At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care to patients and assist with their daily needs.
- Company: Join the County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and work in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your skills in healthcare.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience; Care Certificate preferred.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate healthcare assistant who can provide excellent patient care. The ward is a 28 bedded medical ward specializing in Endocrinology, and we care for patients with a range of medical conditions. Health care assistants will be able to increase their knowledge and skills in relating to different chronic and acute conditions. We are a great team and we look forward to your application.
Main duties of the job:
- To assist in welcoming patients to the ward and recording baseline observations.
- To provide care to patients following instructions in the care plan or pathway.
- To demonstrate competence in the accurate recording of routine clinical observations.
- To recognise abnormal recordings or signs of change in a patient's condition and report changes to a registered nurse.
- To assess patients' level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and give appropriate assistance (hygiene, mobility, nutrition, elimination and comfort).
- To assist patients to eat and drink in a sensitive and supportive manner.
- To accurately record information on patient food charts and fluid balance charts, reporting concerns to a registered nurse.
- To carry out clinical skills relevant to the ward/department and patient group (e.g. phlebotomy, ECG recording, simple dressings).
- To assist the clinical team with data entry, filing and maintaining accurate documentation of care.
- To assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients, ensuring all property is packed and the bed area is prepared for the next patient.
- To ensure treatment rooms and ward areas are adequately stocked and tidy.
About Us:
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.
Job responsibilities:
This job entails caring for patients with a variety of medical conditions. You will be caring for patients who are acutely unwell and will undertake training to be able to identify a deteriorating patient. It will be part of your job role to provide palliative care to patients who are approaching the end of their life. You will be responsible for providing excellent patient care.
Person Specification:
Qualifications:
- Essential - Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
- Essential - Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
- GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
- Desirable - Short courses relevant to undertaking patient and clinical care duties.
Special Requirements:
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
- Reflective practitioner.
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
Personal Attributes:
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of the role of HCSW; able to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Experience:
- Essential: Computer skills; ability to learn new skills.
- Desirable: Previous experience in caring for others.
Special Skills & Knowledge:
- Good verbal and written command of English; ability to act on own initiative.
- Good communication skills; ability to work under some pressure and show leadership.
- Ability to plan own work and record patient observations.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and it will be necessary to submit a disclosure for the DBS to check for any previous convictions.
Employer details:
Employer: County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX
Job locations:
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Healthcare Assistant employer: Charity Society
Contact Detail:
Charity Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the healthcare assistants and nurses in the ward. Mentioning specific team members or their work can show you’re genuinely interested and ready to fit in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your clinical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of patient care techniques, like recording observations or assisting with personal care. Being able to demonstrate these skills during your interview will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for patient care! During your interview, share stories that highlight your commitment to helping others. Whether it’s a personal experience or a previous job, let them see your dedication to providing excellent care.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates about our amazing team at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for patient care shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives, especially in a busy medical ward like ours.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's from previous roles or training. We love seeing how your skills align with the responsibilities of a healthcare assistant, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this helps us quickly understand why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity Society
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a healthcare assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, like patient care and recording observations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially any NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience. Think of examples where you've provided excellent patient care or worked under pressure. Highlighting your interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team will also impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some questions about the ward's environment, team dynamics, or training opportunities. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about how you can contribute to their team.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The team is looking for someone who fits well with their culture, so being genuine and showing your passion for patient care can set you apart from other candidates.