Healthcare Assistant

St John's Hospice; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

St Johns Hospice in Lancaster is seeking an experienced Healthcare Assistant to support palliative care at patients' homes, following the care plan and maintaining professional communications with carers and health professionals.

You will monitor symptoms, assist with medication administration (where appropriate), support families, and use hoists and manual handling equipment safely. DBS disclosure is required.

Qualifications

• End-of-life care experience preferred.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Good communication with patients and carers.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing support for end-of-life patients at home as per care plan.
• Monitor symptoms and notify health professionals as needed.
• Assist with medication administration for patients who self-medicate.
• Troubleshoot syringe drivers in line with competence.
• Update patient records accurately and timely.
• Offer emotional support to patients, carers and families.
• Use hoists and manual handling equipment safely.
• Support families after patient death as required.

Skills

Nursing support

Communication skills

Manual handling

Hoists operation

Education

Nursing Assistant qualification

Tools

Electronic patient records

Job description

Accountable To: Director of Nursing & Quality Reports To: Head of Hospice at Home

MAIN DUTIES

Undertake a broad range of nursing support activities and duties relating to the care of patients with end of life care needs in their own homes. Provide care for named patients with end of life care needs usually in their own homes in accordance with the patients care plan as defined by the Hospice at Home senior nurse, with minimum direct supervision. Establishes and maintains effective communications with patients, carers and health professionals in a professional manner. Is alert to, and recognises changes in patients symptoms and conditions and notifies other health care professionals as necessary Assists patients with administration of regular oral medication where the patient is self-medicating In line with Hospice policy monitors the administration of medication via syringe drivers and undertakes first line troubleshooting in line with proven competence. In line with Hospice policies on
patient documentation, updates patient records ensuring entries are accurate, relevant and contemporaneous and hand over care given appropriately Provides emotional and practical support to patients carers or family members Demonstrates safe and appropriate use of hoists and manual handling equipment. When appropriate cares for the patient after death and supports family members/ carers Undertakes delegated clinical tasks and procedures linked to the Hospice at Home Healthcare Assistant Competences Participates in audits, surveys or other clinical governance activities as requested Uses resources economically and efficiently. Maintains IT competency in order to make full use of electronic communications and to access appropriate hospice data sources and training opportunities. Contributes to the health, safety and well-being of patients, carers and self by being aware of and adhering to hospice policies and guidelines on Health and Safety at Work; Fire Precautions and Regulations; Security
of Lone Worker; and Infection Control. Undertakes training and demonstrates competence in a range of nursing activities and tasks in support of patient care Maintains a portfolio of professional development and participates in the St Johns Hospice performance appraisal scheme, identifying personal achievements, objectives and development needs. Has an understanding of the philosophy and ethos behind the care provided at St Johns Hospice, and to assist the registered nurses in developing and maintaining a safe, caring and supportive environment for patients, relatives and staff. Shares the responsibility within the nursing teams for delivering high quality holistic nursing care for the patients and their families. Is part of the multi-disciplinary care of patients. Acts in a responsible, professional manner at all times whilst employed by and undertaking duties at St Johns Hospice. To be aware of the policies governing health, safety and fire prevention and
reporting accidents/incidents.

General :

In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description, all employees should be aware of their specific responsibilities towards the following: St Johns Hospice operates a no-smoking policy. The post holder should either be a non-smoker or be prepared not to smoke in any Charity premises, grounds or vehicles or when on Hospice business outside the office. Adhere to all health, safety and fire regulations and to co-operate with the Hospice in maintaining good standards of health and safety. Adhere to Lone Worker working practices as set out in the relevant policy documents. Uphold ethical and professional standards and not behave in a manner that is likely to bring the Hospice into disrepute. Promote and sustain a responsible attitude towards equal opportunities and diversity within the Hospice. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing registration requirements or any national,
professional or occupational standards associated with the role. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development and to participate in any training relevant to the role. This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder. The post-holder will be expected to participate in induction and on-going training and development and work in accordance with Hospice policies and procedures and to act at all times with due regard to the health and safety of self and others. This role description is not intended to be definitive or restrictive and may be subject to review and amendment.

STANDARD/ENHANCED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

Enhanced DBS disclosure + Adult Barring Check required for this post.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO ST. JOHNS HOSPICE

Please refer to the uploaded Job description for full details of the points below