Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Patient Care Duties

·        Under the direction of the Registered Healthcare Professional, provide high quality personalised care in accordance with agreed local and national standards using a wide range of skills.

·        Achieve and maintain core and specific competencies as per HCSW Development pathway and agreed by manager.

·        Participate in the admission, transfer and discharge of patients under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

·        Assist in all aspects of personal hygiene and toileting needs of patients.

·        Assist with the service of meals and support patients who may need assistance with eating and drinking in line with their plan of care.

·        Assist with the safe moving, handling and mobilisation of patients ensuring that care plans are followed to minimise risk. 

·        Communicate effectively with kindness, warmth and compassion recognising when there are barriers to communication where support may be required.

·        Act as a patient and staff advocate, escalating concerns and challenging poor behaviour or practice appropriately.

·        Maintain accurate records of care within area of responsibility.

·        Observe and report any changes in a patient’s condition to the Nurse in Charge identifying and reports patient needs not included in the care plan.

·        Involve patients and carers/relatives in delivery of care.

·        Provide reassurance and support to patients, carers/family.

·        Support the maintenance and cleanliness of the clinical environment by attending to general tidiness of the area including unpacking and storage of stock deliveries. Report any estates issues appropriately.

·        Support clinical teams to fulfil cleaning responsibilities as identified in the National Cleaning Standards framework.

·        Assist and contribute to the movement and treatment of patients to achieve physical comfort and minimise the adverse effects of pressure according to the plan of care.

·        Contribute to minimising the effects of disruptive abusive behaviour and the protection of individuals from abuse.

·        To answer the telephone and relay messages appropriately.

·        In the absence of administrative support, support administrative functions as directed by the nurse in charge.

·        Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.

·        Assist with the induction of new Health Care Support Workers

·        Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.

·        Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources and contribute ideas to cost improvement programmes.

·        Report any incidents, concerns, complaints or accidents to the Nurse in Charge completing adverse incident forms as required.

·        Attend and participate in team/ward/department meetings.

·        Support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of patients, carers and families.

·        To ensure that no action or omission on your part is detrimental to the condition, safety, well-being and interest of the patients.