Job overview
Are you looking for a new challenge and to be involved in the development of a new service to improve the quality of care for emergency surgical patients? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the new Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The SAU will be a significant development in improving the quality of care and experience for our patients and will provide a dedicated clinical space and team for the rapid assessment and treatment of patients with a confirmed or probably surgical condition across a number of key specialties. The new unit will include both trolley assessment areas and a dedicated chaired area to support ambulatory care and hot clinics, and will see patients referred by our ED or via their GP. Patients admitted to the SAU will receive rapid assessment and treatment plans depending on their condition and needs, and will either be treated and discharged directly from the unit or admitted to an inpatient ward.
We are therefore seeking enthusiastic and highly-motivated Senior Healthcare Assistants to join our team and play a key role in developing this new service in a friendly and supportive environment.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidates will be part of the team responsible for delivering professional, evidence-based nursing care to patients on the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), ensuring that patients and their families/carers receive the highest quality, and most effective and compassionate care whilst on the unit.
The SAU will be a fast-paced unit in which patients present with a variety of surgical conditions and care needs, giving rise to a range of different learning and development opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity to be involved in an exciting new initiative to improve patient care and experience in a dedicated environment, whilst expanding your existing skills and experience.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Key responsibilities include;
1. Carrying out a range of patient care activities as directed by a qualified nurse.
2. Assisting patients to carry out personal care, including meeting hygiene, nutrition and continence needs, and assisting patients to mobilise where appropriate.
3. Contributing to the overall effective running of the SAU and to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
4. Ensuring effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders and individuals, including health and social care professionals, and patients, relatives and carers.
5. Acting as a role model to less experienced staff, demonstrating and promoting the Trust's values and behaviours.
Post holders will be expected to work a variety of shift patterns, including night duties.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details and information about the role.
Person specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential criteria
6. Level 2 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification (e.g. Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2)
7. Experience of working within an acute setting
Desirable criteria
8. Level 3 Diploma in Clinical healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification (eg. Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3)
9. Previous experience of contributing to teaching and learning
Skills
Essential criteria
10. Evidence of competency in basic wound care
11. Evidence of competency in venepuncture and cannulation
12. Ability to emphathise and communicate with sensitivity
Desirable criteria
13. Trained and assessed as competent in the majority of Band 2 Healthcare Assistant competencies for the clinical area
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
14. Able to demonstrate an understanding of the Trust values and how to apply them.
Desirable criteria
15. Experience of teaching/training, and qualification/training in mentoring and assessment
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
17. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.
Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications