Healthcare Assistant Oncology Services- Limerick Cancer CentreLocation: Limerick Cancer CentreJob type: PermanentOverview of role: We are hiring a Healthcare Assistant on a permanent, full-time contract.Primary Duties and Responsibilities: ReportingRelationship Whenworking in the Clinical area, the post holder will report to the Clinical NurseManager or designated officer. The post holder will be Accountable to theOperations ManagerPurposeof the Post Toassist with the delivery of patient care under the supervision and direction ofNursing or other Professional Staff."Healthcare assistants provide assistance, support and direct personalcare to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare settings such ashospitals, clinics, nursing homes, aged care facilities, as well as communityand domestic settings. They generally work in support, or under delegation,direction and supervision, of health professionals. They supportmulti-disciplinary teams in the delivery of high-quality care." - InternationalStandard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). KeyWorking RelationshipsThe successful candidate will work closely with the Clinical Nursing teamMust be flexible to working within the Cancer Centre Network.Other duties and responsibilities within the Cancer Centre are outlined below.PrincipalDuties and ResponsibilitiesDutiesappropriate to the Health Care Assistant, may vary depending on the caresetting.Otherduties and responsibilities within the Cancer Centre are outlined below. CoreResponsibilitiesTheHealth Care Assistant will:Assist under the direction of the CNM2 & CNS's in the provision of quality service by promoting and adopting UPMC core values, working in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.Perform all duties according to hospital procedure, policy and guidelines.Does not on any occasion perform a duty or procedure outside of the job description and in which he / she has not received training.Accept and make every reasonable effort to correct mistakes and improve performance as required.Carry out baseline clinicalobservations under delegation of the Nurse in charge, recording of bloodpressure, taking of pulse, taking of temperature and urinalysis. Demonstrate motivation and appreciatethe importance of providing a quality service for patients and the public.Respect the patient and theirfamilies and colleagues as individuals showing dignity, courtesy andprofessionalism at all times.Act as an advocate for patients.Actively promote the participation ofpatients in their own care and encourage as much independence as possible.Maintain the confidentiality of allinformation made available to him / her during the course of his / her work.Demonstrate good interpersonal skillsand be able to work as part of a team.Promote a culture that valuesdiversity and respect in the workplaceAssist in pre-treatment protocols e.gbladder fillingAssist as chaperone when requested bypatient or Clinician.Maintain a safe environment by following all safety guidelines and taking appropriate action when required.Maintain infection control policies by following procedures as specifically outlined and maintaining areas specifically at risk such as:Immediate Patient EnvironmentSluice RoomMaintain stocks of linen, clinical room requirements, solutions and office stationery as requested by the Clinical Nurse Manager or Deputy.Ability to access policies on Q-Pulse and to log incidents as required.Qualityand Safety:TheHealth Care Assistant will:Support the implementation andevaluation of quality standards and improvement initiatives Work within own role, adhering tocurrent legislation, policies, procedures protocols and guidelines Undertake assigned duties under thedirection of a Registered Nurse in such a way as to ensure that care is of ahigh standard Report all complaints in accordancewith service policy Ensure all actions support theenhancement of a person-centred service and a person-centred culture within theteam Co-operate with quality reviews/service evaluations and assists with the implementation of any necessarycorrective action.Health& Safety including Maintaining a Safe Environment:TheHealth Care Assistant will:In accordance with Health and Safetyat Work policy, observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct atWork and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.Understand and adhere to all relevantpolicies, guidelines, and procedures, comply with health and safety, infectioncontrol and risk management procedures, comply with statutory obligations.Report any accidents, near misses,incident or potential incident to the person in charge which may compromise thehealth and safety of patients / clients / residents, staff or visitors and takeappropriate action including completion of near miss / incident forms.Attend training courses as required.Only undertake any duty related to patient / client / care for which he / sheis trained and deemed competent.Maintain a strict code of personaland general hygiene in the workplace as per work schedules and existingpolicies and procedures.Present to work wearing the agreedattire, footwear, and identification, having regard to the highest standard ofattire and personal hygiene. This includes not having possession of personalmobile phones while delivering patient care.Conduct his / herself in a mannerthat ensures safe patient / client care. Participates in maintaining a safeenvironment for patients, visitors and staff by ensuring vigilance inidentifying potential hazards and by taking the necessary steps to remove suchhazards.Thesesteps will include: Report broken or unsafe items thatneed repair and take them out of circulation as requiredMove, or assist in moving, equipmentand/or furniture as necessary.Attending to the hygiene (disinfectingand cleaning) of equipment such as I.V. stands, infusion pumps, hoists, beds,patient