· Assisting with a range of patient care duties under the indirect supervision of registered staff
· Assisting in the provision of high-quality palliative care for patients and their relatives and carers
· Assisting with care which encompasses the physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of patients and their family members
· Assisting patients to maintain all aspects of daily living activities and, where appropriate, promote and facilitate patients to develop independence in accordance with individual programmes of care as delegated by registered nursing staff
· Maintaining patient skin integrity, updating pressure ulcer risk assessment tools that have been completed initially by a Registered Nurse, as well as escalating any change in risk level or changes to skin appearance that require assessment from a Registered Nurse.
· Assisting patients with eating and drinking, including supporting patients with enteral feeding regimes, according to training and competency
· Updating eating and drinking assessments and sharing information appropriately with the Catering team
· Assisting and assessing patients’ elimination needs including continence, catheter and stoma care, considering alternative management plans in collaboration with the Registered Nurse where identified
· Helping with non-pharmacological approaches to maintain patient comfort and managing symptoms, e.g. comfort rounds and re-positioning, mouth care, listening and reassuring
· Demonstrating a knowledge of, and carrying out care and clinical procedures and clinical observations etc. that are consistent with Diploma in Health and Social Level 3 or equivalent
· Providing patients with complementary therapies where workload allows and in accordance with training and competency, ensuring documentation is completed following any therapies provided
· Assisting with last offices when required
· Acting as second checker for controlled drugs administration following training and competency being achieved
· Supporting the Registered Nurse in the admission process by completing individualised core care plans and eating and drinking assessments according to training and competence
· Supporting the Registered Nurse in staff competency training / assessments in moving and handling, blood glucose monitoring, pressure ulcer risk assessments and Display Screen Equipment assessments
· Working closely with Registered Nurses in a link nurse role, assisting with training, audits and service development for areas of special interest
· Taking an active role in training on the electronic healthcare record system for any Healthcare Assistants who are new to the team
· Supporting bereaved people with advice and signposting to relevant services following the death of their friend / relative
· Carrying out aspects of technical care following appropriate training with accurate record keeping, e.g. clinical tasks such as:
- Taking and recording vital signs. i.e. temperature, pulse, and respiration rate
- Urine testing and obtaining specimens
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Venepuncture
- Wound care
- Basic foot care including nail trimming and filing
· Maintaining appropriate sensitive, caring and tactful relationships with patients, families and carers
· Ensuring valid consent is gained before all aspects of care are delivered and understanding how the Mental Capacity Act is implemented when patients are unable to give valid consent
· Supporting patients, and their family members, as they approach end-of life and at time of bereavement
· Informing Registered Nurses of any significant changes in patients’ condition and family’s needs
· Supervising, where appropriate, less experienced Healthcare Assistants who might be new to the team, welcoming them and help them learn the role of the HCA and North Devon Hospice
· Ensuring that confidentiality of information is maintained at all times and in compliance with GDPR
· Developing and sustaining a good working partnership with your colleagues, other health care professionals and external agencies
· Providing all care within the boundaries of your own clinical competencies as delegated by a Registered Nurse and working to the standards set out in the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social care Workers in England (Skills for Health 2013)
· Maintaining accurate and timely paper and electronic records of patient care delivered in accordance with guidance and training provided
· Working with and supporting voluntary staff in the provision of care as directed
· Following training, and in accordance with level of competency, updating patient moving and handling assessments, escalating any concerns to the Registered Nurse / Occupational Therapist/ Physio
· Working alongside the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist to plan goals and activities where appropriate rehabilitative treatment is identified. In the absence of the therapists, continuing plans of care to promote success of set goals
· Supporting the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist with fact finding for home environment to support early identification of equipment needs on discharge
· Assisting patients with engaging in activities that they find enjoyable and meaningful
· Assisting with manual handling activity, in the effective and safe use of aids, escalating any need for re-assessment by the Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
· Being aware of, and complying with all manner of North Devon Hospice policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines alongside observing a personal duty of care when using equipment or handling patient’s valuables for example
· Undertaking other duties as may be required, and which are consistent with the responsibilities of the post, learning new skills associated with the role
· Engaging with and contributing to clinical supervision sessions, and providing evidence of attendance
· Utilising hospice resources efficiently keeping waste to a minimum
· Engaging in clerical and housekeeping duties as directed
· Ensuring that you follow good infection control practice at all times and that you are familiar with infection control policies, procedures, and guidance relevant to your area of work
· Understanding your role in the safeguarding of adults and children by being able to identify risks, and recognise signs of harm, abuse or neglect including how to report concerns and take immediate action to protect a person at risk of harm or abuse