Senior Health Care Support Worker

Job overview

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

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.

We are looking for individuals who work effectively within a team environment, have experience of good time management and prioritising work and have a caring approach to patients and relatives.

There is lots to learn in the field of respiratory nursing and opportunities to work towards a senior care support worker role and trainee Nursing Associate position.

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 Harriet Vickers 01752 438128

***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.***

Main duties of the job

The Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering personal care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate care. Support and supervision is provided by Registered Practitioners.

You will carry out a range of non-clinical healthcare tasks, under the direct supervision of the Registered Practitioner. To achieve this the SHCSW will competently perform the necessary aspects of care for patients, to agreed quality standards and in accordance with Trust values.

You will also be supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved.

We are happy to support part time or full time work but candidates must be available to work on a rota that includes days, nights and all days of the week.

If you are shortlisted and invited for an interview, you will receive a detailed confirmation of the schedule a few days in advance.

Please note that interviews will only be scheduled through a TRAC invitation following your application, and walk-in applicants will not be accepted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.
• Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.
• 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.
• Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.
• 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.
• Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.
• Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies

For further details please see attached Job Description

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.