providing palliative care throughout the Highlands
APPOINTMENT OF Nursing Assistant Bank
June 2015
Page 1 of 13 Notes for Candidates
Information for candidates
This post will be temporarily based at Fyrish Unit, Invergordon Hospital.
Applications are invited for the post of Nursing Assistant Bank working within the in-patient unit, with occasional cover in the Day Hospice and community.
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will assist trained staff in the delivery of routine nursing care, in support of, and supervised by a registered nurse. Carry out assigned duties to maintain hygiene, order and safety within the ward environment. Main role is in the in patient unit but may on occasions work in the Day Hospice or community.
Salary: Agenda for Change Band 2 (£15,358 to £18,103) pro rata per annum plus unsocial hours allowance
Hours As and when required
Completed application forms should be returned to: [email protected]
Mrs Susan Ross Highland Hospice Ness House 1 Bishop’s Road Inverness IV3 5SB
The closing date for applications is Monday 6 July 2015. Please state clearly on your application form which post you would like to be considered for.
Interviews for this post will take place on Monday 13 July 2015.
Page 2 of 13 Highland Hospice
Background Information
Highland Hospice is the only hospice serving adults with incurable life limiting disease in the Highlands of Scotland and we are acknowledged as a resource of specialist palliative care expertise in the region.
Palliative care focuses on the control of pain and other symptoms, on the reduction of suffering and on the enhancement of the life that remains. By addressing these physical, psychological and social needs we aim to enable patients to live out their life with dignity and to offer support to their families and friends, both during the patient’s illness and into bereavement.
Our multidisciplinary team comprises medical and nursing staff, a chaplain, social worker, counsellors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and a complementary therapist. As demand increases, our many services continue to run and expand. We currently have a ten bed In Patient Unit in Inverness and a Day Hospice service which runs throughout the Highland area. Our new Netley Day Therapy Centre is suitable for people who have an active, progressive, incurable life- limiting condition at any stage, offering a range of short weekly courses specifically designed to help individuals feel good and reach their optimum in health and wellbeing. We provide bereavement counselling, Highland-wide, for families and friends of our former patients and our medical team provides specialist support within hospitals and care homes, as well as visiting patients at home.
At Highland Hospice we strive to provide the highest quality of care. Currently, our In Patient Unit in Inverness only has four single rooms and two shared bedrooms, all of which are much too small, making it challenging for our nurses to care for patients. In November 2012 our Board approved plans for the In Patient Unit’s redevelopment. This project will cost in the region of £6.5 million and we have committed £2 million of these costs from reserves. A public Appeal was launched in April 2014, to raise the remaining £4.5 million.
It is hoped that building work will commence in 2015, providing a modern, bright and airy In Patient Unit, along with redesigned Day Hospice spaces, a quiet sanctuary room and increased physiotherapy, occupational therapy and bereavement support facilities. There will be nine single en-suite bedrooms and one shared room which will improve patient choice and increase the levels of privacy and dignity offered. There will also be much needed family accommodation for loved ones, and the space and technological infrastructure needed to support the growth of a Virtual Hospice which aims to extend the reach of Highland Hospice across the rural area through advances in communications technology.
Highland Hospice is a charity. No charge is made to our patients or their families. We receive approximately a third of our funding from the NHS and in order to keep all of our services going, we rely on the support of the public for the remainder of our income. We work hard to offer a variety of ways to engage the Highland community in supporting us. Our shops are now present in 11 locations and we host a full calendar of fundraising events, as well as working with individuals, groups, companies and trusts who wish to support us in their own unique way. Every penny raised in the Highlands contributes to the delivery of services in the Highlands
More information on Highland Hospice is available at www.highlandhospice.org
Page 3 of 13 Terms and Conditions of Employment
Salary The salary for the post is contained in the advert. Highland Hospice has adopted the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. Progression through the salary grade is normally by annual service increment. Annual pay increases are in line with those awarded to NHS staff.
