Nursing Assistant

Rosemary Ward is a 33 bedded MDT led inpatient unit at Newmarket Community Hospital providing a period of assessment for patients no longer needing an acute bed. We also provide end of life care for patients. It has the benefit of being a small friendly hospital, while being part of the larger West Suffolk Foundation Trust.
We pride ourselves on providing compassionate holistic care to all our patients, putting our patients needs and wishes at the heart of everything we do.
We provide in-patient facilities in a non-acute environment offering re-ablement and further assessment. Our aim is to promote and return our patients to independence after an acute illness, to ensure successful discharge with the appropriate support for them to continue to live as independently as they are able for as long as they are able.
No formal qualification is required but a genuine interest in caring and communication is essential and the ability to work a combination of long days, nights and weekends.
As a new member of the team you will receive a comprehensive induction supported by the Matron, Ward Sisters, as well as the rest of the team.
As a new member of the team you will receive a comprehensive induction supported by the senior nursing teams as well as the rest of the team. For internal candidates, we will consider transfer opportunities, which should be supported by your Manager.
Successful candidate will be required to assist in direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a registered practitioner and to support the clinical team in ward/department.
You will assist patients with all aspects of personal hygiene, toileting needs and general activities of daily living. You may be required to provide Stoma and Catheter care. You will be required to assist patients with mobility, using equipment to assist where required.
It may be necessary to assist patients with eating and drinking and documenting intake. It is an essential part of the role to measure patient observations accurately e.g. BP, Pulse, Temp, Resp Rate, O2 saturation levels, Weight, NEWS score. It may also be required to obtain patient samples and perform simple testing and report findings to senior staff.
You will need to adhere to principles of infection control, effective hand hygiene and be aware of potential for cross infection. Demonstrate basic cleaning and decontamination of communal equipment between patient use and/or storage.
It is essential to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, relatives and colleagues, referring to senior staff as necessary.
Work effectively as a member of the ward team, offering support to colleagues and requesting assistance as necessary.
Record care given accurately, legibly, completely and concisely.
Patient confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
Enter data into computerised systems as required (e.g. eCare).
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Please see the full job description for more information
Job responsibilities
To assist in the delivery of a high standard of patient care in all activities of daily living, as directed in the individual plan of care needs, observing and reporting specific changes to senior staff and documenting care given.
Hygiene
Assist patients with the maintenance of their personal and oral hygiene, including: Washing and bathing
Mouth and dental care Hair-washing
Nail care Shaving
Dressing and undressing
Observe and report any changes/damage to patient’s skin to identify pressure ulcer risk.
Elimination
Assist patients to use toilet facilities.
Record and monitor output; identify and report any abnormalities in body waste. Undertake established stoma care and long term catheter care.
Mobility
Assist patients with mobility using manual handling risk assessment and safe manual handling.
Contribute to the movement and positioning of patients (using safe moving and handling techniques), to maximise their physical comfort and prevent the adverse effects of pressure.
Be aware of how equipment works and report any faults.
Nutrition
Assist patients to eat and drink as per identified care needs; identifying, recording and reporting abnormal dietary and fluid intake.
Assist patients with the completion of menus.
Clinical Activities
Measure and observe the physical characteristics/condition of patients as follows: Temperature
Pulse
Respiration Blood pressure Peak flows Weight and girth Mews
Oxygen saturation
Use of assessment tools to document pain
Obtain specimens as requested and carry out relevant investigations, e.g. urinalysis and document the results, reporting them to registered practitioner as necessary.
Adhere to the basic principles of infection control demonstrating effective hand hygiene and awareness of potential cross infection.
Prepare and support patients undergoing clinical activities and recovering from clinical interventions. Accompany patients to other wards/departments as required.
Undertake end of life care, providing support to family and colleagues.
Undertake basic cleaning and decontamination of communal equipment between patient use and/or storage.
Communication and Team Working
Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, relatives and colleagues, referring to senior staff as necessary.
Answer the telephone and relay messages accurately, courteously and competently. Welcome patients and visitors in a professional, friendly and helpful manner.
Work effectively as a member of the ward team, offering support to colleagues and requesting assistance as necessary.
Record care given accurately, legibly, completely and concisely.
Privacy, Dignity, Equality
Act to promote patients’ equality, diversity and rights at all times. Ensure provision of privacy and dignity in all activities.
Ensure all care is person centred and delivered with the informed consent of the patient. Act to promote active participation for patients under the care of the Trust.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times.
Administrative
Ensure appropriate management and security of patients’ property. Enter data into computerised systems as required.
Undertake errands off the ward as required e.g. to pharmacy, blood bank. Report repairs/maintenance issues appropriately.
Identify stock/linen shortages and take appropriate action.
Demonstrate insight into own personal development needs and access development through an agreed Personal Development Plan.
Attend mandatory training, and complete other in-service training (including e-learning) as necessary.
Maintain and develop standards of practice through continuous personal development (CPD) in line with healthcare changes, developments and service delivery requirements.
Complete the initial training period required to demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with Care Certificate Standards.
Complete organisational competence assessment requirements for the job role and clinical tasks.
Nursing Assistants who have completed their initial training, organisational competence assessments and have six months full-time equivalent experience in the Band 2 Nursing Assistant role may undertake further training and competence assessment for additional clinical tasks appropriate to their specific work area.