Healthcare Assistant

Job overview

Full time (37.5 hours per week) - Long days and Nights (11.5 hours per shift)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Emergency Department team for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to provide care for a mixed patient group. You will assist in the provision of the service and contribute to the effective running of the Department ensuring you contribute towards a quality patient experience. To assist doctors and qualified nursing / midwifery staff with the provision of high-quality evidence based and individualised care of patients.

The role is varied and involves patient support, direct care, obtaining blood samples and Chaperoning. There are elements of clerical work particularly at night. Please refer to the job description for full information and suitability for the post.

The post is a rotational with variable shifts shift which are 11.5 hours shifts worked as Long days or nights.

The post holder will work as part of a team and support the organisation in delivering care at the highest standard. The post holder will be an ambassador for the 6 C’s culture for compassionate care – Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Commitment and Courage. There will be a requirement to supervise and teach non-registered staff and support new staff with the guidance of the senior team members.

Main duties of the job

To assist in the provision of the service and contribute to the effective running of the Department ensuring they contribute towards a quality patient experience. To assist doctors and qualified nursing staff with the provision of high quality evidence based and individualised care of patients. To provide care and support for relatives and carers attending the Department. The applicant is expected to be an effective member of the team and contribute to the best possible use of resources.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining the clinical areas in cleaning bedpans, trolleys and preparing the rooms for new admissions including the making up of a fresh trolley .
• To undertake and be responsible for routine tasks under the supervision of the qualified nurse e.g. preparation of notes and equipment in the department and clinic rooms
• Data Correction and entry after training
• Support the registration process and clerk duties
• Ensure security of patient valuables are locked away in accordance with hospital procedures.
• Support and provide care in assisting patient needs such as personal hygiene, support, catheter care and escorting to various Trust departments when required.
• Establish and notify of any dietary requirement to the relevant qualified nurse / midwife and liaising with the catering team when required.
• Assisting in the movement of patients as and when required using appropriate equipment when and where necessary.
• Accurately perform and record generic patient records e.g. baseline observations including blood pressure temperature, respirations, weight, height, urinalysis, pregnancy testing
• Venepuncture and cannulation
• Maintain fluid intake and output charts
• Obtaining specimens as requested including phlebotomy with the appropriate competency training.
• Under supervision and with support prioritises and organises patients’ needs and attends to these accordingly. Keeping patients informed and reassured at all times
• Proactively respond to the needs of the patient.
• Provide and receive information in relation to patients and escalate as appropriate to qualified nurse .
• Able to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, empathy, calm and professionalism all times to patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Ensure patient confidentiality at all times.
• Able to build rapport with patients their families / Carers.
• Order and manage general ward stock levels.
• Answer the telephone and convey messages when required.
• Effective use of communication skills
• Assist with ward inductions and development of others as instructed.
• Decontamination of equipment as required and ensuring infection control measures are adhered to.
• To act as chaperone in accordance with Trust policies
• Reporting any repairs promptly to relevant department.
• Any other reasonable duties required by management.