Working Hours Highland Hospice operates a 37½ hour week, exclusive of meal breaks for the majority of staff. Some nursing posts that involve shift working and weekend working attract an enhanced rates of pay.
Annual Leave The annual leave entitlement is 35 days, increasing to 37 days after 5 years’ service and the leave year runs between 1 April and 31 March. Annual leave is calculated in hours.
The annual leave entitlement includes public holidays. There is no additional allocation for public holidays.
Pension Scheme All employees have the opportunity to be a member of the pension scheme. The rate of monthly contribution is 3%. Full details of the scheme will be sent to new members of staff.
Staff joining Highland Hospice who have previously been a member of the NHS Superannuation Scheme will be eligible to remain members of this scheme provided there has been a break in contributions of no more than 12 months.
Death in Service Highland Hospice operates a Group Life Scheme for all staff (excluding those in the NHS Superannuation Scheme). In the event of a death in service the scheme will make a payment of 4 x annual salary to named beneficiaries.
Health Questionnaire All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of a health questionnaire. Occupational Health support is provided by NHS Highland Occupational Health Services.
Page 4 of 13 Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Nursing Assistant
Responsible to Sister (In-patient Unit)
Department(s): In-patient Unit and Day Hospice
Directorate: Nursing
2. JOB PURPOSE
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will assist trained staff in the delivery of routine nursing care, in support of, and supervised by a registered nurse. Carry out assigned duties to maintain hygiene, order and safety within the ward environment. Care delivered documented bedside management plans.
Main role is in the in patient unit but may on occasions work in the Day Hospice.
3. DIMENSIONS
Works within a 10 bedded in-patient unit Caring for: Palliative Care patients with complex problems and specialist intervention needs, which may include advanced pain and symptom control, spiritual and psychosocial aspects of care. Caring for the families of hospice patients is also a primary feature of care delivery. The main role is within the in-patient unit but may on occasion work within day hospice
Page 5 of 13 4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Clinical and Education Services
Sister
Palliative Care Team Leader
Nursing Assistant
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
Highland Hospice in patient unit provides a high quality, safe and supportive environment in order to care for patients within the Highland region who have complex pain, symptom, spiritual and psychosocial needs which require Specialist Palliative Care interventions.
Page 6 of 13 6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical . To provide high quality patient care, including bathing and toileting, serving patient meals, assisting with feeding, escorting patients. This should be undertaken whilst allowing patients to be as independent as possible and being aware of patient’s dignity and self-esteem. Following death, assisting with last offices and removal of remains to mortuary and ensuring the safe uplifting of remains to undertaker. . Be aware of changes in conscious level, pain, nausea, bowels, mobility, dietary and fluid intakes as well as skin and oral condition and report any changes to patient’s condition to a member of trained staff. . Be aware of clinical waste policy and dispose of it timeously in appropriate place for despatch . Dispose of general waste timeously to prevent malodour . Be supportive to all patient’s and relatives . Be particularly sensitive to emotional distress . Offer comfort and support to relatives/carers when they need to stay at the Hospice . Be aware that some relatives/friends may wish to participate in delivery of care . Participate in the support of relatives/friends after death . Refer carers and relatives to a trained nurse for any questions they may have on patient’s condition, or for any suggestions or complaints they may wish to raise. . With guidance from occupational therapist initiate and encourage patient’s to become involved in activities . Accompany patient’s on outings e.g. shopping, theatre, walks . Respect the confidential aspects of work and do not divulge information gained about patient’s and relatives to any unauthorised person or authority . Adhere to ward and unit procedures for the use of supplies and equipment in order to promote the effective and efficient use of resources. . Ensure all areas are stocked in preparation for the needs of the patient and carry out housekeeping duties, to support the smooth running of the ward . Note any deficiencies in disposable stock on the appropriate form. . Support colleagues and contribute to the harmony of the Hospice at all times. . Co-operate with and maintain good relationships with other disciplines that are attending and treating clients to maximise patient care. . Participate in stock checks . Assist in laundry duties as required. . Ensure that the unit is kept tidy at all times.
