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Healthcare Assistant Oncology Services- Limerick Cancer Centre

Location: Limerick Cancer Centre
Job type: Permanent

Overview of role: 

We are hiring a Healthcare Assistant on a permanent, full-time contract.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

Reporting Relationship

 
When working in the Clinical area, the post holder will report to the Clinical Nurse Manager or designated officer. The post holder will be Accountable to the Operations Manager

Purpose of the Post

 
To assist with the delivery of patient care under the supervision and direction of Nursing or other Professional Staff.
“Healthcare assistants provide assistance, support and direct personal care to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, aged care facilities, as well as community and domestic settings. They generally work in support, or under delegation, direction and supervision, of health professionals. They support multi-disciplinary teams in the delivery of high-quality care.” - International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).

Key Working Relationships

• The successful candidate will work closely with the Clinical Nursing team
• Must be flexible to working within the Cancer Centre Network.
• Other duties and responsibilities within the Cancer Centre are outlined below.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Duties appropriate to the Health Care Assistant, may vary depending on the care setting.
• Other duties and responsibilities within the Cancer Centre are outlined below.

Core Responsibilities

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Assist under the direction of the CNM2 & CNS’s in the provision of quality service by promoting and adopting UPMC core values, working in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.
• Perform all duties according to hospital procedure, policy and guidelines.
• Does not on any occasion perform a duty or procedure outside of the job description and in which he / she has not received training.
• Accept and make every reasonable effort to correct mistakes and improve performance as required.
• Carry out baseline clinical observations under delegation of the Nurse in charge, recording of blood pressure, taking of pulse, taking of temperature and urinalysis.
• Demonstrate motivation and appreciate the importance of providing a quality service for patients and the public.
• Respect the patient and their families and colleagues as individuals showing dignity, courtesy and professionalism at all times.
• Act as an advocate for patients.
• Actively promote the participation of patients in their own care and encourage as much independence as possible.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to him / her during the course of his / her work.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a team.
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace
• Assist in pre-treatment protocols e.g bladder filling
• Assist as chaperone when requested by patient or Clinician.
• Maintain a safe environment by following all safety guidelines and taking appropriate action when required.
• Maintain infection control policies by following procedures as specifically outlined and maintaining areas specifically at risk such as:
• Immediate Patient Environment
• Sluice Room
• Maintain stocks of linen, clinical room requirements, solutions and office stationery as requested by the Clinical Nurse Manager or Deputy.
  
  
• Ability to access policies on Q-Pulse and to log incidents as required.

Quality and Safety:

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Support the implementation and evaluation of quality standards and improvement initiatives         
• Work within own role, adhering to current legislation, policies, procedures protocols and guidelines     
• Undertake assigned duties under the direction of a Registered Nurse in such a way as to ensure that care is of a high standard        
• Report all complaints in accordance with service policy       
• Ensure all actions support the enhancement of a person-centred service and a person-centred culture within the team       
• Co-operate with quality reviews /service evaluations and assists with the implementation of any necessary corrective action.

Health & Safety including Maintaining a Safe Environment:

The Health Care Assistant will:

• In accordance with Health and Safety at Work policy, observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
• Understand and adhere to all relevant policies, guidelines, and procedures, comply with health and safety, infection control and risk management procedures, comply with statutory obligations.
• Report any accidents, near misses, incident or potential incident to the person in charge which may compromise the health and safety of patients / clients / residents, staff or visitors and take appropriate action including completion of near miss / incident forms.
• Attend training courses as required. Only undertake any duty related to patient / client / care for which he / she is trained and deemed competent.
• Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace as per work schedules and existing policies and procedures.
• Present to work wearing the agreed attire, footwear, and identification, having regard to the highest standard of attire and personal hygiene. This includes not having possession of personal mobile phones while delivering patient care.
• Conduct his / herself in a manner that ensures safe patient / client care. Participates in maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff by ensuring vigilance in identifying potential hazards and by taking the necessary steps to remove such hazards.

These steps will include:        

• Report broken or unsafe items that need repair and take them out of circulation as required
• Move, or assist in moving, equipment and/or furniture as necessary.
• Attending to the hygiene (disinfecting and cleaning) of equipment such as I.V. stands, infusion pumps, hoists, beds, patient chairs, commodes or other departmental equipment.
• Be responsible for the appropriate storage and infection prevention of patient equipment in the department.
• Assist in keeping all areas clean and tidy.
• Assist in the disposal of clinical waste according to hospital policy.
• Returning equipment to proper storage areas.
• Attend to spillages when necessary as quickly as possible to prevent accidents.
• Cleaning Tasks relate only to the cleaning of equipment that is attached to the patient directly, to ensure that the environment is safely maintained and spillages should be made safe
• Be aware of fire risks and minimise same where possible. Be aware of fire exits, keep free from obstructions, attend mandatory fire training and participate in fire drills.
• Escort/transport patients within or outside the hospital when necessary.
• Provide support for patients who require enhanced care.
• Assist patients with mobility and reduce the risk of falls for patients or general public when 

Education & Training

 
The Health Care Assistant will:

•           Attend induction and mandatory in-service education.
•           As directed, participate in the induction of new staff.
•           Participate in team-based development, education, training and learning.
•           Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with his / her line manager.

Communication and Teamwork:

Effective communication is a core skill required by Health Care Assistants. These skills will be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous and effective manner.

