Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Healthcare Assistant who can support our specialist Heart Failure Nurses and administrator in delivering excellent quality care to our patients.

Our Community Heart Failure Service has a well-established team of experienced Heart Failure Nurse Specialists who support patients across Horsham, Crawley, Mid Sussex & Chanctonbury aiming to improve patient's symptoms and quality of life, using pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Our patients require close monitoring, of which you will help support, by taking patient observational recordings, ECG taking, basic physical assessments, phlebotomy, patient education, whilst we work together to reduce unnecessary hospital admission & supported discharges in line with National initiatives and guidance.

We are a very busy and passionate team so if you think you have the right skills please apply.

Main duties of the job

• To contribute to the complex management of patients with Heart Failure in the community, supporting their care and treatment, whilst helping to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, whilst under the direct care of Specialist Nurses.
• To ensure carers receive support and are signposted to appropriate services
• To ensure excellent end of life care as appropriate
• Work towards completing the Heart Failure Competency Framework for Health Care Professionals, under guidance from Heart Failure Nurse Specialists within the team
• Phlebotomy and ECG.
• Basic Physical Assessment under Supervision

About us

We are a very busy and dedicated specialist team. However, we will provide you with a supportive environment for gaining new skills and knowledge .

We are based at Horsham Hospital, you would work Monday - Thursday 9am-2pm and Friday 9am excluding Bank Holidays there is some level of flexibility so please discuss at time of interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main tasks

• The role of the Health Care Assistant is an integral part of the Community Heart Failure Service supporting Specialist nurses in the management of patients diagnosed with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction.
• You will work to undertake delegated activities to help deliver individualised care.
• You will play a vital role in the management of Heart Failure patients, performing tasks such as basic physical assessment, blood pressure, heart rate, venepuncture, ECG taking, patient education under close guidance.
• Under close guidance you will facilitate in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, supporting patients and the wider teams to provide seamless care.
• Be responsible for ensuring high standards of health care are maintained and an active role in clinical governance.
• Ensures that all medical and emergency equipment is kept in a safe condition and is ready for use when required and that faulty equipment is reported and / or replaced as necessary.
• Ensures competency in relation to medical devices and other equipment used.
• Participates in nursing and clinical audit as guided by the team.
• Ensures application of local standards and philosophies.
• Communicates proactively with all staff on the clinical condition andtreatments / discharge plans of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by self and other staff.
• Actively involves others in communications between patients their relatives and the multi-professional team, both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, and ensures excellent communication.
• Supports specialist nurses in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patients, relatives and carers.
• Actively involves patients, relatives and carers in their treatment and encourages others to enable individuals to assist in their recovery.
• Acts an ambassador / role model for the organisation and the nursing profession

Please read the Job Description / Person Specification for more information on the role!

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Experience in Community Working

Desirable

Minimum 12 months experience in care environment

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to organise own workload
• Ability to take patients physical observations
• Phlebotomy skills
• Ability to advocate for patients and escalate concerns to professionals when required

Desirable

Ability work in a flexible way and respond positivly to change

Other Requirements

Essential

• UK Car drivers Licence and access to car
• Access to car for work purposes
• Willingness to undertake training to develop role

Last updated : 2024-05-03