Apprentice Healthcare Assistant - Cardiology

Job overview

14 month  Fixed Term Contract - Apprenticeship

We welcome applications from individuals wishing to become an Apprentice and gain experience in the NHS.  You will develop new skills and knowledge whilst working with an established team gaining valuable work experience and a recognised apprenticeship qualification. You will be enrolled with a local education provider and will be required to complete your Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard  qualification within the duration of the placement.

Are you looking for a new challenge?  This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the Cardiology team as an Apprentice Healthcare Assistant.

Our department encompasses an 8 bedded Coronary Care Unit which is the PPCI Centre for Norfolk, 37 bedded acute Cardiology Ward, Cardiac Elective Area and Angiography suite. Our center provides some of the latest Cardiology interventions in our 5 Cath Labs and is involved in National and International Research projects.

This healthcare assistant position will be based on Kilverstone Ward. This ward is the acute cardiology ward for the NNUH where, as an HCA your role would involve nursing care for patients with acute cardiac conditions, you would work closely and alongside the team which comprises of other HCA’s, Registered nurses as well as members of the multi-disciplinary team (Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapists) for example.

Main duties of the job

This role would involve providing and maintaining high standards of nursing care for patients with acute cardiac conditions within the hospital. You would care for patients post MI, pre & post procedures, heart failure, arrhythmias, pre & post cardiac surgery amongst others.

The main duties of an apprentice HCA position within cardiology is to support the delivery of high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare.  All staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NNUH's 'PRIDE' values of People focused, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence and demonstrate behaviours that support and encourage an inclusive culture.  Please see the job description for full responsibilities but within Cardiology as an apprentice HCA you would be expected to assist patients with their personal care as well as considering their nutritional needs, taking observations routinely as well as post procedural observations and to maintain high standards of care and documentation.  You will be working very closely with registered nurses and well as other HCA colleagues and good, clear communication is essential.

There is also the opportunity for extended learning such as HCA study days which the trust holds but as a department, we also hold bespoke study / training days.

There are also development opportunities - both in terms of clinical skills that can be achieved as well as further career opportunities within the department.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Within the cardiology department we pride ourselves on supporting colleagues therefore please note that full training and support will be given to the successful applicant.

Cardiology prides itself on being a friendly and supportive team providing high standards of care.  If as an individual you have excellent communication skills, consider yourself to be caring and compassionate and want to make a difference to patients, their relatives and your colleagues on a daily basis then we need you !  All of these skills complement our team and we would actively encourage you to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must be:   •    Aged 16+ •    Resident in the UK/EEA for the last three consecutive years •    Must not have a qualification in a similar subject at the same level or above •    Must not be in any form of formal government-funded education upon the start of their apprenticeship

Qualifications and Skills Required: •    Good general standard of education •    4 GCSE’s at Grade D/3 or above (or equivalent) •    Good standard of literacy and numeracy •    Good communication and interpersonal skills •    Good IT skills

Overview of Essential Responsibilities:

• To accurately and promptly carry out the instructions of the Registered Nurse (RN) who is professionally accountable for the delivery of care.
• To deliver care and carry out duties as specified within the Trusts Approved core task list for Healthcare assistants.
• To report to RN any patient who gives cause for concern or any observed changes in the patient’s condition.
• To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care.
• To participate in the admission process under the supervision of RN.
• Provide and deliver a high standard of individualised personal nursing care.
• To report all care that has been given to patients within the team to a RN.
• To accurately document all care delivered to patients, countersigned by a RN maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• To assist in the preparation of patients and equipment for treatment, investigations or procedures as directed by the RN.
• To keep the clinical area clean and tidy maintaining a safe environment.

Please see the attached job description for full details.

Please note that this advertised position, which is part of occupation code 6131 does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa (this includes if you are already in a sponsored post and looking to change employer). The Trust would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.