The NHS Healthcare Assistant role at this level, will be allocated and agreed via plans of care, assessed and evaluated by a registered nurse. They will implement, deliver care under the guidance of more experienced registered practitioners supported by a monitored process of on-going supervision and support.
Posting date: | 28 June 2024 |
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Salary: | £27,129.00 to £28,649.00 per year |
Additional salary information: | £27129.00 – £28649.00 a year |
Hours: | Full time |
Closing date: | 14 July 2024 |
Location: | 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL |
Company: | NHS Jobs |
Job type: | Permanent |
Job reference: | C9306-24-0657 |
This NHS Healthcare Assistant role will be expected to work with high levels of support and supervision, with adherence to agreed instruction, whilst being guided and supported within Trust procedures and policies. As part of the wider Team the NHS healthcare assistant will be responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of care/services to service users as part of a Mental Health Care Team, working under the direct supervision of a registered member of staff. This will involve being responsible for carrying out practical tasks, identified as part of the service user’s care plan or care pathways.
Main duties of the NHS Healthcare Assistant
- The NHS healthcare assistant will work with, talk to and listen to service users and ensure any change in their condition is accurately and promptly communicated to the named nurse.
- Accompany patients, including escorting sectioned patients, to various agencies, centre and other hospitals in the community and outside the Trust as required.
- The NHS healthcare assistant will Take due consideration of the cultural, social and religious beliefs of patients, relatives and visitors and respect patients as individuals whose needs include social, spiritual, emotional and physical care.
- Ensure that patients’ nutritional support and personal care needs are met. This may include helping patients to get comfortable for meals, assisting with feeding where necessary and assisting with serving meals and assist with their personal care.
- The NHS healthcare assistant will assist trained staff to uphold a high standard of nursing care, including close and physical observations on patients, in accordance with practices and procedures.
- The NHS healthcare assistant will assist in the maintenance of a safe and pleasant physical environment for patients and staff.
- The NHS healthcare assistant will assist in the confidential safe keeping of patients nursing and medical records, including appropriate entries on RiO.
- Ensure the safe keeping of patient’s property and valuables in accordance with policies and procedures.
- To develop and maintain appropriate relationships with patients, relatives and care.
About us
The partnership betweenBarnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust (BEH)andCamden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I)is going from strength to strength since it was originally established in 2021 forming theNorth London Mental Health Partnership.
Why choose to join the Partnership?
- We believe that by working together, our two Trusts can achieve more for the residents of North Central London and our patients than we can by working apart.
- Deliver the best care using the most up-to-date practise in supporting those with mental health illnesses.
- We offer flexible working, a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives, NHS Pension and so much more.
- Generous Annual Leave Allowance
- NHS Discounts in a large variety of retail stores and services.
- We have excellent internal staff network support groups.
The postholder will need to be comfortable working in an environment of complex matrix management arrangements and will at all times behave and align with our Trusts’ values and cultural pillars:
- We are kind
- We are respectful
- We work together
- We keep things simple
- We empower
- We are proudly diverse
In order to meet the needs of the new Partnership services you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Enfield and Harringay Trust and Camden and Islington Trust.
NHS Healthcare Assistant Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare
If you’re preparing for an NHS Healthcare Assistant (HCA) interview, congratulations! This is a rewarding role that makes a real difference in people’s lives. To help you succeed, let’s explore common interview questions, how to answer them effectively, and tips for a confident performance.
Understanding the Role
Before diving into the questions, it’s crucial to grasp the core responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant. HCAs provide essential support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. This includes tasks such as:
- Personal care: Assisting with washing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
- Basic medical procedures: Taking vital signs (e.g., temperature, pulse, blood pressure), and assisting with medication administration under supervision.
- Emotional support: Offering companionship and reassurance to patients.
- Communication: Acting as a liaison between patients, families, and medical staff.
Common Interview Questions
- Why do you want to be a Healthcare Assistant?
- Focus: Your passion for helping others, empathy, and relevant experiences.
- Example: “I’ve always been drawn to caring for people. In the past, I volunteered at a care home, and seeing the impact I could have on residents’ well-being was incredibly rewarding.”
- What are your strengths and weaknesses relevant to this role?
- Strengths: Highlight qualities like compassion, patience, communication skills, reliability, and ability to work under pressure.
- Weaknesses: Choose something you’re actively working to improve, e.g., “I can sometimes be overly self-critical, but I’m learning to balance high standards with self-compassion.”
- Tell us about a time you dealt with a challenging situation with a patient or colleague.
- Focus: Problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.
- What are the 6Cs of nursing, and which do you consider most important?
- The 6Cs: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment
- Focus: Briefly explain each C and choose one that resonates most with you, providing a personal example.
- How would you handle a situation where a patient is anxious or upset?
- Focus: Empathy, communication, and de-escalation skills.
- Example: “I’d actively listen to their concerns, offer reassurance, and involve them in decision-making whenever possible.”
- What do you understand about confidentiality in healthcare?
- Focus: The importance of protecting patient privacy and data security. Mention the Data Protection Act and your commitment to upholding ethical standards.
Additional Tips
- Research: Learn about the NHS values and the specific department you’re applying to.
- Practice: Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence.
- Dress professionally: First impressions matter.
- Ask questions: Prepare insightful questions to show your interest in the role and the NHS.
Example Questions You Could Ask
- “What opportunities are there for professional development within the NHS?”
- “What does a typical day look like for a Healthcare Assistant in this department?”
- “How does the team support each other and foster a positive work environment?”
To apply for this job please visit findajob.dwp.gov.uk.