Clinical Practice To deliver care as assessed by the Fast Track, to patients and their families/carers, in accordance with the Hospice Philosophy. This will include: Working in the patients home alongside the patients carer/ family integrating nursing care with their physical, psychological and spiritual needs. Assessing patients and carers needs and report to the Team Leader and Specialist Community team. Identifying and reporting of any significant changes in the patients condition or well-being. Collecting information that informs care. Appropriately mobilising, transferring and moving patients, taking into account the guidelines of safe moving and handling practice and using mechanical aids where necessary. Ensuring infection prevention and control measures are in place in the home. Participating in the care of the patient and family after death. Recognising limitations and refer on to other professionals as appropriate. Knowing who to contact in an emergency. Assisting with meeting the nutritional and hydration needs of patients including serving meals and drinks and assisting with feeding. Escorting patients home on discharge from Hospice/Hospital and ensuring that patient has basic needs met on arrival at home, ie, shopping if necessary. Assisting patients in their individual personal hygiene routines, including washing, dressing, mouth care and toileting. Accommodating and respecting the social and cultural needs of the patient and family. Supporting and facilitating the orientation and teaching of colleagues and students. Maintaining effective liaison, communication and relationships with all of the Hospice multi-disciplinary team. Reporting incidents, accidents and complaints via the relevant systems and following the guidelines and policies within the hospice. Communication Demonstrating warmth and acceptance of patients and their families. Building a relationship with patients, their relatives and friends, demonstrating a non-judgmental approach. Effectively communicating information, orally or in writing, to other members of the team. Maintaining confidentiality. Accurately reporting and recording work activities according to organisational procedures using the Electronic Patient Record System as well as notes in the patients home. Acknowledging others different perspectives. Recognising that people are different and ensuring that they do not discriminate against other people. Participating in any ongoing discussions and handovers relating to the care of patients and their families/carers. Practicing excellent communication skills with patients, family and members of the multi-disciplinary team including showing empathy and understanding and communicating sometimes complex information where there may be barriers to understanding. Contributing positively to anti-discriminatory practice, actively promoting equity and diversity. Recognising and reporting behaviour that undermines equity and diversity. Demonstrating empathy and sensitivity, and being realistic in encouraging and supporting patients and their families. Utilising resources appropriately to address impediments to communication e.g. patients with dysarthria, aphasia, non-English speaking. Being comfortable to remain alongside patients and families in distress. Communicating the values and mission of Community Hospice for Greenwich and Bexley to patients and families. Education & Training Identifying their own learning needs and interests. Accessing educational and development opportunities. Reflecting and learning from own practice, e.g. through clinical supervision sessions and debriefing. Provide general information to patients, carers, and other professionals. Quality Working within the multidisciplinary team to ensure that patient dignity is respected at all times both before and after death, including acting as the patients advocate and caring for patients after they have died. Participating in relevant audit programmes. Assisting in maintaining equipment to a high standard of cleanliness and safety and ensuring that the patient is in a clean and tidy environment, including the changing of bed linen where necessary. Ensure all practices and procedures are in accordance to hospice policy and guidelines. Deliver a high standard of care in accordance with agreed guidelines and protocols. Recognise the limits of their competence. Work in a way that minimises risks to health, safety and security. Summon immediate help for any emergency and take the appropriate action to contain it. Grief & Loss Providing support for distressed patients, bereaved relatives, students and colleagues. Including giving advice to families on practical issues following death and describing the support services available for bereaved people and colleagues. Education & Training Identifying own learning needs, liaising with their respective line manager and attending training sessions, clinical supervision, courses and study days as appropriate. Supporting a positive learning environment. Using staff appraisal constructively for personal and professional development. Additional information Working in unpleasant conditions at times including dealing with soiled linen, commodes, body fluids etc. Post holder must hold a full driving licence