JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY The jobholder will be actively involved in providing direct and indirect compassionate care for patients in support of and supervised by a registered practitioner. The jobholder will assist in the overall implementation of care as part of the multi professional team. The jobholder is expected to deliver and maintain high standards of acute and planned care. The jobholder will be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) to achieve the planned outcome. The jobholder will contribute to the maintenance of an environment for effective care. The jobholder will be expected to practice in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (LTHT) policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries. The jobholder will work within a ward or clinical department. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Communication and Working Relationships Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, families and carers Develop and maintain appropriate relationships, communication and teamwork with members of the multi-disciplinary team within the ward and or department Assist in the welcome and reception of patients into the clinical area Demonstrate a variety of communication skills with patients who may have communication needs and difficulties e.g. confusion, dementia or other linguistic issues Communicate effectively with all health, social care providers, voluntary sectors and emergency services Maintain clear, concise and legible documentation adhering to standards in accordance with trust policies and guidance Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures regarding confidentiality of data and data security Communicate with colleagues and members of the multi-disciplinary team clearly and effectively in written, verbal and electronic format (this may include accessing and updating patient records on central databases or electronic systems). Occasionally participates in and contribute to local audits (e.g. hand hygiene audit) Escalate concerns with regards to patients physical or psychological needs, or changes in their clinical condition to a registered practitioner within appropriate time frames Effective use of communication skills when responding to patients, relatives or carers concerns and complaints, contributing to the ward, unit or department team action plan to achieve local resolution. Ensures, in liaison with registered practitioners that interpreters are utilised as appropriate to support patients understanding and communication needs. Ability to answer phone, effectively managing the enquiry. Clinical activities to be undertaken under the direction and supervision of a registered practitioner Provide and deliver a high standard of compassionate personal care recognising and meeting the specific needs of the patients Following training and assessment, competently undertake agreed clinical tasks relevant to the post and clinical area Acknowledge any limitations of competence in accepting care activities outside agreed limitations and inform a registered practitioner Assist in planning, implementation and evaluation of individual programmes of care for patients Document interventions performed and care delivered, ensuring that the record is countersigned by a registered practitioner where appropriate. Assist in the recording of fluid balance, reporting discrepancies to a registered practitioner. Assist the patient with all aspects of their personal hygiene. Assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients utilising appropriate equipment. Assist the patient with their elimination needs; including bowel and urinary catheter care. Provide care for patients with reduced mobility; to include skin integrity, pressure area care and measurement and application of anti-embolic stockings Assist in ensuring patients nutritional needs are met. Carry out clinical observations on patients, recording and reporting abnormalities and changes in patients condition to the registered practitioner Utilise early warning score indicators (e.g. NEWS) to recognise any patient deterioration and or sudden change in condition, reporting immediately to a registered practitioner. Collect equipment for clinical procedures as directed by the registered practitioner. Safely dispose of equipment, post procedure, restocking where appropriate Assist in safe and appropriate use and maintenance of equipment Assist in the correct handling and dispatch of specimens Safe disposal of soiled linen and clinical waste from the ward or department Participate in the process of involving relatives and or carers in the provision of patient care Contribute to the psychological and spiritual needs of patients using diversionary and comfort measures as appropriate Acts as a chaperone as per chaperone policy. Assist in the performing of last offices for deceased patients. Undertake the escort of patients to other departments and ward as instructed by a registered practitioner Organise and prioritise time effectively Undertake duties on different wards, departments or clinical areas as and when required by service demands Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children & vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies. Other Responsibilities Participate in the use of the Leeds Improvement Method to improve the quality and safety of the service. Contribute to the prevention and control of infection in line with Trust guidelines Assist in maintenance of accurate records and documentation, with regard to legal requirements, confidentiality and management of information. Ensure that essential information on the patients condition and progress is recorded in accordance with Trust guidelines patient confidentiality Promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people ensuring religious and cultural needs are addressed Education, Health, Safety and Security Ensure safe keeping and transportation of patient property and valuables in accordance with Trust policy Ensure equipment and resources are used appropriately, efficiently and economically Maintain a safe working environment, reporting incidents, accidents, complaints according to Trust policy. Participate in in-service training Complete priority and mandatory training requirements in the required time frames. Participate in annual performance appraisal To be alert to issues of risk and concern about care provided raising any concerns observed via the Trusts Whistleblowing Policy and supporting processes Additionally, the following are core values which relate specifically to this post: Respect the contribution of all members within the team and the importance of working together to provide quality and safe patient care. Commitment to contributing to a quality service in an efficient and effective manner. Commitment to ensuring each person is entitled to respect, dignity, equal and human rights. Recognises the importance of confidentiality. Commitment to support, uphold and demonstrate the core values and behaviours of LTHT SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS i) PHYSICAL EFFORT: Frequent standing, sitting, walking, kneels and crouches to attend to patient needs. Responding to changes in patient condition. Patient Care (e.g. drug administration). Hand-eye coordination for tasks as necessary e.g. venepuncture Shift working. Moving & handling of patients and equipment on a daily basis:Patients - 10-120kg (with lifting aids). Equipment - medical equipment, specialised mattresses (weight 1-20kg). ii) MENTAL EFFORT: Frequent mental effort/concentration required in relation to responding to and meeting patients nursing care needs (e.g. for 8-12 hour shift). Follows routine and/or direction by registered practitioner Verbal and written communication skills required iii) EMOTIONAL EFFORT: Exposure to difficult situation including death and dying, distressed patients and relatives/carers iv) WORKING CONDITIONS: Temperature - should be controlled, but may experience hot or cold work environment. Smells - dealing with body fluids. Violence & Aggression - may experience violence and aggression from patients and or relatives or carers. Infection Control - exposure to patients with infections.