JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Nursing Assistant Job Reference No. 2622 Department: Band: 3 Location/Base: Adult Mental Health, Inpatient Units Hours: 37.5 JOB SUMMARY The staff nurse role is designed to meet the holistic needs of service users/patients and carers, in a working environment conducive to staff development and wellbeing. The post holder supports the delivery of the adult mental health inpatient model through: Work as an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), working within a rotational shift system to support patients according to their care needs, some of whom may present with problematic or challenging behaviour. Contribute to, and participate in, the ongoing support of patients and their carers. Contribute to the protection of patients from abuse Contribute to the health, safety and security of patients and their environment. Obtain, transmit and store information relating to the delivery of a care service. Responsible to: Sister/Charge Nurse Department Chart Sister/Charge Nurse Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse Staff Nurse Nursing Assistant Key Relationships All members of the ward team including, nursing, medical, allied health professionals. 1
Communication and Relationship Skills Be aware of the Trust Communications Policy To attend and participate in staff meetings and shift handovers Analytical and Judgmental Skills To understand the need to escalate any patient, staff or environment concerns Planning and Organisational Skills To organise workload under the direction of the shift coordinator Patient/Client Care Engage with patients to follow the plan of care as directed by the nurse in charge, ensuring needs are met Support/enable patients to maintain their personal hygiene and appearance Support/enable patients to eat, drink and use toilet facilities. Support/enable patients to achieve physical comfort. Support/enable patients to manage their domestic and personal resources. Make written records under the supervision of the registered nurse. Give verbal reports on patients care, needs and daily outcomes. Contribute to the support of patients during programme of care/rehabilitation. To ensure that all care aspects follow a recovery approach maximising the strengths of the patient. Responsibilities for Policy and Service Development To work within Trust policies and procedures. Responsibilities for Finance Handle patients cash and property in line with the Trust s Standing Financial Instructions. Responsibilities for HR May support student nurses. May participate in the internal induction and demonstration of own duties to new staff. Responsibility for Information Resources With support/guidance from qualified nurse can update patient records. Research and Development Participate in internal audits. Freedom to Act Works semi-autonomously during escort duties, ability to work within a minimum of direct supervision. The post holder will be expected to function under the guidance of a trained nurse, either supervised directly or working independently if required. However, you will be expected to work semi-autonomously when assigned to internal and external patient escort duties. 2
Job Flexibility To show flexibility by working a rotational shift pattern including night duty and weekends according to the needs of the ward and the wider service. To move clinical area at either, short-notice, or no-notice in order to meet the changing needs of the service. To participate in the process of internal rotation as and when required. Other The above indicates the main duties of the post which may be reviewed in the light of experience and development within the service. Any review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post holder. Special Conditions: This section is applicable to all employees of the Trust and needs to include the following points as standard. As a member of staff you have: Legal duties and responsibilities under Health & Safety legislation, plus a general duty to work safely and not to put others at risk i.e. colleagues, patients, visitors, as a result of any activity or omission at work. A duty to report any practice that you consider compromises standards of risk and health & safety. The Whistle-blowing Policy gives effect to the Public Interest Disclosure Act under which an individual who raises such concerns for unfair treatment is protected. All Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust staff employed within all Environments that have contact with service users, their families or systems to support them have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, adults and vulnerable families. Staff must All Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust staff employed within Clinical Environments and have contact with children, vulnerable adults; service users and their families must familiarise themselves, be aware of their responsibilities and adhere to Local Safeguarding Children s Board, Local Safeguarding Adult Board and LCFT Procedures for Safeguarding and Protecting Children. "The Trust places great emphasis on the need for the strictest confidentiality in respect of personal data - both that of service users and staff. All information about people will be treated in the strictest confidence at all times. Breaches of confidentiality will be investigated and may lead to Disciplinary action being taken. The Trust's view, its responsibility under the Data Protection Act and the Caldicott Principles as central to all activities that are carried out in its name. Staff are therefore expected to acquaint themselves with the principles of Information Governance, and to complete the mandated training modules that have been agreed." 3
Date: Date the job description was drawn up and agreed needs to feature here Associate Director: Manager s Signature: Post holder s Signature: PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Band: 3 Nursing Assistant Attributes Essential Desirable Method of Assessment Education/ Qualifications NCQ Level III of higher in Health and Social Care or QCF Diploma in Health and Social Care or an interest in completing the above training or can demonstrate the equivalent skills and knowledge gained through work (pad/unpaid). Knowledge Demonstrate an understanding of the issues surrounding mental illness. Can demonstrate basic IT skills Understands their duties and responsibilities under the Data Protection Act with regard to patient confidentiality. Experience Working in a caring environment, e.g. nursing home, care home, hospital ward, home carer etc. Experience of caring for people with mental health conditions. Working as part of a team. Up to date or working knowledge of de-escalation Experience of updating electronic records. 4
techniques, Control and Restraint Management of Violence and Aggression (MOVA) 5
Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate in a clear and compassionate manner. Able to follow direction from senior staff Ability to understand when to escalate concerns Work Related Circumstances Ability work across a range of shift patterns throughout a 24 hour 7 days per week period Date: EFFORT FACTORS PHYSICAL EFFORT What physical effort is required for the job? Will need to support colleagues whilst undertaking MOVA For how long? What weight is involved? Any mechanical aids? Is the job holder expected to sit / stand in a restricted position? Yes No Every shift Weekly Monthly Less Often For how long? What activity is involved? MENTAL EFFORT Are there any duties requiring particular concentration? Please detail. For how long? Observations Every shift In line with the Observation and Care of the Patient at Imminent Risk Procedure. Are there any duties of an unpredictable nature? Please detail. For how long? MOVA techniques, escort duties 6
EMOTIONAL EFFORT Does the job involve dealing with any distressing or emotional circumstances? Please detail. Dealing with patients with suicidal ideation, selfharming history and/or violent and aggressive behaviour. Direct / Indirect exposure Direct Regular WORKING CONDITIONS Does the job involve exposure to unpleasant working conditions? Please detail. Direct contact with distressed patients, possible contact with human waste. Regular 7