Healthcare Assistant Oncology Services – Limerick Cancer Centre
Location: Limerick Cancer Centre
Job Type: Permanent
Overview of Role
We are hiring a Healthcare Assistant on a permanent, full‑time contract.
Reporting Relationship
When working in the clinical area, the post holder will report to the Clinical Nurse Manager or designated officer and will be accountable to the Operations Manager.
Purpose of the Post
To assist with the delivery of patient care under the supervision and direction of nursing or other professional staff. Healthcare assistants provide assistance, support and direct personal care to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, aged care facilities and community and domestic settings.
Key Working Relationships
* Work closely with the Clinical Nursing team.
* Must be flexible to working within the Cancer Centre Network.
* Other duties and responsibilities are outlined below.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Duties appropriate to the Health Care Assistant, may vary depending on the case‑setting.
* Other duties and responsibilities within the Cancer Centre are outlined below.
Core Responsibilities
* Assist under the direction of the CNM2 & CNSs in the provision of quality service by promoting and adopting core values, working in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.
* Perform all duties according to hospital procedure, policy and guidelines.
* Do not perform any duty or procedure outside of the job description and without training.
* Accept and make every reasonable effort to correct mistakes and improve performance as required.
* Carry out baseline clinical observations under delegation of the Nurse in charge, recording blood pressure, pulse, temperature and urinalysis.
* Demonstrate motivation and appreciation of providing quality service for patients and the public.
* Respect patients, their families and colleagues as individuals showing dignity, courtesy and professionalism at all times.
* Act as an advocate for patients.
* Actively promote patient participation in their own care and encourage independence as much as possible.
* Maintain confidentiality of information made available during work.
* Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
* Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.
* Assist in pre‑treatment protocols (e.g., bladder filling).
* Assist as chaperone when requested by patient or clinician.
* Maintain a safe environment by following all safety guidelines and taking appropriate action when required.
* Maintain infection control policies by following procedures and maintaining areas at risk such as the immediate patient environment and sluice room.
* Maintain stocks of linen, clinical room requirements, solutions and office stationery as requested by the Clinical Nurse Manager or Deputy.
* Access policies on Q‑Pulse and log incidents as required.
Quality and Safety
* Support the implementation and evaluation of quality standards and improvement initiatives.
* Work within role, adhering to legislation, policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.
* Undertake duties under the direction of a Registered Nurse to ensure high standard care.
* Report all complaints according to service policy.
* Ensure actions support a person‑centred service and culture.
* Co‑operate with quality reviews/service evaluations and assist with corrective action.
Health & Safety – Maintaining a Safe Environment
* Observe all rules related to Health and Safety and use equipment safely.
* Understand and adhere to relevant policies, guidelines and procedures.
* Report accidents, near‑misses, incidents and potential incidents to the person in charge and complete relevant forms.
* Attend training courses as required; undertake only duties for which you are trained and competent.
* Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace.
* Present to work wearing agreed attire, footwear and identification; no personal mobile phones while delivering patient care.
* Behave in a way that ensures safe patient care and vigilance in identifying hazards.
Additional Safety Steps
* Report broken or unsafe items that need repair and remove them from circulation.
* Move or assist in moving equipment and/or furniture as necessary.
* Attend to hygiene (disinfecting and cleaning) of equipment such as IV stands, infusion pumps, hoists, beds, patient chairs and commodes.
* Be responsible for appropriate storage and infection prevention of patient equipment.
* Assist in keeping all areas clean and tidy.
* Assist in disposing clinical waste according to hospital policy.
* Return equipment to proper storage areas.
* Attend to spills promptly to prevent accidents.
* Maintain fire safety knowledge and participate in fire drills.
* Escort/transport patients within or outside the hospital when necessary.
* Provide support for patients who require enhanced care.
* Assist patients with mobility and reduce risk of falls.
Education & Training
* Attend induction and mandatory in‑service education.
* Participate in the induction of new staff as directed.
* Participate in team‑based development, education, training and learning.
* Participate in appraisal and develop a personal development plan with line manager.
Communication and Teamwork
Effective communication is a core skill required by Health Care Assistants. These skills will be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous and effective manner.
Operating in accordance with core values
* Quality and safety – create a safe environment where quality guides practice.
* Dignity and respect – treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
* Caring and listening – listen to and care for patients, members, colleagues, physicians and community.
* Responsibility and integrity – perform work with the highest responsibility and integrity.
* Excellence and innovation – think creatively and build excellence into everything.
* Courteous interaction with patients, families, visitors and co‑workers.
* Demonstrate listening skills and interpret non‑verbal communication.
* Use communication methods to exchange information with nursing staff; direct all inquiries about a patient's condition to a member of nursing staff.
* Report changes in patient conditions using ISBAR or similar framework; required training in communication tool must be completed.
* Communicate effectively with all staff and foster good working relationships; respect diversity and handle conflict.
* Participate in handovers, meetings, care planning and multidisciplinary assessment as appropriate.
* Maintain a physical environment that communicates peace, comfort and caring to patients and families.
Mobilising
* Assist patients to walk when appropriate.
* Position patients comfortably in bed, trolley or chair to enable mobility.
* Assist with repositioning patients on trolley or treatment bed.
* Assist with aids that enhance mobility, consulting nursing staff.
* Participate in moving or handling patients as directed and per hospital policy.
* Report falls or other untoward events to nursing staff.
Collaboration in Other Care / Care Area Activities
* Check care area stocks and use KanBan 2 Bin system to ensure adequate stock.
* Maintain orderly storage of supplies.
* Assist in preparation for new patient clinics, simulations, scans and treatments, including relevant paperwork and leaflets.
* Assist in clinical audit of environmental cleanliness and safety.
Qualifications & Experience
Skills Essential to the Post
* Professional Knowledge: Demonstrate evidence of experience working in a health or caring service; awareness of person‑centred approach; awareness of role of the Nurse; knowledge of Health & Safety regulations; knowledge of Health Services and role of Health Care Assistant; excellent communication skills, including command of English.
* Planning & Organising: Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills; flexibility; ability to work on own initiative; good organisational ability with practical competence.
* Teamwork: Demonstrate ability to work as a member of a team and make positive contributions; understand own and others' roles; respect team; willingness to participate in change initiatives; flexibility.
* Patient/Customer Focus: Demonstrate ability to work in a patient/customer‑focused environment; empathise with patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect; understand diversity and cultural/ethnic needs of service users.
Qualifications
Eligibility Criteria
1. Professional 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.
(ii) An equivalent relevant health care qualification or a comparable healthcare qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARIC Ireland framework.
(iii) Be currently employed as a Health Care Assistant or a comparable role.
(b) Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.
2. Health. Candidates must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health that indicates reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
3. Character. Candidates must be of good character. Relevant QQI Level 5 major awards as outlined.
Experience: Previous Care Assistant experience within a hospital / nursing home setting.
Job 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 relatives.
* Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organizing skill.
* Demonstrate ability to build and maintain relationships; effective team working.
* Demonstrate empathy and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
* Commitment to providing a quality service.
* Effective analytical, problem solving, decision‑making skills.
* Excellent communication skills, including command of English.
Personal Competencies
* Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessions.
* Time management skills.
* Ability to act quickly to address urgent matters.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement: UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Compensation: Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits: Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents; competitive pension plan; company funded death in service benefit x 3 times; critical illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition: Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work‑Life Balance: Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days; flexible working opportunities to support working around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities: Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
All applicants must provide a statement of suitability, references, and evidence of any required qualifications.
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