Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

All applicants are required to pass BKSB (Maths and English Functional Skills) test. Successful applicants will proceed to the next stage of the interview.

Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers are a vital part of the team that supports the staff and patients in wards and departments throughout the hospital. Working under the direction of qualified nursing/midwifery staff, Apprentice HCSWs carry out a wide range of duties to care for, support, and provide information to patients and their families. They also carry out a range of housekeeping duties, as well as perform basic medical checks, such as taking a patient’s temperature, pulse and respiration rate. The role can be very varied depending upon the ward is employed. The role is about learning on the job.

The attitude and behaviour of an Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker is of far more importance than any formal qualifications. Suitable candidates for the role are friendly, caring and sensitive individuals, who are able to offer social stimulation as well as care to the patients they tend. They will also demonstrate the Trust values – Kindness, Respect, Safety and Excellence – in all aspects of their role.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Support Role

• Under direct supervision assist with the delivery of care plan as described by the Registered  Nurse/ Midwife
• Assist patients with their care needs as required reporting any change in the patient’s  condition to the registered nurse/ midwife
• Support the Registered Nurse/ Midwife and other health professionals with the mobilization  or transfer of patients
• Develop awareness of patients in pain and discomfort and report any changes in the patient’s  condition to the registered Nurse/ Midwife
• Have an awareness of patient’s dietary needs, delivering meals, providing patients with drinks where necessary and providing assistance with eating and drinking if required.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different needs of individual patients and their carers/ families.
• Develop an awareness of vulnerable patients and their safe guarding needs
• Under supervision, take and record the patients observations (e.g. temperature, blood pressure) as required and inform the registered nurse/ midwife of any changes in the patient’s  condition
• Support the patient’s with their elimination needs recording quantities and frequency on the  relevant documentation charts as prescribed by the Registered Nurse/ Midwife

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Will ensure the environment is clean, comfortable, safe, and welcoming to patients, relatives and all health care workers
• Will be aware of and understand; basic infection control techniques, the disposal of sharps and universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
• Clean and maintain equipment and make ready for use with the relevant labelling.
• Report any faulty or broken equipment to the Registered Nurse/ Midwife and label appropriately
• Deliver specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested.
• Escort patients to other departments
• To have an awareness of monitoring and maintaining, where required, stock levels.
• Keep all storage areas clean and tidy and in good order

Clerical and Reception

• Undertake administrative and clerical duties as required/ in the absence of the ward clerk/ receptionist
• Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in any circumstances.
• Ensure patients confidentiality and details are maintained at all times.
• Redirect all patients’ enquiries to the Registered Nurse/ Midwife.
• Ensure that all information is accurately recorded and files updated and that all documentation is accurately filed as directed.
• Make patient appointments and book patient transport, if required, as directed by the Registered Nurse/ Midwife

Communication

• Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
• Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.