Job overview

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a centre of excellence for research, development, education and care in the treatment of cancer.

The opportunity has arisen on Robert Tiffany Ward for an enthusiastic HCA to work as an integral part of the team.

They will assist the nursing team in monitoring of patients and admissions to the ward, prepping patients for theatre when required.

They will need excellent interpersonal skills and an understanding of infection control and safety within the unit to continually maintain the quality of standards expected within the

Royal Marsden at all times. Phlebotomy skills are desired but not essential.

Please note, successful applicants will be expected to work predominately nights with some day shifts.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out in a responsible and efficient way, the nursing care for patients which has been drawn up in conjunction with the co-ordinator of the shift.
• To demonstrate the ability to develop a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of patients with cancer and the different treatment modalities.
• As an integral member of the nursing teamwork with team members to ensure the maintenance of an efficient, safe, clean and pleasant environment for all patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To undertake and practice the Care Certificate standards.
• Monitoring and recording patients’ vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation) and reporting any abnormal results to registered nursing staff. Assess
• Measuring and recording patients’ height and weight.
• Performing venepuncture and cannulation after training and assessment of competency.
• Undertakes clinical tasks relevant to the specific clinical area following competency sign off, for example, ECG, urinalysis, catheter removal, MRSA screening swabs, blood glucose monitoring, pregnancy testing, removal of peripheral cannula, observing patients for signs of agitation or distress, providing heightened observation through specialing / enhanced care, recording of allergies on EPIC and other clinical tasks where training/competency sign off deemed appropriate for a Band 3 HCSW.
• Assisting with nutrition where applicable e.g., assisting with menu completion, feeding assistance. Working closely with the ward host/hostess and housekeeper. Understanding the dietary needs of patients and utilise diet charts and fluid balance charts appropriately.
• Liaising with the trusts MDT as appropriate to ensure complete holistic care is provided and harm free care is monitored.
• Demonstrates an understanding of infection control issues including attendance at mandatory training; an understanding of policy and procedure and accept responsibility for their own infection control practice and a willingness to challenge others’ practice.
• Demonstrates and understanding of nursing care plans and utilise them in line with Trust policy and procedure.
• Directing or escorting patients and their belongings between departments and clinical areas.
• Collecting patient’s medications from pharmacy.
• Assisting in the provision of basic care to patients so as to ensure their comfort, cleanliness and well-being, for example mouth care, hygiene and eye care.
• Reporting to registered nurses any problems arising during observation of or conversations with patients and carers.
• Co-operating with all colleagues to maintain a presentable and safe environment. Ensuring that all patient/public areas (including bedside where applicable) and utility rooms are clean and tidy at all times and informing an appropriate member of staff when the required standard is not maintained.
• To prepare dressing/procedure trolleys initially under the guidance of registered staff and then independently following completion of competency.
• Cleaning equipment in between use and daily, including trolleys and drip stands. Informing the nurse in charge when repairs are needed.
• To monitor unit equipment service/calibration history and in conjunction with the ward sister/charge nurse ensure all equipment is maintained as per Trust policy
• Collecting blood products from blood bank (subject to completion of part 1 blood transfusion competency)
• Ensuring stock levels of clinical and non-clinical supplies are maintained. Ordering and putting away stock. Rotating stock so that short expiry times are used first. Safely disposing of out of date stock.
• Assisting nursing and medical staff where required with various clinical procedures, as delegated appropriately by a registered nurse.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Person specification:

Other

Essential

• Flexibility to meet the needs of the service (e.g. shift work)
• Able to work on both sites and to be flexible to meet the needs of the role

Skills

Essential

• Clinical skills (e.g. phlebotomy etc.)
• Evidence of effective interpersonal skills
• Evidence of good organisational skills
• Self-motivated to work under minimal supervision
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good communication skills, written and verbal
• Patience and understanding of patient’s needs
• Ability to remain calm and demonstrate tact and diplomacy whilst under pressure
• Evidence of commitment to customer care initiatives
• Awareness of the importance of patient confidentiality
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Awareness of health and safety at work (e.g. Manual Handling skills, Infection Control measures)
• Ability to use own initiative

Desirable

• Understanding of working with patients who are critically and chronically ill

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a healthcare setting for a duration long enough to have obtained relevant competencies for a Band 3 position.
• Experience of working with computers (keyboard skills, data entry)

Desirable

• Experience of working with oncology patients

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• Completed Care Certificate
• Demonstrable experience of working in a healthcare setting.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

• NVQ in Health and Social Care Level 2, working towards Level 3