Senior Healthcare Assistant

The role of the Senior Nursing Assistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social, and psychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to the Unit or within the community. The post holder will be required to work both within the ward unit and with clients in the community. This will involve contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patients notes.

The post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been given by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can be fulfilled competently. The post holder will provide support and mentorship to junior staff. However, the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making and direction. The role of the senior health care assistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social and psychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to a Livewell South West (LWSW) MH unit.

The primary function of this role is to support patients during their acute illness to prevent them being sent out of area. The aim is to support individuals to receive the best care close to home. The post holder will be dynamic and responsive to the needs of the patients across the hospital sites. As directed by the senior nurse, this requires the ability to travel at short notice from base.

The post holder will be required to work within all the specified Mental health wards of LWSW. This will involve contact with relatives, carers, and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patients notes under the supervision of the registered nurse The post holder will be based within the adult acute service on Bridford for managerial support and line management. Job responsibilities To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision.

To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the trained nurse. To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfill. To maintain confidentiality in respect of the patient / client at all times. To be aware of Health and Safety at Work Act and the implications for the work environment.

To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly. To ensure understanding of the patients needs and risks. To obtain knowledge of Trust policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them. To be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act.

To support community activities either on a 1:1 basis or in small groups. To be an active member of the provision of care to the patient / client. Co-facilitate groups with qualified staff. To receive reports on patient care and be able to report back with observations to the nurse in charge within his / her competency.

To be willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training programmes which the manager believes to be of benefit to the individual. To assume co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels. To assist the registered nurse to carry out, under direction, tasks which fulfill the patients / clients physical and psychological need, as identified in the Care Plan / Assessment. Escort patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community.

Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process. Make appropriate records in the multi-disciplinary patient file / electronic records, which will then be counter signed by a registered nurse. To assist the patients personal care and record patients observations in accordance with the Care Plan.

Record and manage patients property. Undertake specific responsibilities designated by the Ward Manager. To undertake mandatory and other training as directed by the Trust. To participate in continuing role / personal development using the appraisal system.

To receive line management support and supervision. To contribute to any audit process. To behave in a manner which does not bring the Trust into disrepute. This job description is not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will not take place without consultation between the post holder and his / her manager.

This job will be reviewed within the appraisal process on an annual basis. The post holder is required to conform to Livewell South West policies on Health, Safety, Fire procedures, record keeping and confidentiality. To undertake annual competency assessment appropriate to the role