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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose

To contribute to the continuity of good team spirit, supporting qualified staff in the delivery of high standards of direct patient care following well-defined procedures supervised by the qualified nurse.

All activities will be under the direction of the professional responsible for the care of the patient. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Under the direct/indirect supervision of trained staff, be able to use own initiative and be able to assist patients in all activities of daily living

2. Assist patients to maintain and improve their mobility to their full potential. Assist with dressing, promoting independence as much as possible within the boundaries of the patient’s functional ability.

3. Provide patient care, which may require the use of physical effort to roll, manoeuvre and stand patients. The use of manual handling equipment and training is essential, to reduce physical strain and maintain safety of the patient. Annual manual handling training is mandatory.

4. Assist other team members to maintain the skin integrity of all patients and have a working knowledge of all aids that are available to support this practice.

5. Provide a safe and clean environment for patients by having and demonstrating a working knowledge of all Health and Safety issues.

6. Assist patients to select and advise patients on appropriate dietary intake. Have a working knowledge of available supplementary foods, which may be prescribed. Provide assistance and monitoring with eating and drinking as required, whilst still attempting to promote patients'
independence.

7. To have a basic understanding in the safe use of wheelchairs, commodes and other equipment used on the unit.

8. Ensure due regard is given to the customs, culture, values and spiritual beliefs of the patient, family, carers and staff. To uphold the Trust's Diversity/Equal Opportunities Policy.

9. Ensure due regard is given to the safety of patients belongings according to Trust policies.

10. Be able to handle waste body fluids, ensuring correct disposal according to Trust policies. Take specimens of urine, faeces, sputum, wound and other swabs, when requested to do so from a qualified nurse.

11. Assist with escort duties as required. Chaperoning patients during medical examinations, assisting the medic and reporting verbal instructions to the qualified nurse.

12. Basic life support skills are essential, and will be updated at least yearly.

13. Ability to call help and support staff in the event of an emergency.

14. Undertake and record nursing observations under the supervision of an RN, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, oxygen saturations and vial capacity, with a clear understanding of the normal ranges. Reporting any abnormalities / concerns to a senior member
of staff.

15. Be accountable for own practice, and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence.

16. Attend yearly statutory training to ensure adherence to Trust policy and current legislation.

17. Attend relevant in house training sessions which is pertinent to own clinical practice, to enhance knowledge and skill, maintaining competencies

18. Maintain personal training records.

19. Participate in a yearly appraisal, setting personal objectives for own professional development plan