Tracheostomy Assistant Practitioner

Job overview

Fixed term contract/secondment opportunity for 12 months

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Assistant Practitioners to join our Tracheostomy Support Service in delivering acute and community-based care as part of the Regional Tracheostomy Home Care Service across Norfolk and Waveney. This post has been developed as part of a pilot project and will work fluidly across the acute and community care settings delivering a responsive and patient focussed service within this interesting and challenging speciality.

The role will require the post holder to undertake patient assessments and provide care delivery under the direct supervision of the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner within both the acute and community. You will be expected to function as a patient advocate and to support the team in continuously striving to improve the patient experience whether in hospital or within their own home.

We seek applications from Assistant Practitioners who can demonstrate a sound understanding of the specialist requirements of this patient group and have the potential to develop the required knowledge and skills within a Band 4 role.

If you are considering applying for this post on a secondment basis, please discuss with your Line Manager prior to applying to ascertain whether this could be supported.

Main duties of the job

• Perform patient assessment under remote supervision and after appropriate delegation from the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner
• To communicate effectively at all times within the Tracheostomy Support Service team, with other health care professionals (both acute and community) and with the patient, family, carers and all visitors
• Under the delegation of the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner to undertake clinical skills as generally agreed to be appropriate for the role and for which competency has been assessed e.g., wound care, second checking of approved medications, removal of wound sutures, Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy care.
• Assist in the preparation of patients and equipment for treatment, investigations or procedures as directed by the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner.
• Communicate effectively within the wider multidisciplinary team and other departments to ensure that patient care is well planned and co-ordinated.
• Welcome patients, visitors and relatives to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required, being aware of barriers to effective communication.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Deliver clinical and therapeutic care to patients as required within set protocols and within the scope of the Tracheostomy Assistant Practitioner remit.

• Perform patient assessment under remote supervision and after appropriate delegation from the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner

• Plan and deliver high standards of individualised personal care in accordance with Essence of Care benchmarks and Trust and Community policies

• To communicate effectively at all times within the Tracheostomy Support Service team, with other health care professionals (both acute and community) and with the patient, family, carers and all visitors

• Accurately and responsibly carry out the instructions of the registered members of the Tracheostomy Support Service and wider multidisciplinary team who are professionally accountable for the delivery of care.

• Under the delegation of the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner to undertake clinical skills as generally agreed to be appropriate for the role and for which competency has been assessed e.g., wound care, second checking of approved medications, removal of wound sutures, Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy care.

• Coordinate and undertake the safe admission, transfer and discharge of patients as delegated by the Tracheostomy Support Practitioner. Assist in effective and timely discharge planning.

• Assist patients in maintaining their personal hygiene, grooming and dressing needs with specific concern for their religious, cultural and personal preference ensuring dignity and privacy at all times.

• Ensure the appropriate nutritional intake of all patients with due consideration to dietary and cultural needs and be competent in enteral feed administration via NG/RIG/PEG.

Please refer to the Job Description for the full specification of responsibilities and requirements for this post.