Senior Healthcare Assistant in Tavistock

To assist in the delivery of care planned and assessed by the Registered Nurses and other registered healthcare professionals. To carry out that care and other duties under direct supervision. To be involved in 24-hour care and rehabilitation and support patient choice with compassion and respect.

Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.

To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal or no supervision, including blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples, faecal samples, sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. This list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on the area of work.

Participate in patient assessment providing high-quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.

Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies. Participate in rehabilitation activities, promoting independence and recovery through 24-hour care.

Provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care (i.e. washing, mouthcare, toileting, manual handling and mobility), recognising and meeting the specific needs of patients. Prioritise own tasks under the direction of the registered nurse.

To carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting all changes in patients' condition to senior staff. To support maintenance of fluid balance and dietary charts, recognising, recording and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.

Undertake the escort of patients to appointments on other sites under the direction of the registered nurse (when deemed competent). To support nutritional needs of patients by assisting with feeding and drinking, reporting on concerns about dietary intake to senior staff.

An awareness of skin integrity over pressure points, recognising and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff. To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers, and refer patients to senior staff.

Document and sign for all observations and care given with counter signature from a registered practitioner. To maintain his/her own professional development, attending courses and further training to enhance and optimise his/her role within the work area.

To promote and safeguard the well-being of patients, their families and colleagues. To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment on the ward and stock control. To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.

To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients. Report untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies to senior staff.