Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To adhere to the main standards of performance for patient care, within the concepts of the accepted nursing philosophy and good customer care.
• Ensure effective communication and interpersonal skills with the other members of the team. Promote a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for both team members and patients. Be courteous, helpful and supportive to patients at all times.
• To liaise with clinicians, other professionals and community staff as appropriate co-ordinating and maintaining care which will achieve the set standards
• To assist trained staff or other clinicians with procedures, transfer patients from the Emergency Department to Paediatric Assessment Unit (defined suitability & risk assessed) Escalating any concerns to trained staff.
• Complete venepuncture as required for patients following training and competency assessment.
• Maintain high standards of documentation and competence in using electronic patient records.
• To be a patient advocate and provide support for patients medical, social and psychological needs whilst on the ward
• To be able to work with minimal supervision suitable to the nature  and scope of your practice, planning own work activities and always escalating to registered nursing staff anything which is beyond your scope of practice.
• To continue to develop your knowledge and be aware of your own training needs. Attend statutory mandatory training as dictated by the Trust.
• Within the 6 months probation period, it is expected that you will consolidate skills in paediatric assessment and complete venepuncture training with competency assessments.
• To be able to initiate care of emergency situations i.e. anaphylaxis, choking, resuscitation for children and family.
• Be competent in using a range of medical equipment with accuracy and be aware of the changes in normal ranges based on age of the patient.
• To be competent and be able to train other health care assistants in the collection of specimens and use of a range of medical equipment with accuracy.
• To be able to record/perform additional tests/observations such as performing an ECG (Electrocardiography), performing and interpreting urinalysis results, performing and interpreting blood glucose and escalate if abnormal.
• Chaperone children through invasive or personnel procedures, supporting parents following consultations if they have received distressing news or unexpected diagnosis.
• Be able to orientate new staff to the unit, including students on placement, other Health Care Assistants, bank staff, other trained staff who are new to the department or trust.
• Be able to supervise other Health Care Assistants as appropriate
• Be able to refer any safeguarding concerns to the nursing team and/or the safeguarding team,  completing information sharing forms in a timely manner.
• Support distressed or frightened children during their assessment or throughout procedures by offering them distraction or play activities as appropriate.
• Is able to order and maintain stock liaising independently with supply chain
• Be aware of maintenance of equipment and ensures equipment is regularly serviced/Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) tested as appropriate
• Participates in the service development of the paediatric ward by making suggestions to improve patient experience
• Be proactice in initiating friends and family test and is involved in feedback and changes as a result of feedback
• Be able to manage changing demands and an unpredictable work load. Prioritising based on patient need.