Assistant Practitioner

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Dermatology Outpatient department at the Dorset County Hospital for an Apprentice Assistant Practitioner.

Applications are invited for this role that requires a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to clinical excellence.
- To work under the direction of a trained nurse in assisting with the care of patients, the maintenance of a safe, clean and comfortable environment and in the safe running of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust outpatient clinics.
- The post holder may be required to work in other areas of DCH NHS foundation Trust as directed by the senior nurse.
- To work independently, use own initiative and make independent judgement within procedural guidelines.
- To support the established Nursing team in ensuring the delivery and maintenance of a high standard of care that is patient centred and evidence based.
- To assist the nursing team in providing patient care, which is individualised, and in accordance with best practice.
- The assistant practitioner will function at a higher competency level than that of health care support workers and will undertake a range of clinical competencies underpinned by the learning outcomes within the Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship programme, which is 2 years:

- L5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship | Bournemouth and Poole College (thecollege.co.uk)

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture that we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
- To work as an assistant practitioner in ensuring that holistic care is delivered and standards of care are enhanced.
- To ensure quality care and support service which enables patients to be supported throughout their care pathway whilst promoting independence and protecting choice, dignity, privacy and safety.
- To be able to work in the theatre/surgery setting adhering to the principles of aseptic techniques and assistance as required.
- To see patients with chronic skin conditions to plan, implement and evaluate treatment management plans where appropriate in conjunction with other members of the dermatology team.
- Ensure high standards are maintained in a safe environment, which promotes equality and sensitivity for all individuals.
- To regularly assess evaluate and report on actions and activities to registered practitioners and/or Multidisciplinary Care Team.
- Assist in wound care management and pressure ulcer management and surveillance, and wound dressing clinics.
- Maintain and exhibit excellent infection control and prevention.

FREEDOM TO ACT
- The post-holder is required to be accountable for their own actions and professional conduct.

1.DIMENSIONS
- The post holder will work closely with the nursing team in the day-to-day provision of patient care with supervision from registered nurses.
- Work with the Multidisciplinary team to provide patient focused care.
- This will require the deployment of communication, interpersonal and practical competency skills.
- To gain and maintain competencies as set out in the Dermatology Assistant Practitioner competency policies and associated competency toolkit and not to practice outside of their scope of assessed competence
- The post holder will attend in-service training and participation in department and clinical governance meetings as required.
- The post holder will be responsible for reporting any faults relating to the equipment within the Outpatient Department directly to Medical Engineering and the department Manager and advising others when machinery is not working.
- You will be required to work flexibly during the week (Monday to Friday)
- Listen sensitively to patients and visitors who may be anxious or distressed and respond with sensitivity and empathy.
- To be aware of the complaints policy and deal with any complaints according to the policy.
- Relay information to and from patients and relatives to the team and regarding any delays in a clinic.
- Immediately report any change in a patient’s condition.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in relation to all patient information.
- Communicate sensitive and contentious information in a tactful manner.
- Frequently use negotiation, motivational and persuasive skills to communicate with all levels of staff on a daily basis, in order to ensure co-operation.
- At all times, represent the department in a professional and courteous way
- taking appropriate information and feedback to other team members.
- The post holder will have to demonstrate skills in empathy, reassurance and tact. There may be barriers to communication such as physical and mental dis