Healthcare Assistant

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Healthcare Assistant to work within the Substance Misuse Team in Bristol. The successful candidate will assist in providing high-quality nursing care to patients in a prison setting, support the delivery of medication, and ensure the holistic needs of patients are met. Ideal candidates will have experience in patient care, understand substance misuse challenges, and possess strong communication skills. This role offers a dynamic work environment focused on patient-centric care.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospital, primary care or community care settings.
• Knowledge of wound care is required.
• Understanding of the needs of patients with a substance misuse history.

Responsibilities

• Provide physical care to patients according to a written care plan.
• Work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Engage with patients in holistic, needs-led care.

Skills

Taking blood pressure

Conducting ECGs

Wound care

Compassionate communication

Holistic care approach

Job description

Overview

As a Healthcare Assistant working within the Substance Misuse Team you will assist in the delivery of high quality nursing care to patients in prison with the support of a registered nurse. You will provide physical care according to a written care plan, including withdrawal observations, ECGs and wound care, and support medication rounds. You will demonstrate good communication skills and liaise confidently with other services to support patients in the prison setting. You will engage with patients in holistic, needs-led care that considers physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

You will promote health and well-being through health promotion activities and programmes, responding to patient needs and assisting patients to attain optimal physical health.

Responsibilities

• Provide physical care to patients according to a written care plan.
• Work as directed by a registered nurse.
• Respond to the needs of patients in an honest, non-judgemental and open manner, respecting the rights of individuals and groups.
• Engage with patients in holistic, needs-led care considering physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs of individuals and groups.
• Respond to patients with sensitivity to age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and disability, especially regarding privacy and dignity.
• Support health promotion activities and programmes (including patient self-help) in collaboration with a registered nurse.
• Understand the complex needs of patients with a substance misuse history and assist them to attain optimal physical health with psychosocial support.
• Develop and demonstrate understanding of clinical supervision to reflect upon and modify practice.
• Contribute appropriately to risk assessment and individualised care planning.
• Maintain good working relationships with patients, carers, relatives, other professionals and prison and healthcare staff.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and security at all times.
• Adhere to organisational and prison policies, procedures and guidelines; behave professionally; demonstrate commitment to equal opportunities; understand professional boundaries; and communicate effectively (verbal and non-verbal).

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in hospital, primary care or community care settings.
• Competent in taking blood pressure, ECGs and other observations; knowledge of wound care is required.
• Understanding of the needs of patients with a substance misuse history.
• Ability to work under supervision of a registered nurse.

Important Information and Compliance

• All applicants must be willing to undertake National Security Vetting to work in a prison setting. This will be part of pre-employment checks through Oxleas and the prison vetting team.
• You will need to provide proof of right to work, proof of ID (including one photographic ID), proof of address, and appropriate documentation for non-UK passport holders (including Home Office share code).
• Address history: five years. If less than five years UK address history is provided, a Police Certificate in English may be required.
• For UK passport holders who have lived abroad in the last three years, a certificate of good conduct or overseas police check in English may be required.
• Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available at gov.uk; contact Embassy/High Commission if needed.

Equality, Diversity and Interview

• Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and offers interview support under the Disability Confident Scheme if you meet minimum criteria and have a disability. Details on adjustments and support will be treated confidentially.
• Applicants may be asked to provide evidence if they declare membership of the armed forces community.
• For Armed Forces specific support, see our webpage: https://oxleas.nhs.uk/armed-forces-community/

Other Information

We encourage applicants to contact the hiring manager with any questions about the role or process. This is a fast-paced, patient-centered opportunity to work with a diverse team delivering integrated Mental Health, Physical Health, Pharmacy and Clinical Substance Misuse care within prisons.