in close collaboration with all members of ward/department-based teams

Financial

Has awareness of the costs of all locally held non pay items.

Supports the appropriate use of all ward non-pay items.

Partakes in all relevant Cost Improvement programmes. Identifying and reporting where cost savings that do not compromise patient care can be made.

Partnerships

To liaise with and facilitate effective communication within the multi-disciplinary team.

To act as a role model to other staff, providing informal education and support for them in their provision of care to all outpatients.

 General

To demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development through performance review, clinical supervision and continuing education.

To complete mandatory training, as determined by the Trust.

To personally adhere to all Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Policies and Procedures.

To be able to use ward level IT packages.

To regularly work with body fluids

May be exposed to violence and aggression from patients, carers or visitors

Will be required to support patients who require enhanced care levels, perhaps due to confusion or risk of falling

Will be exposed to bereavement and bereaved carers, and may be required to support them emotionally

Will be frequently required to move and handle patients and objectives.

Role is generally predictable, but will require the postholder to respond to unexpected clinical situations