Senior Healthcare Assistant - Clinical Research Facility (CRF)

Job overview

A new exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic Band 3 Senior Health Care Assistant to join our existing team on the Clinical Research Facility (CRF).  We are seeking to recruit a full time a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Assistant for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.  The CRF incorporates accommodation for inpatients and day-case patients taking part in clinical research, as well as an outpatient clinic area.  The postholder will have the opportunity to work within a supportive environment, developing excellent skills and knowledge with support from our experienced CRF team, Research Nurses and Practice education Facilitator. Applications welcome from enthusiastic, motivated nurses who are flexible, display initiative and possess excellent communication skills.

Main duties of the job

• Provide a clinical phlebotomy service demonstrating expertise according to Phlebotomy guidelines and ensure that the samples and specimens are forwarded to the appropriate laboratory including trial specific samples.
• Carry out central venous catheter bloods and central line care as per trust policy.
• Rotate to cover an outpatient clinic, which involves rooming patients, height and weight recording, patient observations, Echocardiograms (ECGS) and liaising with medical staff.
• Be able to act independently as clinic Co-Ordinator and ensure the safe and timely through-put of patients.
• Rotate to work on the treatment floor, assisting nursing staff during treatments and discharging patients.
• An ability to work - days, evenings, night shifts and occasional weekends is a requirement of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical:

• Provide a supportive role within the CRF for nursing, medical and clerical Staff.
• Undertake the nursing care needs of patients, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained.
• Complete all appropriate documentation relevant to care provided and update patient’s named nurse / shift coordinator where required.
• Participate in procedures appropriate to the department
• Support and assist in the induction and training of other Health Care Assistant’s
• Provide a clinical phlebotomy service demonstrating expertise according to Phlebotomy guidelines and ensure that the samples and specimens are forwarded to appropriate laboratory including trial specific samples. Carry out central venous catheter bloods and central line care as per trust policy.
• Rotate to cover an outpatient clinic, which involves rooming patients, height and weight recording, patient observations, Echocardiograms (ECGS) and liaising with medical staff.
• Be able to act independently as clinic Co-Ordinator and ensure the safe and timely through put of patients.
• Rotate to work on the treatment floor, assisting nursing staff during treatments and discharging patients.
• Perform and record patient’s vital signs as directed - temperature, blood pressure, respiration and pulse, oxygen saturations, modified early warning scores, height & weight, urine testing (including Midstream Specimen, 24Hr urine collection, etc.) - as per Trust policy, reporting results to the Registered Nurse on duty, or in their absence to a Medic.
• Perform electrocardiograms (ECG) in line with Trust policy and reporting to the Registered Nurse and/or medical staff once completed.
• Safely escort patients to other areas and deliver blood samples to key departments
• Assist in the provision of meals and refreshments for patients whilst attending the CRF
• Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults and risks to the nurse in charge
• Liaise with the Estates department for repairs and maintain maintenance records
• Liaise with Housekeeper who is responsible for stores, stationery and ordering.  Assist in the maintenance of stock levels
• Handle patient’s personal possessions, ensuring cash and valuables kept securely
• Aid the safe storage of medicines and the return of any unused medication to pharmacy
• Assist staff with procedures Clinical Support:
• Where appropriate, to answer queries promptly and courteously, taking appropriate actions according to the mode of enquiry or the information required.  As appropriate, inform or refer enquiries or problems to the relevant qualified staff.
• Assist the Registered Nurse in the process of undertaking clinical risk assessments for example recording height and weight, updating the nurse on any changes to a patient’s condition/ circumstances. Responsibility for undertaking the risk assessments lies with the Registered Nurse.
• Appropriately record and monitor dietary intake of patients, informing relevant staff of progress and/or any difficulties relating to dietary/fluid intake.
• Assist in providing conditions to meet the patient’s need for rest and sleep.
• Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety of patients or carers, consistent with their personal beliefs and preferences.
• Prepare trolleys for specific clinical procedures in line with trust policy utilising aseptic non touch technique practices.
• Recognise and report abusive behaviour to an appropriate member of staff, documenting the same. Environmental Support:
• Be responsible for self and others through identifying risks and undertaking work activities in a safe manner.
• Maintain cleanliness in the work environment, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients, adhering to infection control policies and guidance in line with Trust health and safety policies.
• Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures.
• Contribute to the general tidiness and cleanliness of the clinical environment including the correct disposal of waste.
• Assist with the checking of clinic/department linen stock, where required.  Contribute to the supply and maintenance of materials and equipment to ensure the efficient running of the clinical environment.
• Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders. Ensure stock rotation is undertaken to minimise the risk of equipment becoming out of date.
• Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested, including the maintenance of equipment as appropriate.
• Report faults on the clinic/unit/department as necessary.
• Reports all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy to shift coordinator or senior staff.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of services.  May be required to demonstrate and assist more junior staff to gain clinical experience, skills and knowledge.
• Undertake all training required to perform duties effectively to the requirements of the post, including but not limited to attending all required mandatory training courses.
• Maintain own professional portfolio in accordance with personal development plans.
• To complete competency modules relevant for CRF services, in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust policies.
• Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour.

Administration:

• Assist in preparing patients notes, relevant charts, nursing documentation, etc. and ensure that patient notes are available within the clinic/department and secure at all times.
• Undertake clerical duties as directed by the Registered Nurse in relation to all verbal and written communications, ensuring messages and communications are passed to other team members, storage of patient information and retrieval of such information. These duties and responsibilities are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and staff may be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities consistent with the band