Healthcare Assistant Canterbury

All applicants will be asked to prove right to work status as we currently do not offer Sponsorship/Visas. Please ensure you have full right to work in the UK before applying.

Do you have a background in healthcare?

Do you want to develop your healthcare assistant's skills into a specialist role and be part of a pro-active multi-disciplinary and professional team, who put excellent patient care as their priority?

Do you have a passion for working collaboratively in an environment of thriving on positive change and making a difference to those with palliative and end of life care needs?

Are you passionate about supporting and empowering patients to live well until their very last moment in their life?

If so, then the role of Healthcare Assistant at Pilgrims may be just the job for you!

We are seeking well motivated and forward thinking professionals to join our multi disciplinary team, in supporting patients across east Kent. This will be a part time 30 hour a week role (salary will be pro rata).

The successful candidate will join a busy and dynamic ward where they will be assisting the Nursing team in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in a safe and pleasant environment.

Main duties of the job

• Working under the direct supervision of the registered nurse administers as directed in the patients care plan, nursing care to patients in order to meet their fundamental health care needs
• Assisting patients with personal care whilst maintaining privacy and dignity at all times
• Assisting patients to eat and or drink as independently as possible
• Undertaking some tasks independently without direction and supervision i.e. making beds and cleaning of equipment
• Maintaining accurate records at the point of care using the hospices electronic record and reports relevant information directly to the registered nurse
• Using and storing all equipment safely and correctly in accordance with Hospice and manufacturers instructions
• Attending mandatory training
• Ensuring patient's safety at all times and that any care given is in line with training received and follows either verbal direction from a registered nurse or is directed via written nursing care plans or multidisciplinary goal setting sheets
• Assisting in transferring deceased patients to the relevant areas in the hospice setting
• Assisting in giving the deceased last offices respecting their spiritual, cultural and religious needs
• Releasing the patient in to the care of the relevant undertakers
• Ensuring safe custody of patients property

As our wards operate on a shift working basis, candidates need a flexible approach to working hours, including the ability to work nights and weekends.

About us As an award-winning employer, Pilgrims provides end of life care services to patients and their families across east Kent.

Our commitment is to provide open, compassionate care and expertise for patients and their families both in the community and in patient units.

Our Vision

Of a community where people with a terminal illness, and their family and friends, are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life.

Other Benefits

As an Employer of Choice, our commitment to supporting our employees and volunteers is a key priority.

Our hospices offer:

• Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments
• Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning
• Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme
• A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause
• A sense of wellbeing
• A good work life balance
• Locations across well populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links
• NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card

Job responsibilities The post holder will assist the trained nurses in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in a safe and pleasant environment. Working as a member of a designated nursing team the HCA will deliver elements of care safely under the supervision of a trained nurse, treating patients with respect, dignity and kindness, valuing individuality and maintaining confidentiality at all times.

In order to be considered you must have NVQ Level II Care Certificate or equivalent.

Clinical and Professional Responsibilities

• Working under the direct supervision of the registered nurse administers as directed in the patients care plan, basic nursing care to patients in order to meet their fundamental health care needs. This will include nursing duties such as assisting patients to the toilet, washing and bathing, assisting patients to eat and or drink as independently as possible.
• Assist patients with personal care whilst maintaining privacy and dignity at all times
• To be responsible for undertaking some tasks independently without direction and supervision. This will include activities such as making beds and cleaning of equipment.
• Makes accurate records at the point of care using the hospices electronic record and reports relevant information directly to the registered nurse.
• To use and store all equipment safely and correctly in accordance with Hospice and manufacturers instructions, including cleaning of equipment and ensuring batteries in equipment are fully charged, ensuring safety for both patients and staff.
• To attend mandatory training and updates. Ensuring patient safety at all times and that any care given is in line with training received and follows either verbal direction from a registered nurse or is directed via written nursing care plans or multidisciplinary goal setting sheets. This will also include the care and management of those patients who are unable to maintain their own safety because of confusion, cognitive impairment or any sensory deficit.
• Assisting in transferring deceased patients to the relevant areas in the hospice setting. Assisting in giving the deceased last offices respecting their spiritual, cultural and religious needs. Releasing the patient in to the care of the relevant undertakers.
• Ensuring safe custody of patients property.
• Actively participate in the prevention of cross infection, understanding and adopting into practice the principles of infection control in accordance with hospice policy. In addition will assist in the monitoring, storing, and disposal of equipment and hazardous materials in accordance with health and safety guidelines. This will include safe disposal of sharps and soiled linen
• To be responsible for reporting any incident or near miss immediately to the nurse in charge of the ward.
• To communicate appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team, other colleagues, patients, relatives and visitors to the ward. Displaying a friendly and approachable manner at all times
• To act in a non judgemental way and treat each and every patient as an individual, respecting his or her choices, wishes, customs, values and beliefs irrespective of your own ideals and culture

Management responsibilities

• To be aware of the employees responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment, reporting accidents or untoward incidents and potential for risk.
• Acting as an ambassador of Pilgrims Hospices to patients, their families, other health care professionals and members of the public at all times.
• Maintain regular communication and liaison with the line manager as part of delivering an appropriate and high quality service including regular attendance at team meetings.
• Complies with Pilgrims Hospice policies on patient documentation; updates patients records ensuring entries are accurate, relevant, legible and contemporaneous.
• Participation in audits, research and surveys of Pilgrims Hospices services as requested.
• Attend induction programs for new team members, supporting new staff during their induction through mentorship within the community setting.
• Ensures own knowledge is up to date, undertaking mandatory training and attending workshops and training courses for the benefit own continued development and to learn new skills and increase knowledge.
• Work as an effective team member offering support, direction and guidance to team members
• Maintain effective communication within and beyond the immediate team

Measures of Success

• Achievement of a safe, effective environment in which End of Life nursing care is successfully accomplished.
• High level of satisfaction from patients and relatives, low level of adverse comments or complaints.
• Effective understanding and successful implementation of the Hospices policies and procedures
• Uses communication skills to maintain and provide effective and holistic patient care

Communications and Relationships

• To communicate appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team, other colleagues, patients, relatives and visitors to the ward. Displaying a friendly and approachable manner at all times
• To communicate effectively and appropriately with patients from diverse backgrounds including different cultures, and those who exhibit challenging behaviour, sensory loss and other difficulties with communication, utilising appropriate aides and tools as required
• To understand the physical and mental health needs of older people who have complex and multiple health issues within the role boundaries
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