Clinical Effectiveness . Work within Hospice policies and procedures to ensure maintenance of safe working practices for patients, colleagues, volunteers and visitors: . Always use safe lifting techniques or the hoist in line with the Highland Hospice Moving and Handling Policy . Report any faulty equipment promptly . Be aware of Hospice policy on; . Health & Safety at work . Fire Prevention & Management . Prevention and Infection Control Procedures . Mobility and falls management
Education/development . Participate in personal career development plan to maintain skills and develop personal growth through training and education. . Attend in-service training as required . Participate in study days relevant to key tasks
Page 7 of 13 7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
Moving and handling equipment, eg hoists and wheelchairs. Catering trolley. Ward equipment, eg beds, setting up and emptying of suction machine
7b. SYSTEMS
Record observations of skin bowels oral care and catheter care. Own timesheets.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
Assignment of work will be allocated by senior nursing staff/charge nurse.
Work review, and formal appraisal of performance, will be carried out by the Sister.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Planning order of work.
Ability to recognise change in patient condition and know when to refer on to senior nurse.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Managing competing demands on time.
Ensuring patients safety at all times.
Working with the emotional distress of patients and relatives.
Page 8 of 13 11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Documents care delivered in bedside management plans Supports the patient and their relatives through difficult and emotional experiences. Promotes and maintains good relationships within the department and with all members of the multidisciplinary team throughout the hospice. Collaborates with Highland Hospice Education Department in own personal development Participates in regular team meetings
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Skills Skills to safely manoeuvre wheelchairs, trolleys, and other equipment. Physical Demands Patient movement with use of mechanical aides, manoeuvre patients Pushing trolleys, wheelchairs. Stand/walking for the majority of shift.
Mental demands Concentration required when undertaking personal care for patients.
Emotional demands Communicating with distressed anxious worried patients relatives. Caring for the terminally ill Caring for patients following receipt of bad news. Dealing with patients with severely challenging behaviour
Working conditions Exposure to body fluids, faeces, emptying bed pans/urinals, catheter bags on a daily basis. Exposure to occasional verbal and physical aggression
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
SVQII in healthcare, or working towards or equivalent experience working in a caring environment role. Willingness to undertake the competency framework. Ability to work with people as part of the multi-disciplinary team. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to carry out assigned tasks in a busy environment.
14. General
In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description, all staff members should be aware of their specific responsibilities towards the following: Highland Hospice operate a no-smoking policy. The post holder should either be a non-smoker or be prepared not to smoke in any Highland Hospice premises, grounds or vehicles or when on Page 9 of 13 Highland Hospice business outside the office. Adhere to all health and safety and fire regulations and to co-operate with Highland Hospice in maintaining high standards of health and safety. Uphold ethical and professional standards and not behave in a manner that is likely to bring Highland Hospice into disrepute. Promote and sustain a responsible attitude towards equal opportunities and diversity within Highland Hospice. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing registration requirements or any national professional or occupational standards associated with the role. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development and to participate in any training and development relevant to the role. For designated roles, the post holder will be responsible for health & safety, business continuity planning and/or risk management. (These responsibilities will be notified on appointment).
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature: Date:
Head of Department Signature: Date:
Page 10 of 13 PERSON SPECIFICATION Nursing Assistant Criteria Essential Desirable Assessed/Identified by
Qualifications and Experience AF/I/Q SVQII in healthcare or equivalent experience working in a caring environment role. One years nursing experience
Knowledge and Skills Provide high quality patient care whilst allowing patients to be AF/I as independent as possible and being aware of patient’s dignity and self-esteem Effective written and verbal communication skills Understanding meeting family needs Last offices and removal of remains to mortuary Maintaining stock levels in preparation for the needs of the patient Knowledge of equipment used in the area
Aptitudes Respect for confidentiality I Ability to work with people as part of the multi-disciplinary team. Time management skills Flexibility Assessed/Identified I (Interview) AF (Application Form) ST (Skills Test) Q (Qualifications)
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