Shsct_Senior Nursing Assistant Band 3_Lurgan Hospital in Craigavon

Advertised role location: Lurgan Hospital (SHSCT). Full-time & part time roles available.

JOB SUMMARY: The post holder is required to assist in the provision of safe, effective, compassionate person centred care. The post holder will assist patients/service users with fundamental nursing care in all aspects of the activities of daily living, as delegated by registered nursing staff, for example, washing, toileting, eating and drinking. The post holder will undertake clinical duties as required in the ward/department, which have been delegated by registered nursing staff. The post holder must ensure that all information regarding patients/service users is kept in strict confidence. The post holder must adhere to the Standards for Nursing Assistants (DoH, 2018).

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provision of Care: Maintain the confidentiality of all information, regarding patients/service users at all times. Respect the dignity, wishes and beliefs of all patients/service users. Obtain consent from patient/service user for all care and treatment provision. Assist patients/service users with fundamental nursing care in all aspects of the activities of daily living, as delegated by registered nursing staff. Undertake clinical duties as required in the ward/department, which have been delegated by registered nursing staff which may include venepuncture, simple dressings and physiological observations. Report and where appropriate accurately record all activities undertaken. Encourage patients/service users to actively participate in their own care when this is appropriate. Identify if patients/service users are at risk and inform the registered nurse and make a written record.
• Communication: Deal courteously with patients/service users, and others with whom they come into contact within the course of their duties. Communicate effectively with patients/service users and others taking into account physical and mental state. Report and record any changes in patient’s/service user’s condition or behaviour to relevant registered nursing staff, in line with organisational policy. Ensure that all information/messages, issues and concerns are passed onto relevant registered nursing staff in an appropriate and timely manner. Where required make accurate and complete written records, for example, fluid balance charts. Maintain the confidentiality of all information, regarding patients/service users and staff, at all times.
• Personal & People Development: Participate fully in the Trust’s Knowledge & Skills Framework and Development Review process and comply with the Trust’s appraisal system. Complete Induction Programme and participate in training and other learning and development activities as required. Keep up to date records of own development review process. Participate in the induction and development of others as required.
• Health, Safety & Security: Undertake duties that are required to ensure adequate standards of environmental hygiene and prevent cross infection. Report any accidents and incidents to relevant registered nursing staff and assist in the investigation of same. Comply with health and safety policies and statutory regulations. Contribute to effective and economic use of resources and the safe use and maintenance of all equipment. Work within own role in emergencies and summon help. Identify and report any health, safety and security issues to the appropriate person. Comply with HSC Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols.
• Service Improvement: Fully participate in all work place audits. Report all concerns and complaints to appropriate registered nursing staff in a timely manner.
• Quality: Work within the limits of own competence and responsibility and will refer issues beyond these limits to registered nursing staff. Act responsibly as a team member and seek help if necessary. Contribute to the delivery of respectful, safe, effective person-centred and compassionate care in order to provide a quality service.
• Equality & Diversity: Adhere to current legislation and Trust policies on equality and diversity. Present a positive image of self and the organisation, and treats others with dignity and respect. Recognise and report behaviour that undermines equality and diversity.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The post holder will be required to ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility. Co‑operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example: Smoke Free policy, IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct, standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work. Co‑operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control. All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the Trust policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt. Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post. Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Have 2 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment OR Hold NVQ/VRQ/QCF/RQF Level 3 Certificate in Health/Health & Social Care (or relevant equivalent qualification) OR Hold NVQ/VRQ/QCF/RQF Level 2 Certificate in Health/Health & Social Care (or equivalent qualification) and have 1 year’s experience of delivering direct care in a care environment OR Hold 4 GCSEs at grade A-C including English and Maths (or equivalent qualification) and have 1 year’s experience of delivering direct care in a care environment.
• Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment (this criterion is only applicable to a very small number of posts).

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

• Effective communication skills to meet the needs of the post in full.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Effective organisational skills.
• An interest and commitment to making a difference to service users, highly committed to a patient centred approach and high quality of care.
• Ability to work flexibly including evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays and on call as required.
• Willing to undertake training necessary for the role.

NOTES FOR APPLICANTS: 'Care environment' is defined as: paid work within a hospital/residential/nursing home or community setting. This must be evidenced on the application form. You must complete the RQF Level 3 Certificate (health specific) within a maximum of 18 months of taking up post. It may be the case in some exceptional circumstances that this requirement is not met. All such cases must be signed off by the professional head of service/senior nurse for the division and reported and explained to the Trust Director of Nursing. For the majority of staff, it would be expected that this Certificate will be completed at the earliest opportunity, which will normally be within 6 months of appointment or as soon as possible thereafter. The criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post. Postholders will be required to undertake the regionally developed induction programme in the first two weeks following the allocated start date and complete within 6 months of taking up post. Postholders must also undertake relevant training to meet service needs. As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed. Successful applicants will be required to produce documentary evidence that they are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. If you are an overseas national who would require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the Trust to ensure your Right to Work in the UK, please note under current Home Office Immigration Rules, skilled worker visa sponsorship is not available for entry level to this position. The starting salary for this role, based on full time hours, is below the minimum threshold for skilled worker sponsorship which is currently £25,000. Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment.

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.