Health Care Assistant - PSDU St Helens Plastic Surgery

• To work as part of the Nursing Team undertaking household support tasks and direct care tasks as delegated by the Nurse in Charge.
• To support the qualified Nursing Staff in the maintenance of high standards of nursing care to patients.
• To assist in providing an environment within the ward that is conductive to patient recovery and pleasant for patients and their families.
• To accept responsibility for specifically delegated functions within the ward which the Nurse in Charge feels are appropriate for untrained staff to undertake.
• To ensure where entries are made in nursing documentation, that these are correct, legible, and comprehensive and countersigned by a registered nurse.
• To ensure the Health and Safety of patients, relatives and other staff is considered and not prejudiced by the post-holder at any time.
• To be able to work autonomously as required and to receive close supervision and instruction as necessary.
• To ensure that privacy and dignity of patients is paramount and is not compromised.
• To ensure that all patient information is confidential and is not disclosed to a third party except with permission of the Nurse in Charge.
• To ensure that all patient care is delivered with the highest degree of professionalism.

• Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
• Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
• National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme

Essential

• NVQ level 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent
• Care Certificate (equivalent to level 1)
• Literacy and numeracy functional skills level 2 or equivalent

Essential

• Knowledge of personal care and related procedures
• Demonstrable experience of working in a patient care/health related role
• Knowledge of relevant legislation related to healthcare
• Experience of working in a team

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to work within a team
• Experience of supporting junior staff and learners
• Able to accept direction and guidance
• Aware of own limitations
• Flexible in working hours
• Able to prioritise own workload and manage time effectively
• Flexible, adaptable and responsive to change
• Reliable and professional
• Ability to cope in stressful and challenging situations
• Inclusive and non-judgmental
• Punctual, motivated and committed
• Effective role model demonstrating Trust values
• Basic IT skills

Essential

• Frequent moderate effort for several long periods during the shift such as manual handling patients to supporting patient's personal care
• Concentration, focus and frequent record keeping requirements. Carrying out time critical tasks
• Aware that developing resilience to distressing situations is necessary without losing the ability to care compassionately
• Aware of the process for accessing staff health and wellbeing support
• Daily exposure to distressing situations which may include challenging behaviour, care of chronic health conditions, patient end of life care/care after death
• Able to carry out direct clinical care as required on ward or department.
• Potential blood or body fluids exposure