The Health Care Assistant will:

Operate in accordance with the Core UPMC Values:

• Quality and safety. We create a safe environment where quality is our guiding principle.
• Dignity and respect. We treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Caring and listening. We listen to and care for our patients, our health plan members, our fellow employees, our physicians, and our community.
• Responsibility and integrity. We perform our work with the highest levels of responsibility and integrity.
• Excellence and innovation. We think creatively and build excellence into everything that we do. 
• Deal courteously with patients, their family, with visitors, other healthcare workers and with anyone whom they come in to contact in the course of their duties.
• Demonstrate a range of listening skills appropriate to the context of patient, visitor and ward situations. Be perceptive in interpreting non-verbal communication. Communicate effectively with patients considering their differing levels of ability to understand and their condition.
• Use a range of communication methods to exchange information with nursing staff. Direct all enquiries about a patient’s condition to a member of the nursing staff. This includes both telephone and verbal inquiries. Report to nursing staff any requests from patients or relatives and any complaints of pain and distress expressed by the patients. Complete records accurately.
• Report to nursing staff any changes in the patient’s physical and emotional condition or behaviour using ISBAR or similar communication framework/communication tool as per local policy. Required training in the communication framework/communication tool must be completed.
• Communicate effectively with all grades of staff and disciplines contributing to effective team working. Respect culture and diversity within the team. Strive to foster good working relationships within the team including handling conflict. Work effectively and co-operatively with colleagues in all disciplines. Develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
• Participate in and contribute to the team including handovers/meetings /care planning, as appropriate on service-related issues. Contribute to the development of a multidisciplinary assessment and care plan and assist in its implementation and evaluation in consultation with the Nurse, patient and family as appropriate.
• Participate in maintaining a physical environment that communicates peace, comfort and caring to patients and their families.

The HCA has important obligations in relation to maintaining confidentiality. This applies to information accessed through interactions with patients and their relatives or through interactions with other staff. However, there is also an obligation to report to the Nurse, or other relevant authority any information that may indicate the potential of harm occurring to any person.

Mobilising:

The Health Care Assistant will help patients to maintain or regain their independence by assisting them to mobilise in the following ways;

• Assist patients with walking when it is appropriate
• Position patients comfortably and in a manner that enables mobility either in bed/trolley or on a chair
• Assist with repositioning the patient on a trolley/treatment bed
• Assist patients with aids that enhance opportunities for mobility in consultation with the nursing staff
• Participate in moving or handling patients as directed and according to hospital policy
• Report all falls, or other untoward events, experienced by patients to the nursing staff.

Collaboration in Other care /care area Activities

The efficiency and effectiveness with which a care provider can meet the needs of its clients depends on how well all the staff work together as a team. The Health Care Assistant is a key member of the care team and may be requested to undertake some activities that are indirectly related to patient care.
They will include:

• Checking care /care area stocks and use of the KanBan 2 Bin system to ensure adequate stock is on hand and not expired
• Maintaining orderly storage of supplies
• Assist in the preparation for New Patient Clinics/ Simulation Scans and treatment by preparing relevant paperwork, patient information leaflets or any other duty that may be required.
• Assist in clinical audit of areas for Environmental cleanliness and safety
  
  

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Skills Essential to the Post:

Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrates evidence of experience working in a Health or Caring Service
• Demonstrates awareness of person-centred approach
• Demonstrates awareness of role of the Nurse
• Demonstrates knowledge of Health & Safety regulations
• Demonstrates knowledge of Health Services and role of Health Care Assistant
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

Planning & Organising

• Demonstrates evidence of effective planning and organising skills
• Demonstrates flexible approach to work
• Demonstrates ability to work on own initiative
• Demonstrates good organisational ability with practical competenc

Teamwork

• Demonstrates ability to work as a member of team and make positive contributions to that team
• Demonstrates an understanding of one’s own role and the roles of others within the team
• Demonstrates respect for other team members
• Demonstrates a willingness to participate in change initiatives
• Understands the need to be flexible and actively adapt within ones’ own role.

Patient/Customer Focus     

• Demonstrates ability to work in a patient/customer focused environment        
• Demonstrates evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.           
• Demonstrates an understanding of the diversity and cultural and ethnic needs of the service users.

Qualifications:

Eligibility Criteria

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.
   (a)        Candidates must have at the closing date for receipt of applications:
   
           The relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) level 5 qualification.
   
   AND
   (b)        Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.
   
   
2. Health
   Candidates for and any person holding the position must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
   
   
3. Character
   Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
   With regard to Criterion (i), the listing below has been identified as what is considered relevant QQI (formerly FETAC) Level 5* Major Award in Healthcare qualifications.
   •           QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support
   •           QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies
   •           QQI Level 5 Community Care
   •           QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills
   •           QQI Level 5 Community Health Services
   
   *(A full QQI/FETAC 5 Major award requires a minimum of 120 credits/8 Modules - Please note a Component Certificate will not suffice.)
   A Qualification in Phlebotomy is not necessary but desirable or a willingness to attend a course to gain competency in this skill

Experience:

• Previous Care Assistant experience within a Hospital / Nursing Home setting

Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge: Understand how information is obtained, transmitted and stored during delivery of the care service.

• Use positive communication skills when interacting with patients and relatives
• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organizing skill
• Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain relationships including the ability to work effectively as part of a multi disciplinary team
• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service.
• Demonstrate effective analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

Personal Competencies:

• Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessions
• Time management skills.
• Able to act quickly to address urgent matters.

Salary scale: €34,647.06 -  €42,177.91 per annum based on a 39 hour week

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.

Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.

Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.

Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC           

UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.

In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network.  UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.