Hours of work: Subject to agreement. We have a number of shifts available and are happy to work with individuals able to offer one or more shifts per month). Working hours to be predominantly completed during one pre-determined respite week per month (dates already set).

Overview

To provide high quality palliative care in the hospice environment by working in partnership with patients receiving respite care and their families and friends to undertake assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of person-centred care plans to meet their needs.

To act as a role model for team members and provide supervision, encouragement and motivation to achieve excellence in service delivery while upholding the ethos of the hospice and contributing to the development of the volunteer model of care delivery.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

To support the participation of the patient and family and friends in all aspects of care delivery

To support colleagues in delivering the objectives of Skanda Vale Hospice and promote dignity and respect for all people

To promote best practice in palliative care and contribute positively to the creation and maintenance of a person-centred service

To promote principles of equality, diversity and inclusive practice across all areas of the hospice service

To maintain accurate, clear and contemporaneous records and documentation

To communicate effectively with colleagues, the patient and their families and friends in a timely and appropriate manner

To apply strict confidentiality to all aspects of Hospice operations at all times

To report and record all adverse events in accordance with the Clinical Governance Framework, take prompt action in relation to complaints or concern and challenge unsafe practice

To manage own emotional wellbeing, seeking support from senior colleagues when required

To take part in individual or group reflection, debriefing, clinical supervision sessions and other support strategies

To maintain and demonstrate continuing professional development

To participate in standard setting, audit, data collection and quality review

 To use equipment and all resources in an efficient and cost effective way

To be familiar with and comply with all Skanda Vale Hospice policies, procedures and protocols, and abide by the Skanda Vale Hospice Code of Conduct

Key role responsibilities:

Clinical

To ensure the safe admission, discharge and transfer of patients to and from hospice care

In conjunction with the patient and their family and friends, to assess, plan, implement, evaluate the palliative care delivered to the patient and their family

To deliver direct evidence-based person-centred palliative care to the patient and their families and friends

To respond quickly to deterioration in the patient’s health, applying knowledge and skills to manage symptoms and seeking advice when required

To liaise with members of the multidisciplinary team in primary, secondary and tertiary services to ensure continuity of care for the patient and their family

To manage distressing or sensitive situations such as advance care planning, decisions about treatment, ethical dilemmas, disagreements, while acting as an advocate for the patient at all times

To act as a resource for patients, families and friends and team members regarding palliative care issues, promoting health and wellbeing and quality of life

Leadership and Management

To regularly take charge of the in-patient service to ensure effective and safe care delivery

To actively manage risk within the hospice environment, assessing, reporting and acting upon both clinical and environmental risk

To provide leadership and supervision, promoting a culture of learning and enquiry and contribute to the mentoring, education and development of team members

Promoting effective team working and prioritise, organise and appropriately delegate responsibilities and workload to ensure the delivery of effective palliative care

Professional

To be aware of personal accountability and limitations and when necessary to extend sphere of responsibility to ensure safe practice

To demonstrate clinical ability by constantly reflecting on practice and using research as an integral part of practice

To maintain standards of conduct according to NMC Code and fulfil requirements of revalidation set out by the NMC

To ensure appropriate indemnity arrangement is in place for the duration of employment, and for the whole scope of practice

Physical skills and effort

In the direct care of the patient the post holder will: 

Be required to undertake appropriate clinical skills such as drug administration; aseptic techniques; enteral feeding; management of non-invasive ventilation equipment. This list is not exhaustive

Use correct moving and handling procedures and equipment as appropriate, promoting patient and own safety and comfort at all times

Manage high and sometimes unpredictable levels of physical effort according to clinical need of the patient

Mental effort

Requires long periods of concentration and decision making and ability to work under pressure despite interruptions and changing circumstances

Ability to maintain a professional manner at all times and re-prioritise to meet the needs of the patient and their family

Ability to respond rapidly in a critical event

Emotional effort

Ability to cope with the changing demands and unpredictable nature of palliative care

Ability to manage emotional situations, particularly at the end of life

Working conditions

Frequent contact with body fluids when providing personal care, both pre and post death

Ability to work a shift pattern, including unsocial hours, nights and bank holidays.

This job description is not exhaustive. It is an outline of the main duties only, and will be reviewed periodically and amended following consultation with the post holder. The hours required will be carried out either all or mainly during the predetermined monthly respite week held (dates already set) at the Hospice.

For an informal chat to discuss this role, please email our Head of Care Delivery at athena.stevens@skandavalehospice.org

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to nicky.gilbert@skandavalehospice.org

 

Supported by: Lead Nurse

Base: Skanda Vale Hospice, Saron

Hours: Subject to agreement. We have a number of shifts available and are happy to work with individuals able to offer one or more shifts per month). Working hours to be predominantly completed during one pre-determined respite week per month (dates already set).

Please note: This opportunity will close once we have sufficient interested applicants, but feel free to register your interest for any such future opportunities.

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