HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT – LAKESDISTRICTHOSPITAL

Developed / February 2003
Reviewed / April 2008
To be Reviewed / April 2009
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:Health Care Assistant

Position size:As per appointment letter

Department:LakesDistrictHospital

Reporting to:Manager, Lakes District

Functional Relationships:

Internal:External:

Director of Nursing & MidwiferyVisitors

ManagerFamilies

Nursing Staff

Administration staff

Non-Clinical Support Staff

Medical staff

Allied Health staff

SDHB clinical services

Nursing support services

Primary Objectives:
  • To assist and support Registered Nurses in their care for patients in accordance with designated standards of practice and other delegated duties associated with the efficient running of the hospital.
  • To implement a quality of life activities programme directed by Registered Nurse / manager, which provides physical, intellectual, social and emotional challenges to promote and maintain health and improve the quality of life of the long-term residents.
  • Manage the ordering and levels of medical supplies and consumables in an efficient manner, ensure that non clinical areas are kept clean

Area of Responsibility / Performance Measures
Ensure consistency and quality of nursing care /
  • Under the direction of a Registered Nurse use the nursing process to deliver nursing care to elderly residents in accordance with individual health care consumers needs, standards of nursing practice, policies, doctors orders and under supervision of registered nursing staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality in his/her work, especially regarding information related to patients and their treatment.
  • Prevent cross infection by observing basic rules of hygiene.
  • Accept personal responsibility and accountability for professional practice.
  • Actively participate in quality improvement activities.
  • In consultation with the registered nurse recognise resident’s/ family’s social, cultural, spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual needs, and utilises suitable people / resources to meet these needs
  • Be familiar with all emergency procedures and equipment and their use within the hospital.
  • Be prepared to work rostered shifts.
  • Undertakes other tasks as directed by registered nurse.

Maintain professional skills /
  • Undertake any educational qualifications required
for the service
  • Participate in education programmes that are relevant.

Maintain good communication and interpersonal relationships within Southland District Health Board /
  • Demonstrate effective communications with all staff, patients and other health professionals.
  • Create a positive environment, challenging negativity
  • Demonstrate a professional and helpful attitude in his/her interactions with consumers and the health care team.
  • Contributes to team meetings / family meetings, be an advocate for residents and families when necessary
  • Recognise that people are entitled to consideration and respectful care without prejudice against gender, ethnic background, lifestyle, education and religion.

Ensure the provision of a safe, clean environment for patients, staff and visitors /
  • Maintains the supply imprest list at appropriate levels and liases with Kew supply department to alter accordingly
  • Ensures supply order is timely. Ensures items ordered are received.
  • Monitors levels of medical supplies and consumables, prevents over stocking
  • Demonstrate responsible use of and maintenance of consumables and equipment.
  • Appropriately report incidents and problems to the Manager.
  • Observe and practice safe work methods using safety equipment where it is provided.
  • Report unsafe working conditions or equipment to the Manager

Provide an Activity Programme for the Elderly Long Stay Patients /
  • Provide meaningful activities in order to maintain the patients at their best level of functioning physically emotionally and socially.
  • Assist patients in normal activities of daily living.

Consumer health and wellbeing /
  • Liaise with staff, clients and their families as appropriate
  • Participate actively in staff meetings and other meetings as required

Actively uphold Southland District Health Board’s philosophy, policies and procedures /
  • Ensure all policies, procedures and standards of practice of Southland District Health Board, relevant Acts, Regulations, Employment Contracts and statutory obligations are adhered to within the principles of Equal Employment opportunity and the Treaty of Waitangi
  • Maintain ethical standards and client confidentiality at all times

Perform such other duties as may be reasonably required /
  • Undertake duties as directed in an efficient and productive manner

Be subject to the overall direction of Southland District Health Board /
  • Comply with Southland District Health Board policies and directives.

Personal Qualities, Qualifications and Experience:

Essential / Preferred
EDUCATION /
  • Have a reasonable level of literacy and be able to write legibly.
/
  • Have attained a Caregivers Course.
  • Have completed an accredited Carers Education Programme
  • Have attended education courses applicable to the role of occupational therapy assistant
  • Have experience working with people in the community.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE /
  • Cultural awareness and understanding of the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi.
  • Have proven competence in carrying out basic manual tasks.
/
  • Have had some experience in caring for the elderly.
  • Have some knowledge of rehabilitation of patients.

SPECIFIC SKILLS /
  • Mature, responsible outlook.
  • Genuine interest and commitment to the care of the elderly using a holistic approach.
  • Experience working with people with special needs due to disability or age.
  • Self motivated with positive attitude to life.
  • Self confidence
  • Clear communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Flexibility
  • Sense of humour
  • Have a current drivers licence

PERSONAL QUALITIES /
  • Tidy presentation.
  • Bright personality.

Remuneration Specification:

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS

DISTRICT HEALTH BOARDS/NZNO MULTI EMPLOYER NURSING/MIDWIFERY COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Health Care Assistants and Hospital Aides / Effective 1/04/2007 / Effective 31/03/2008 / Effective 31/03/2009
Step 4 / 35,535 / 36,956 / 38,435
Step 3 / 34,907 / 36,303 / 37,755
Step 2 / 32,718 / 34,027 / 35,388
Step 1 / 30,791 / 32,022 / 33,303

Nurse Manager:______Date______

Employee’s Signature:______Date ______

G:\HRP\Position Descriptions\Lakes District Hosp\Health Care Assistants - Lakes.doc