Nursing Assistant

The Macmillan Unit (Ward G1) is a 12 bedded inpatient ward, a chemotherapy day unit, a mobile cancer care unit and a busy outpatient clinic department. We specialise in the care and treatment of patients with oncological and haematological conditions through all stages of their illness. We provide staff with many opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills supported by our senior nursing team and by working closely with the multidisciplinary team, including site specific Clinical Nurse Specialists and the Acute Oncology Service.

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.

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?

KEY TASKS:

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.

Recording intake and output on fluid chart and record food eaten in food diaries

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
• Height and Weight
• NEWS 2
• 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 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 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, 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.

Personal Development

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.