Sleep Support Assistant

The role will involve both direct and indirect patient

contact. You will work closely with the other members of the sleep service and

relevant members of the MDT.

The service consists of both face to face and telephone

reviews for both new diagnosis of patients and reviews of those established on

treatment. It will also involve distributing new equipment, educating the

patients and trouble shooting a variety of potential problems.

You will be responsible for supporting the senior sleep

nurses with group sessions which include delivering a presentation to a small

number of same sex patients and commencing treatment.

There is also the requirement to answer telephone and email

concerns from patients and liaise closely with other members of the sleep

service.

You may be asked to assist the nurses by performing physical

observations, venepuncture, capillary blood gases and some administation.

To work

alongside the existing Sleep Specialist nurses, to provide a high level of

specialist knowledge to patients and other health care

professionals.

To

deliver both review telephone and face to face clinics of patients established

on CPAP therapy

Trouble

shooting problems with CPAP devices and equipment and arranging suitable follow

up or delivery of equipment

Regular

answering of queries from both patients with pre-exsisting OSA and pre-formal

diagnosis.

Use

advanced communication skills to enable clear understanding of sleep results

and treatment options.

Understanding

the mechanics of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and relevant

equipment.

Understand

remote monitoring (Airview) and when to adjust pressures and settings to ensure

optimal patient treatment.

Ability

to arrange patient initiated follow up (PIFU)

to cross site cover if required (UHND/BAH/DMH

Measuring

and recording observations: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature,

pulse, blood pressure.

Monitoring

patients on oxygen therapy and ensuring equipment is set correctly.

Completing

documentation accurately.

Cleaning

and restocking respiratory equipment (CPAP masks and equipment, nebulisers,

peak-flow meters, oxygen tubing).

Reinforcing

patient education given by nurses

Communicating

changes in a patients condition promptly to the clinical team.

Providing

reassurance and emotional support to patients with chronic breathing issues.

Following

infection-control procedures, especially with airborne illnesses.

Good

communication and empathy.

Ability

to stay calm when patients are distressed or breathless.

Basic

clinical skills and willingness to learn.

Attention

to detail when recording observations.

Understanding

of respiratory conditions (often taught on the job).

Capillary

blood gases

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on

AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of

success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Experience

Essential: - Excellent communication skills; - ability to work independently; - IT literate; - Knowledge of Obstructive sleep apnoea

Desirable: - Working with patients with sleep apnoea and respiratory conditions

Qualifications

Essential: - Foundation degree or NVQ level 3 in hospital environment; - Evidence of continued professional; - development

Desirable: - Willingness to work towards foundation degree

Special Requirements

Essential: - Understanding of relevant National Service Frameworks / National Guidance; - Driving Licence

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential: - Good IT skills; -; - Ability to prioritise workload; - Excellent interpersonal skills