This post at Skanda Vale Hospice covers pre-booked respite weeks, with shifts on days or nights and occasional overnight cover. The work centres on personal care, emotional and family support, and watching patients closely to report changes to the nursing team. Night carers may look after up to six patients alongside a Registered Nurse, in a team made up largely of volunteers. Applicants need previous healthcare support experience, and night shifts require staying awake for the full shift.
What the job involves
- Provide compassionate personal care, supporting comfort, dignity and wellbeing, including eating, drinking, mobilising and repositioning
- Offer emotional support and a calm presence to patients and families, watching for distress and reporting concerns to the nursing team
- Support family members and visitors with information and guidance
- Observe patients closely, report changes, concerns, incidents and positive feedback, and help keep care records up to date
- Follow infection control, health and safety regulations and hospice policies
- Work with the team and other professionals on holistic care, care planning and decision-making
- Promote an inclusive working culture
- Uphold confidentiality and a professional approach, seeking support for own wellbeing and taking part in reflection
- Take part in training and development offered by the hospice
- On night shifts, care for up to six patients in the in-care unit alongside a Registered Nurse
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
Experience
- Previous experience in a healthcare support role
Skills & knowledge
- Understanding of palliative care principles and practice
- Basic understanding of healthcare practice, infection control and health and safety regulations
- Compassion, sensitivity and an empathetic approach that respects dignity, autonomy and cultural values
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families and colleagues
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic IT skills and willingness to learn new systems
Other
- Ability to work full waking night shifts for night roles
- Ability to cover an occasional night shift for day roles
Nice to have
- Experience in a palliative care or hospice setting
What’s offered
- Paid induction and 2.5 days of mandatory role-specific training
- Ongoing support, supervision and professional development
- Choice of day or night shifts during respite sessions
- Contracted hours preferred, with bank hours available
- Bank rates include 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
