Hospice Support Worker - end of life care

Job Title: Hospice Support Worker, flexible working, minimum 20 hours per month. Location: Community of Tynedale, Scots Gap and Ponteland. Home based, travelling to patient homes and occasional travel to Hexham Office Reports to: Deputy Head of Care Hours: Bank, minimum availability 20 hours per month. General Statement As a Support Worker at Tynedale Hospice at Home you will be able to provide a minimum of 20 hours availability per month, including weekends, Bank Holidays and night duty. You will work as part of the multi disciplinary team providing supportive & palliative care to a range of patients with life limiting illnesses. Summary of role The Hospice Support Worker's role includes the delivery of personal and delegated nursing care by our Registered Nurses to individuals with life limiting illness and their families. You will mainly work alone in delivering care in the patients own home but you will have access to advice and support. The tasks, skills and duties you will
undertake as a Hospice Support Worker are described under the following sub-headings: Clinical The performance of personal care tasks and clinical interventions delegated by Registered Nurses. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, implement, monitor and review the End of Life Care plan. Recognise and adhere to professional boundaries seeking support where appropriate. The administration of medication, where appropriate, in line with appropriate training. The delivery of personal care and support to patients with a life limiting illness and their families including the provision of emotional and psychological support. The safe moving and handling of patients and inanimate loads including safe use of appropriate equipment/aids. The ability to recognize clinical deterioration and emergency situations and institute an immediate First Aid response including where necessary CPR. Communication/Documentation: Work with patients, their families and friends in a sensitive and flexible
manner, demonstrating an awareness of the impact of death, dying and bereavement and recognising that their priorities and ability to communicate may vary over time. Manage unpredictable and/or volatile situations effectively. Facilitate communication with clients for whom English is not the first language and those who have communication/language difficulties. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult and complex matters or situations relation to End of Life Care. Advance Care Planning Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the legal status and implications of the Advance Care Planning process in accordance with the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act. Show an understanding of Informed Consent and demonstrate the ability to give sufficient information in an appropriate manner. Work sensitively with families and carers to support them as the patient decides upon their preferences and wishes during the Advance Care Planning process. Supervision and
Appraisal Work without direct supervision to deliver personal care to patients, seeking advice from Care Co-ordinator where appropriate. Take responsibility for personal learning and continuing professional development. Attend Supervision sessions and appraisal as required by the Hospice. Promote health and safety, undertaking risk assessments as necessary. Contribute to Hospice policies, protocols and procedures where appropriate. Successfully complete mandatory training and development courses as advocated by the Hospice. Clinical Governance and Quality Standards Implement and adhere to hospice policies at all times. Ensure care delivered is in accordance with NICE Guidance (NG 31).