Health Care Assistant - Inpatient Unit

About us

St David’s Hospice is a charity providing high quality palliative care in and around Gwent. Our mission is to provide and continue to develop a free and comprehensive palliative care service of excellence throughout Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and within South and Mid Powys for people, their families and carers facing a progressive life-limiting illness which is no longer curable. This service recognises the need of the whole person and is given in co-operation with other agencies.

Post: Health Care Assistant

Hours: 36 hours per week (12 hour shifts on internal rotation)

Responsible to: Sister / Charge Nurse

Accountable to: Senior Manager for Governance and Performance

Location: The post holder will be based at our Inpatient Unit at Blackett Avenue, Newport, NP20 6NH

Key Working relationships:

• Clinical Nurse Specialists in Palliative Care
• Inpatient Unit Nursing Team
• Other Clinical Staff at Unit

Job Summary:

• To care for patients with Palliative care needs.
• To provide support, personal and respite care for patients and their families at our Inpatient Unit.

Key Tasks:

1. To work in accordance with the policies and procedures of St. David’s Hospice Care and the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.

2. To maintain confidentiality at all times.

3. To ensure patients’ comfort and dignity at all times.

4. To work alongside patients and nurses, whilst also recognising their need for privacy.

5. To perform basic nursing procedures in accordance with St David’s Care Plan and document all intervention.

6. To report any changes in the patient’s condition to the nurse in charge of the shift.

7. To help with patient’s personal hygiene and toilet needs as appropriate.

8. To maintain a safe environment for self, patients and carers at all times.

9. To be familiar with the Care Decisions Tool for the last days of life.

General Responsibilities:

1. To recognise and accept the limits of personal knowledge and responsibility.

2. To be aware of ones own responsibilities towards Health and Safety Regulations and all SDHC policies.

3. To verbally report any accident or untoward incident as soon as possible followed by written details.

4. To be aware of hospice policies and procedures.

5. To undertake any training identified as necessary by SDHC.

6. To participate in clinical supervision.

7. To observe a No Smoking policy whilst on duty.

8. To observe a No Sleeping on duty policy.

9. To contact the nurse in charge in the event of any problems occurring during the shift or if their condition causes concern or if the patient dies.

10. Ensure a verbal handover from clinical team prior to shift commencement.

11. To be aware of the risk assessment for each patient and act accordingly.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Possess a Diploma / NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
• Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills
• Experience of working with palliative care patients
• Demonstrate desire to further development of palliative care skills
• To have an open, caring and inclusive manner
• Can understand the principles and values of care
• Can maintain safety at work
• Has an understanding and awareness of safeguarding requirements

Desirable:

• Palliative Care nursing experience
• Experience in working in a hospice environment

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £21,069.00-£21,638.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Licence/Certification:

• Level 3 Qualification in Health and Social Care (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/06/2023