Nutritional Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Emergency Surgery and Elective Care Business unit on Ward 1 at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH). Ward 1 is a 30 bed emergency trauma orthopaedic ward which is primarily responsible for trauma orthopaedic admissions originating in the Emergency department, transfers from outpatient clinics, other wards at NSECH and any other wards within the trust where patients require a specialist Orthopaedic review which requires surgical intervention or care. High risk elective orthopaedic surgery is also carried out on this site.

We have 2 part time Band 2 Nutritional Assistant posts available; 1 x 22.5hrs & 1 x 30.0hrs and are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who have a passion for patient nutrition.

This busy trauma unit strives to deliver high quality, holistic care to all our patients. We pride ourselves on the adaptability of our team to meet the challenges that trauma brings. Within orthopaedics there are huge opportunities to learn and develop skills at all levels.

The trauma unit continues to be involved with the Hip Fracture Quality Improvement Programme (HIP QIP) which aims to provide continuity of care to all fractured neck of femur patients through a number of different measures using best practice. This has been a successful programme and we have collaborated with other Trusts to spread the success of what HIP QIP has achieved.

You will be expected to provide high standards of nutrition to those patients accessing our services. You should demonstrate excellent communication skills, and have a flexible approach to your work.
- To assist the qualified nursing staff in providing physical nutritional support for patients, including assisting with mealtimes and promoting additional nutritional smacks.
- To assist patients with ordering their meals and feeding patients where appropriate.
- To audit all nutritional interventions and report on nutritional intake to nursing staff.
- To keep an updated record of additional nutritional support provided.
- To monitor stock levels of nutritional supplements and snacks and order appropriately.
- To exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
- To maintain high clinical standards
- To promote nutrition in the ward.