Healthcare Assistant

Job overview

We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and compassionate  Healthcare Assistants to join our Inpatient Services at Blossomwood based in Mansfield and Highbury Hospital, Bulwell. We have individual specialised wards which provide care for patients over 65 years. We offer an acute assessment and treatment environment for older people suffering from a diverse range of mental illnesses namely, depression, psychosis bipolar and personality disorders. Our dementia wards provide assessment and treatment for people of any age who have a Dementia diagnosis to enable a successful recovery back to the community or supported living environment. At present we have opportunities to work in either of these specialised areas.

The post requires you to have good communication skills and the ability to work within a clinical team under the guidance of registered nursing colleagues. This post also requires you to be able to actively lead and engage Band 2 HCAs and nursing students, promoting an excellent standard of care.  You will be able to deliver compassionate, holistic care and be able to positively engage with patients and their carers.

MHSOP directorate is currently undergoing renovation work. This work will provide new modern, specialist ward environments to enable our staff to care for the needs of our patients. These environments have been designed collaboratively with our staff to promote positive staff wellbeing in the workplace.

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare assistant You will be expected to provide direct compassionate care to our older adults, complete a clinical scope of practice which will enable you to carry out routine physical health monitoring, with an opportunity for you to develop skills in blood taking and ECG. Monitoring and recording nutritional intake, maintain IPC standards both personal and environmental.

If you are positive thinking, hardworking, a team player and could contribute to providing high quality patient care and treatment to individuals in crisis then we want to hear from you! You must be over 18.

Whilst previous experience with older adults is advantageous, we are also interested in hearing from exceptional individuals who can demonstrate equivalent skills and experience relatable to care and have a keen interest to work clinically caring for older people.

Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.  Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.  Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are looking for a caring individual who can demonstrate initiative, can be resilient in sometimes challenging situations, and have excellent communication skills.

The main duties/responsibilities of the role are:

• Assisting with ADLs, addressing physical and mental health care needs of patients
• Undertake, record and report clinical observations as directed
• Assess and support in the management of risk
• Assist in treatment/activities which may involve accompanying and escorting patients to activities/appointments
• Maintain accurate and timely records both written and computerised
• Support junior staff providing monthly supervision sessions
• Engage in link roles and projects
• Ensuring IPC guidance is adhered to and managing the ward environment

A full range of job roles and responsibilities are included in the job description.

We offer a comprehensive induction programme and opportunities for continued personal and professional development through ongoing training, education, supervision and appraisals.  We will support you in your career as a Health Care Assistant and beyond. Our Healthcare Assistants have the exciting opportunity to apply to join the Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) programme, a two-year course, resulting in Nursing Associate registration and making you eligible to train as a Registered Nurse via a shortened Nursing degree or Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA). The TNA course acts as a stepping stone to becoming a Nurse, and we are proud to offer this opportunity to our Healthcare Assistants.

You will have access to internal and external training and quality improvement opportunities not to mention a whole range of benefits including:

Annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays (this will increase up to 33 days depending on NHS Service)

Generous NHS pension scheme

Enhanced maternity and sick pay

Comprehensive induction and training

Commitment to career development

Wide range of training and development opportunities

Working in a supportive environment

Promotion of health work/life balance

Salary sacrifice schemes e.g., public transport loans, cycle to work scheme

Staff discount schemes e.g., discounted leisure centre membership

Free on-site parking (dependent on site)

An extensive health and wellbeing package including Occupational Health, Physiotherapy and Staff Counselling Services

Retail discounts

Regular support and clinical supervision including CPD opportunities

What our patients say about our Healthcare Assistants:

There is a therapeutic atmosphere on the ward in every way, Meals are of high quality and to me "it was home from home".

There is a "strong team" feeling amongst staff and all are friendly and caring. Examples of excellent practice- nurses, HCA are always free for 1-1. (Kingsley Ward)

The Healthcare Assistants helped me so much. They explained things well and helped with my care plan. The Healthcare Assistants made me feel better. (IRC Morton Hall - Primary Care)

All the nurses and [healthcare] assistants are so caring. (Forest Ward, Lings Bar Hospital)

If you want to be the Health Care Assistant that makes a difference, then we look forward to receiving your application.