Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

Job overview

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Health Care Assistant to join the respiratory nursing team on Hexworthy ward at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

We currently have 2 part-time positions of 34.5 hours available and applicants are required to work weekends and night shifts.

We are a female, 28 bedded, respiratory unit and care for patients with a variety of respiratory health issues.  We are looking for a HCA, Band 3, to help us support a variety of patients through their respiratory admission.

You must have completed a care certificate at level 3 and have numeracy and literacy skills at GCSE level, as well as be prepared to undertake additional training and competencies as required.

There is lots to learn in the field of respiratory nursing and opportunities to develop onto a Nursing Associate and Registered Nurse development pathway.

You must be compassionate, kind, caring, committed and have a good sense of humour. Respiratory training will be provided and ongoing support.

For further information and an informal discussion, please telephone Sister Anne-Marie Ratcliffe on 01752 431971.

Main duties of the job

A Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering direct care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to people in accordance with assessed needs and a care plan.

You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the Registered Practitioner, in accordance with the Trust values.

There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills for a Band 3 HCSW in your area of work. You will also be supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1.     Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.

2.     Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.

3.     Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.

4.     To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work.

5.     Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.

6.     Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.

7.     Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.

8.     Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.

9.     Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.

10.   Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.

11.   maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communication skills, where there may be barriers to understanding.

12.   Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.  This may include ordering supplies.

13.   Work effectively as part of a team.

14.   The SHCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicable and also into patients written records.  Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.

Professional

15.   Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.

16.   Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

17.   Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.

18.   Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.

19.   Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role.

20.   Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.

21.   You are accountable for your workload in accordance with care plans and for reviewing the effectiveness of care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required.

22.   To support or guide the healthcare support worker.

Administration

23.   Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.

24.   Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to the department.

25.   Comply with Trust policy regarding information governance and the care of patient property.

Working Conditions

26.   Dependent on work setting you may have frequent exposure to bodily fluids, distressed, or confused patients.

27.   Occasional distressing and emotional circumstances when caring for patients with chronic illness or terminally ill.

OTHER

All Job Holders are required to:

Note

This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines.

PERSON SPECIFICATION