At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate 1:1 care for patients with complex needs in a supportive team.
- Company: Join the Enhanced Therapeutic Observation and Care Team at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full training, and a commitment to inclusivity and staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your skills in healthcare.
- Qualifications: NVQ Care Level 3 or equivalent experience; nursing care experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25760 - 27476 € per year.
Enhanced Therapeutic Observation and Care (ETOC) Team Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust (NGHT) is pleased to offer exciting opportunities for Healthcare Assistants (Band 3) to join our Enhanced Therapeutic Observation and Care (ETOC) Team. The ETOC team provides 1:1 support for patients who require additional, person-centred care due to:
- Living with dementia
- Being at high risk of falls
- Mental health and/or learning disability needs
These patients require enhanced skills and compassionate care, and full training will be provided to support you in delivering safe, effective, and holistic care during their stay in an acute hospital setting. This role can be both physically and emotionally demanding and requires a high level of resilience, empathy, and commitment to patient safety and dignity.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver high-quality 1:1 therapeutic care, supporting patients who are vulnerable, confused, or at risk
- Build meaningful relationships with patients through compassionate communication and active engagement
- Provide reassurance, companionship, and use de-escalation and distraction techniques to promote calm and safety
- Support patients with personal care, mobility, nutrition, and hydration, ensuring dignity at all times
- Closely observe, monitor, and record patient behaviour and clinical needs to support safe care decisions
- Work as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team, contributing to personalised care planning
- Uphold safeguarding principles, patient rights, and legal frameworks such as the Mental Capacity Act
There may be a requirement to work across our hospital sites depending on service needs. UHN welcomes applications from people from all protected groups and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and have achieved the Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. Our active staff networks support colleagues from all backgrounds and help ensure everyone feels valued here at UHN.
Job responsibilities
- To provide Enhanced Care to individual patients who have complex health and social needs within an in-patient ward environment or department as directed by a Registered Nurse which includes:
- Enhanced observation skills, use of RAID principles and validation technique
- Talking with and listening to patients, whilst engaged in close observation.
- Using distraction techniques- person centred planning to promote engagement
- Accompanying patients, enabling to walk around the Trust (as appropriate and in agreement with Registered Nurse)
- Assist in personal care of patients (as directed by Registered Nurse)
- Assist with nutrition and hydration needs (as directed by Registered Nurse)
- Accurately record clinical and behavioural observations of patients receiving Enhanced Care
- Appreciation, understanding and application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as it pertains to their work.
- Knowledge and familiarity with Liberty Safeguarding Principles and the ability to work within the law in the Enhanced Care environment
- When not undertaking Enhanced Care assist Registered Nurse in care of patients
Education, Training and Qualifications
- NVQ Care Level 3 or equivalent experience
- McCormack Physical intervention training Level 2 / 3 or equivalent NHS intervention training
Knowledge and Experience
- Nursing care experience gained within an NHS or care home setting that is specific to care of patients with cognitive impairment
- Ability to use skilled communication techniques including: tact, diplomacy, discretion, empathy, negotiation skills, motivational skills, persuading and influencing skills and de-escalation of potentially emotionally charged and hostile situations
- Experience of working closely as part of a team
Skills
- To demonstrate accuracy and clarity in verbal, written and electronic communication in relation to own work
- Knowledge and understanding of Information Governance and information storage expectations
- Able to effectively prioritise attention to patients in accordance with defined protocols and delegation from Registered Nurse
- Provides person-centred care of patient on a daily basis
- Knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control
- Knowledge of Health and Safety
- Can manoeuvre patients using aids e.g. hoists and wheelchairs
- Bathes and assists patients with toileting on a daily basis
- Willingness to participate in care of dying patients
- De-escalate situations in which patients/ their carers become distressed, in any context requested by leadership team.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£25,760 to £27,476 a year (Pro Rata)
Healthcare Assistant - Enhanced Care employer: Northampton General Hospital
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Healthcare Assistants in the Enhanced Therapeutic Observation and Care (ETOC) Team. With comprehensive training provided, employees can develop their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable patients. The Trust values diversity and fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered to grow in their careers.
Contact Detail:
Northampton General Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant - Enhanced Care
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ETOC team and their values! Research the Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and understand their approach to patient care. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their compassionate team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves building meaningful relationships with patients, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to engage and reassure them. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with using empathy and active listening.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your resilience! Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Whether it's dealing with difficult patients or working under pressure, sharing specific examples will highlight your commitment to patient safety and dignity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it reaches the right people. Plus, keep an eye on our site for any updates or additional roles that might suit your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant - Enhanced Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the compassionate care and support we provide at the ETOC team.
Showcase Your Empathy:In your written application, emphasise your ability to connect with patients on a personal level. Share examples of how you've used empathy and communication skills in previous roles to support vulnerable individuals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Healthcare Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the ETOC team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton General Hospital
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant in the Enhanced Care setting. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as compassionate communication and the ability to support patients with complex needs. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've shown empathy and compassion in previous roles. Discuss situations where you've successfully supported vulnerable individuals, especially those with mental health or cognitive challenges. This will highlight your ability to connect with patients on a personal level.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
The ETOC team works closely with multi-disciplinary teams, so it's crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you've worked as part of a team, emphasising your communication skills and how you contribute to a supportive environment. This will reassure the interviewers of your ability to fit into their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and de-escalation skills. Think about how you would handle challenging situations with patients, such as managing distress or confusion. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your readiness for the demands of the role.