chairs, commodes or other departmental equipment.Be responsible for the appropriatestorage and infection prevention of patient equipment in the department.Assist in keeping all areas clean andtidy.Assist in the disposal of clinicalwaste according to hospital policy.Returning equipment to proper storageareas.Attend to spillages when necessary asquickly as possible to prevent accidents.Cleaning Tasks relate only to thecleaning of equipment that is attached to the patient directly, to ensure thatthe environment is safely maintained and spillages should be made safe Be aware of fire risks and minimisesame where possible. Be aware of fire exits, keep free from obstructions,attend mandatory fire training and participate in fire drills. Escort/transport patients within oroutside the hospital when necessary.Provide support for patients whorequire enhanced care.Assist patients withmobility and reduce the risk of falls for patients or general public when Education& Training TheHealth Care Assistant will:• Attend induction and mandatoryin-service education.• As directed, participate in theinduction of new staff.• Participate in team-baseddevelopment, education, training and learning.• Participate in appraisal and thedevelopment of a personal development plan in conjunction with his / her linemanager.Communicationand Teamwork:Effectivecommunication is a core skill required by Health Care Assistants. These skillswill be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous andeffective manner.TheHealth Care Assistant will:Operatein accordance with the Core UPMC Values:Quality and safety. We create a safe environment where quality is our guiding principle.Dignity and respect. We treat all individuals with dignity and respect.Caring and listening. We listen to and care for our patients, our health plan members, our fellow employees, our physicians, and our community.Responsibility and integrity. We perform our work with the highest levels of responsibility and integrity.Excellence and innovation. We think creatively and build excellence into everything that we do. Deal courteously with patients, theirfamily, with visitors, other healthcare workers and with anyone whom they comein to contact in the course of their duties.Demonstrate a range of listeningskills appropriate to the context of patient, visitor and ward situations. Beperceptive in interpreting non-verbal communication. Communicate effectivelywith patients considering their differing levels of ability to understand andtheir condition.Use a range of communication methodsto exchange information with nursing staff. Direct all enquiries about apatient's condition to a member of the nursing staff. This includes bothtelephone and verbal inquiries. Report to nursing staff any requests frompatients or relatives and any complaints of pain and distress expressed by thepatients. Complete records accurately.Report to nursing staff any changesin the patient's physical and emotional condition or behaviour using ISBAR orsimilar communication framework/communication tool as per local policy.Required training in the communication framework/communication tool must becompleted.Communicate effectively with allgrades of staff and disciplines contributing to effective team working. Respectculture and diversity within the team. Strive to foster good workingrelationships within the team including handling conflict. Work effectively andco-operatively with colleagues in all disciplines. Develop and maintain goodinterpersonal relationships.Participate in and contribute to theteam including handovers/meetings /care planning, as appropriate on service-relatedissues. Contribute to the development of a multidisciplinary assessment andcare plan and assist in its implementation and evaluation in consultation withthe Nurse, patient and family as appropriate.Participate in maintaining a physicalenvironment that communicates peace, comfort and caring to patients and theirfamilies.TheHCA has important obligations in relation to maintaining confidentiality. Thisapplies to information accessed through interactions with patients and theirrelatives or through interactions with other staff. However, there is also anobligation to report to the Nurse, or other relevant authority any informationthat may indicate the potential of harm occurring to any person.Mobilising:TheHealth Care Assistant will help patients to maintain or regain theirindependence by assisting them to mobilise in the following ways;Assist patients with walking when itis appropriatePosition patients comfortably and ina manner that enables mobility either in bed/trolley or on a chairAssist with repositioning the patienton a trolley/treatment bedAssist patients with aids thatenhance opportunities for mobility in consultation with the nursing staffParticipate in moving or handlingpatients as directed and according to hospital policyReport all falls, or other untowardevents, experienced by patients to the nursing staff.Collaborationin Other care /care area ActivitiesTheefficiency and effectiveness with which a care provider can meet the needs ofits clients depends on how well all the staff work together as a team. TheHealth Care Assistant is a key member of the care team and may be requested toundertake some activities that are indirectly related to patient care.Theywill include:Checking care /care area stocks anduse of the KanBan 2 Bin system to ensure adequate stock is on hand and notexpiredMaintaining orderly storage ofsuppliesAssist in the preparation for New Patient Clinics/ Simulation Scans and treatment by preparing relevant paperwork, patient information leaflets or any other duty that may be required.Assist in clinical audit of areas for Environmental cleanliness and safetyTheabove Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of allduties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to performother duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her fromtime to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.Qualifications & Experience:Skills Essential to the Post:Professional KnowledgeDemonstrates evidence of experience working in a Health or Caring ServiceDemonstrates awareness of person-centred approachDemonstrates awareness of role of the NurseDemonstrates knowledge of Health & Safety regulationsDemonstrates knowledge of Health Services and role of Health Care AssistantDemonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.Planning & OrganisingDemonstrates evidence of effective planning and organising skillsDemonstrates flexible approach to workDemonstrates ability to work on own initiativeDemonstrates good organisational ability with practical competencTeamworkDemonstrates ability to work as a member of team and make positive contributions to that teamDemonstrates an understanding of one's own role and the roles of others within the teamDemonstrates respect for other team members Demonstrates a willingness to participate in change initiativesUnderstands the need to be flexible and actively adapt within ones' own role.Patient/Customer Focus Demonstrates ability to work in a patient/customer focused environment Demonstrates evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect Demonstrates an understanding of the diversity and cultural and ethnic needs of the service users.Qualifications:Eligibility CriteriaProfessional Qualifications, Experience, etc.(a Candidates must have at the closing date for receipt of applications:(i The relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) level 5 qualification. OR(ii An equivalent relevant health care qualification or a comparable healthcarequalification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARICIreland framework.OR(iii Be currently employed as a Health Care Assistant or a comparable role.AND(b Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role. HealthCandidates for and any person holding the position must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. CharacterCandidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.With regard to Criterion (i), the listing below has been identified as what is considered relevant QQI (formerly FETAC) Level 5* Major Award in Healthcare qualifications.• QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support• QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies• QQI Level 5 Community Care• QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills• QQI Level 5 Community Health Services*(A full QQI/FETAC 5 Major award requires a minimum of 120 credits/8 Modules - Please note a Component Certificate will not suffice.)A Qualification in Phlebotomy is not necessary but desirable or a willingness to attend a course to gain competency in this skillExperience:Previous Care Assistant experience within a Hospital / Nursing Home settingJob Specific Competencies and Knowledge: Understand how information is obtained, transmitted and stored during delivery of the care service.Use positive communication skills when interacting with patients and relativesDemonstrate evidence of effective planning and organizing skillDemonstrate the ability to build and maintain relationships including the ability to work effectively as part of a multi disciplinary teamDemonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respectDemonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service.Demonstrate effective analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.Personal Competencies: Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessionsTime management skills.Able to act quickly to address urgent matters.EqualOpportunity Statement and Benefits UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environmentfor all employees.At UPMC we provide a total rewards programthat is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunitiesfor all our colleagues.Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related payand premium pay where applicable.Benefits –Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive PensionPlan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness coverfor all employees up to the age of 66.Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission ofUPMC through our annual ACES programme.Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexibleworking opportunities to support you to work around external familycommitments.Developmentand Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reachtheir career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.AboutUPMC UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medicalcentre committed to delivering people-focused care that's close to home.Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of PittsburghSchools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health throughclinical and technological innovation, research and education.UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care acrosscontinents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operatednetwork of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland andCroatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialtyservices of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others tomore people in more places around the world. In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since2006. UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital inWaterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital inClane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available atthe UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapylocations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and acrossUPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, andMayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC'sGlobal Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.