Health care Assistant

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Ensure safe and effective clinical practice

Assist registered nurses/health care professionals in the delivery of individualised holistic patient care. Work will be guided by standard operating procedures, protocols, systems of work and policies.

Ensure that consent is obtained prior to delivering all aspects of patient care.

Involve relatives / carers in the delivery of care interacting with them helpfully and in a friendly manner providing information as appropriate

Ensure care is delivered with compassion and respect to all patients.

Work with the multi-disciplinary team, and contribute to the prevention of patient harm by participating in risk assessments e.g. pressure ulcer development, falls, nutrition etc.

Ensure privacy and dignity are maintained at all times and protect confidential information

Assist patients with all care as delegated by the registered nurse/health care professional.

Safely and accurately measure and record patients’ physiological observations e.g. pulse, respirations, blood pressure and temperature, escalating and reporting to the registered nurse/health care professional responsible for the patient’s care.

Safely and accurately measure and record blood glucose levels, reporting to the registered nurse / health care professional responsible for the patient’s care.

Accurately document any observations and care provided in the appropriate record informing the registered nurse to whom you have been delegated care, of your actions.

Safely and accurately undertake urinalysis, record the results, and report to the registered nurse or doctor accountable for the patient’s care.

Safely obtain samples (blood, urine, stool, sputum, etc.) in accordance with Infection Prevention policies, guidelines and clinical practices, ensuring accurate completion and verification of patient information.

Safely transport samples to the laboratories in a timely and professional manner.

Respond to patient questions and report back to assist in patient care evaluation

Ensure that appropriate moving and handling techniques and equipment are used when manual handling.

Report back any relevant information to the registered nurse accountable for the patient’s care.

2. Enhancing the patient experience

Make the care of people your first concern, ensuring the patient has a positive experience whilst in your care

Answer the telephone in a courteous and professional manner, accurately taking messages and informing the relevant person(s).

Respond appropriately to patient concerns and questions raised escalating to the accountable registered nurse / health care professional for the patient.

Maintain a clean and safe environment for staff, patients and visitors ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and protocols including health and safety and healthcare associated infection prevention.

Ensure clinical areas are appropriately stocked against agreed levels, including storage areas and medical equipment.

Comply with Health and Safety Regulations and to report accidents / untoward incidents / hazards / unsafe equipment to the nurse in charge / registered practitioner immediately, utilising the incident reporting system.

3. Professional behaviour

Act in a courteous and helpful manner at all times ensuring practical delivery of compassionate care respecting others, including the care of deceased patients and their families

Maintain professional carer behaviour at all times as an employee of the Trust and therefore representative of our values and beliefs including the objectives of the Trust

Work towards’ healthcare support workers’ registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as and when this is established.

Ensure your practice is supervised by a registered nurse health care professional / who remains accountable for the delivery of care.

Demonstrate self-directed development and practice

4. Contribution to the delivery of the organisation’s objectives

To attend mandatory training and such courses / lectures / in-service training, as indicated by the needs of the service and own personal development, as indicated at appraisal and within personal development plan (PDP).

To be familiar with, and comply with all appropriate Trust policies and procedures.

At all times maintain a professional image and comply with the Trust’s Dress Code Policy.

At all times act in a professional manner, to uphold the reputation of the profession and the organisation.

To undertake any other duties as may be required to meet the needs of the service within the limitations of the grade for the post