Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

You will be able to perform the following:

• To assist patients with activities of daily living whilst encouraging independence, as appropriate.
• Demonstrate encourage and assist patients in undertaking therapeutic activities within parameters of agreed care plans and under guidance of registered practitioners.
• To monitor and record patient’s clinical observations, escalating appropriately to a registered nurse as required.
• To assist with patient nutritional needs – eating, drinking, menu selection, meal delivery and special diets according to the individual patient’s needs.
• To assist in the maintenance of up to date, comprehensive and accurate records in accordance with current legal requirements both written and digital.
• To assist in the admission and discharge of patients including any necessary risk assessments.
• To escort patients and families to other departments within the hospital as required.
• Undertake electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and point of care testing (e.g. blood sugar, urinalysis).
• After appropriate training, to assist in the collection of specimens including blood samples (including fixed central lines and established arterial lines – specialist areas only).
• After appropriate training; insert, secure and remove female catheters; empty drainage bags and accurately measure and record urinary output.
• After appropriate training assist in the implementation of advanced wound care (e.g. skin closure using adhesive sutures, wound drainage care).
• To participate in maintaining standards of hygiene, cleanliness and infection control, reporting problems as appropriate.
• To ensure that equipment is clean at all times, stored safely when not in use and report faults as appropriate.
• To assist in setting up and preparing patient areas appropriately to the clinical area (this may include the set up and calibration of devices e.g. ventilators, pumps – after appropriate training).
• To ensure that stock levels of linen, sterile supplies and stationery are maintained at all times in conjunction with the senior sister/ward receptionist.
• To assist in the maintenance and safekeeping of patients property in line with Trust policy.
• To assist ward staff with general collection/delivery of items necessary to ensure effective operational management of ward/department.
• To assist in performing the last offices as requested.
• To ensure that all patients and relatives are welcomed and orientated to the ward environment.
• To assist with the care of distressed or bereaved relatives.
• To demonstrate an awareness of the different cultural, ethnic and religious needs.
• To participate effectively in multidisciplinary case conferences as required.

Administrative Responsibilities

• To assist with clerical and ward administrative duties, including data management, photocopying, transporting of equipment/data/ paperwork to other departments, booking patient transport, sending referrals and administration of appointments.
• To provide clear and effective information and communication, both verbally and in writing. Promptly referring enquiries to the relevant person.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times, in and out of the hospital environment.

Education and Training

• To be able to identify with support your own development needs, completing a competency document and learning objectives within a specified time frame and as agreed by manager.
• To ensure own attendance at mandatory study days and training (BLS, manual handling etc.) as required by ward/departmental manager.
• To update skills and knowledge as required by the Trust.
  To actively participate in annual individual performance review Sign off HCA’s for Care Certificate.
• Once assessed as competent in a specific skill to demonstrate those skills to less experienced staff, providing practical training and basic assessments under oversight of senior registered colleagues.

Leadership

• To adhere to, and work within the National Code of Conduct for clinical support workers at King’s College Hospital.
• To manage an agreed workload with supervision and support from colleagues and senior staff.
• To work within and support the multidisciplinary team, contributing ideas toward future developments.
• To act as a role model and advisor to less experienced staff demonstrating and promoting the Trusts Values and Behaviours.
• To provide day-to-day supervision and co-ordination of junior staff (e.g. healthcare assistants (band 2), apprentices, work experience) supporting their local induction.
• Take personal ownership in giving and receiving feedback.
• To participate in reflection and or clinical supervision sessions as provided.
• To observe personal and collective responsibility for resource management.
• To be responsible with others for any specific risk management associated with the post, reporting and taking appropriate actions as necessary.