We are looking for a Nursing Assistant who loves a challenge. Ward F6 is an Emergency Surgery Ward, accepting patients from Accident & Emergency, SAEC, and other wards around the trust.
We are a 33-bedded unit consisting of 5 bays and 3 SRs. The ward is fast-paced and very busy, with a mixture of patients, some of whom can be very sick and may need to go to theatre. We work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including the pain team, colorectal nurses, palliative care, dieticians, and diabetes specialists.
F6 works together as a team, but you must also be able to work well on your own initiative. Shift times are long days or nights, from 07:00 - 19:30 or 19:00 - 07:30. As a full-time employee, you will work 3 weeks of 3 long days/nights and a 4th week of 4 long days/nights. We are flexible with shift days and nights.
You will be expected to work closely with the nurses on the ward, taking observations, assisting patients with washing, dressing, and all hygiene needs. Some patients may need assistance with eating and drinking, as well as manual handling when assisting with mobility needs.
You will be expected to use computer equipment, which will be shown to you with assistance given. Communication and documentation are very important on the ward.
Your main duties as a Nursing Assistant are the following:
1. Answering call bells.
2. Assisting patients with washing and dressing.
3. Helping with pad changes, hygiene needs, and assisting some patients to the toilet or commodes; some patients may also need stoma care.
4. Providing pressure area care, ensuring regular turns of non-mobile patients and using pressure-relieving equipment.
5. Taking observations, including BP, pulse, temperature, saturations, and respiration rates, and informing nurses if any are out of range.
6. Assisting patients with eating and drinking or administering mouth care.
7. Documenting on the computer fluid balance, rounding, and any care given to patients.
8. Once trained, taking BM's (blood sugars) and ECG's (tracing of the heart).
9. Providing end-of-life care and last offices, working closely with the team.
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat, and support people in hospital, at home, and in various community settings.
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Job Responsibilities:
To assist in the delivery of a high standard of patient care in all activities of daily living, as directed in the individual plan of care needs, observing and reporting specific changes to senior staff and documenting care given.
Clinical Responsibility:
1. Measure and observe the physical characteristics/condition of patients, considering age, developmental stage, and parental factors.
2. Assist patients to eat and drink as per identified care needs; identifying, recording, and reporting abnormal dietary and fluid intake.
3. Provide support with repositioning, mobility, and pressure area care using manual handling risk assessments.
4. Obtain specimens as requested and carry out relevant investigations, e.g., urinalysis and document the results.
5. Adhere to the basic principles of infection control, demonstrating effective hand hygiene.
6. Prepare and support patients and their families undergoing clinical activities and recovering from clinical interventions.
7. Accompany patients to other wards/departments as required.
8. Undertake basic cleaning and decontamination of communal equipment.
Communication and Team Working:
1. Communicate effectively with patients, parents/carers, relatives, and colleagues, using appropriate styles.
2. Welcome patients, families, and visitors in a professional, friendly manner.
3. Work effectively as a member of the ward team, offering support to colleagues.
4. Record care given accurately and legibly.
5. Ensure the Trust's policies for safeguarding children are followed.
Managing Resources Responsibility:
1. Ensure adequate stock, safe storage, and stock rotation are maintained.
2. Ensure bed spaces are prepared in readiness to accept admissions.
3. Follow the daily ward routine and ensure relevant Nursing Assistant tasks are completed.
Privacy, Dignity, Equality:
1. Act to promote patients’ equality, diversity, and rights at all times.
2. Ensure provision of privacy and dignity in all activities.
3. Maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times.
Administrative:
1. Enter data into computerised systems as required.
2. Undertake errands off the ward as required.
3. Report repairs/maintenance issues appropriately.
Personal Development:
1. Adhere to the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust policies.
2. Attend mandatory training and complete other in-service training as necessary.
3. Complete the initial training period required to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in line with Care Certificate Standards.
Person Specification:
Personal Qualities:
1. A genuine interest in kind and compassionate caring.
2. Flexible approach to working hours and duties.
3. Able to deal with challenging situations.
Qualifications:
1. Level 1 qualification or equivalent in both Maths and English.
2. Care Certificate or commitment to achieving it within twelve weeks.
Experience:
1. Experience of working/communicating with the general public.
2. Understanding the importance of applying Person Centred Values in care.
Skills & Abilities:
1. Communicates clearly in writing, verbally, and using the telephone.
2. Able to use information technology devices.
3. Accurate with attention to detail.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a Disclosure check will be made for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship - Unavailable for this post.
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