Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Ensure safe and effective clinical practice

• To assist registered nurses/health care professionals in the delivery of individualised holistic patient care. according to policy/procedure.
• To ensure that consent is obtained prior to delivering all aspects of patient care.
• To involve relatives / carers in the delivery of care interacting with them helpfully and in a friendly manner providing information as appropriate
• To ensure care is delivered with compassion and respect to all patients.
• To work with the multi-disciplinary team, and contribute to the prevention of patient harm by participating in risk assessments e.g. pressure ulcer development, falls, nutrition, and comfort rounds.
• To ensure privacy and dignity are maintained at all times and protect confidential information
• To assist patients with all care as delegated by the registered nurse/health care professional.
• To assist patients in meeting their nutritional need and accurately record intake on the appropriate charts (if applicable), reporting any changes to the registered nurse / practitioner or doctor responsible for the patient’s care.
• To safely obtain samples (urine, stool, sputum, etc.) in accordance with Infection Prevention policies, guidelines and clinical practices, ensuring accurate completion and verification of patient information.
• To safely transport samples to the laboratories in a timely and professional manner.
• To safely escort patients to other areas / departments as requested by the registered nurse / health care professional
• To chaperone patients requiring clinical examinations, as per Trust’s Chaperone Policy.
• To ensure that appropriate moving and handling techniques and equipment are used when manual handling.
• To report back any relevant information to the registered nurse accountable for the patient’s care.

Enhancing the patient experience

• Make the care of people your first concern, ensuring the patient has a positive experience whilst in your care
• To answer the telephone in a courteous and professional manner, accurately taking messages and informing the relevant person(s).
• Respond appropriately to patient concerns and questions raised escalating to the accountable registered nurse / health care professional for the patient during that shift.
• To ensure areas are maintained clean and tidy, and are appropriate stocked against agreed levels, including storage areas and medical equipment.
• To comply with Health and Safety Regulations and to report accidents / untoward incidents / hazards / unsafe equipment to the nurse in charge / registered practitioner immediately, utilising the incident reporting system.

Professional behaviour

• Act in a courteous and helpful manner at all times ensuring practical delivery of compassionate care respecting others, including the care of deceased patients and their families
• Maintain professional carer behaviour at all times as an employee of the Trust and therefore representative of our values and beliefs including the objectives of the Trust
• Work towards’ healthcare support workers’ registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as and when this is established.
• Ensure your practice is supervised by a registered nurse health care professional / who remains accountable for the delivery of care.

Contribution to the delivery of the organisation’s objectives

• To attend mandatory training and such courses / lectures / in-service training, as indicated by the needs of the service and own personal development, as indicated at appraisal and within personal development plan (PDP).
• To be familiar with, and comply with all appropriate Trust policies and procedures.
• At all times maintain a professional image and comply with the Trust’s Dress Code Policy.
• At all times act in a professional manner, to uphold the reputation of the profession and the organisation.
• To undertake any other duties as may be required to meet the needs of the service within the limitations of the grade for the post.