ST. JAMES’S HOSPITAL
Job Title:
Intern Health Care Assistant
Grade:
Health Care Assistant
Area of Assignment:
Reporting Relationship:
Clinical Nurse Manager II/Clinical Nurse Manager III
Salary Scale:
€21,741 – Year 1
€23,020 – Year 2
Closing Date:
Sunday 21st August 2016
Ref: 33701/16
Intern Health Care Assistant
The Intern Health Care Assistant works as part of a multidisciplinary team to assist in the
provision of health and social care for patients. He/She supports and assists patients in all
activities of daily living in line with the needs and wishes of the individual and as
outlined in an agreed care plan.
REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 6 month’s relevant experience in a healthcare setting and one of the
following qualifications:
1. FET / QQI (FETAC) Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills,
2. FET / QQI (FETAC) Level 5 Certificate in another Healthcare Related Award
e.g. Healthcare Support
3. A Nursing Certificate (from another country) but recognised by QQI to be at
FETAC Level 5 (minimum).
Or

1 year’s relevant experience in a healthcare setting.
(Candidates qualifying under this criterion must be willing to undertake FET / QQI
(FETAC) Level 5.
MAIN ROLE, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Range of Responsibilities / Duties

Assist with patient hygiene, physical comfort, eating and drinking and mobility
whilst observing and reporting specific changes

Assist patients with their hygiene needs e.g. bathing, shaving, cleaning of hair,
nails, teeth, dressing, undressing etc.

Assist Nursing staff with the care of incontinent patients and the promotion of
continence care

Shave patients preoperatively as directed

Take care of patients dentures, glasses, hearing aids and prosthesis

Supervise patients on commodes, in toilets and bathrooms and assist patients
with their hygiene needs

Assist patients who are confined to bed with their toilet needs

Assist in toileting of patients including the giving, removing and emptying of
bedpans, urinals, commodes in toilets and in bathrooms.

Assist in the collection of specimens under direction of nursing staff.

Assist patients to dress and pack in preparation for discharge

Assist and support patients during mealtimes and outside of catering hours.

Assist patients with eating and drinking

Ensure that individual patients dietary needs are adhered to including special
diets and supplementary drinks under the direction of Nursing staff

Assist with lifting patients using appropriate equipment in accordance with the
Hospital Moving & Handling policy

Assist patients with walking and limb exercises as directed

Ensure that patients are comfortable in bed or in chair

Accompany patients to other departments within hospitals and outside as
appropriate

Observe skin condition and report findings to Registered Nurse

Assist in the caring for people who are dying. Assist with last offices and in the
preparation of the deceased for transfer to the mortuary

Assist in caring for patients that require 1:1 supervision under the direction of the
registered Nurse, ensuring their safety needs are met

Follow and implement care plans under the direction of a Registered Nurse

Assist in the delivery of a high standard of holistic care to patients, promoting
their equality and dignity at all times.
Infection Control

Comply with Hospitals Infection Control Policy e.g. Hand washing, isolation
room procedures, use of personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, visors)

Use correct procedures for barrier nursing and strict adherence to Hospital
infection control protocol on entering / leaving isolation rooms.

Maintain a clean environment with due consideration to Health and Safety issues

Wash and disinfect mattresses / fire blankets / commodes / bedpans / receptacles /
patient pillows / leg rests / bed cradles / catheter stands / NG tube stands / suction
equipment and receptacles in accordance to Hospital Infection control policy

Make occupied and unoccupied beds

Ensure that linen cupboards and store areas are kept tidy and stocked

Assist with the disposal of clinical waste as per hospital guidelines

Ensure that used linen is placed into correct laundry bags and securely tied

Assist in the maintenance of ward cleanliness

Ensure that sluice rooms are kept clean and tidy

Ensure that patients’ wash basins are cleaned daily as per infection control
guidelines

Change ward curtains as required.
Healthcare Assistant Code of Conduct
As a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) whilst working on the ward you are professionally
accountable to the qualified Nurse in Charge of the ward/department.
1. Each Healthcare Assistant should work under the direction of a qualified
member of staff at all times
2. Each Healthcare Assistant should report back to a qualified member of staff
3. Each Healthcare Assistant should act in such a manner as to safeguard the
interests and well being of patients and clients
4. Each Healthcare Assistant Should convey the wishes of patients and clients to
the qualified nurse in charge
5. Each Healthcare Assistant should not undertake procedures unless the
appropriate training has been given and he / she has been assessed as competent
6. Each Healthcare Assistant should improve and maintain their competencies and
personal development
7. Each Healthcare Assistant should recognise and respect the uniqueness and
dignity of each patient and client irrespective of their ethnic origin, religious
beliefs, sexual orientation and personal attributes
8. Each Healthcare Assistant should maintain patient confidentiality at all times
and in accordance with the Data Protection Act
9. Each Healthcare Assistant will receive, document and transmit information
accurately and in a timely manner
10. Each Healthcare Assistant should work in a collaborative and co-operative
manner with members of the interdisciplinary team
11. Each Healthcare Assistant should comply with the guidelines, policies and
standards that apply to their role and area of work
12. Each Healthcare Assistant should be aware of the limitations of their role
13. Each Healthcare Assistant must avoid receiving gifts or favours from patients /
carers which might compromise their professional relationship with the patient /
carer.
PARTICULARS OF OFFICE
1. The appointment is Full time, Temporary, and pensionable (18 Month fixed term
contract)
2. Annual Leave allowance is 23 days per annum. (pro rata to contractual hours)
3. The person appointed must not give less than one month’s notice, in writing, of
intention to resign.
4. Normal working hours will be 39 hours per week.
5. You will be required to work the agreed roster/on call arrangements advised to you
by your line manager. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between
the hours of 8.00am – 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended
day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement
GENERAL
1. The Hospital Board will not be responsible for the loss or theft of personal
belongings.
2. Fire orders must be observed and staff must attend fire lectures annually.
3. All accidents within the department must be reported immediately.
4. In accordance with the “Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005”, all staff must
comply with all safety regulations.
5. In line with the Tobacco Regulations Act 1990 Smoking within the hospital buildings
is Not Permitted.
CONFIDENTIALITY
In the course of your employment you may have access to or hear information
concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and/or staff, or other health
services business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless
acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information
concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed
except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such
a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe
custody when no longer required.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HYGIENE
It is the responsibility of all staff across the hospital to ensure that infection control
and hygiene standards are adhered to and maintained at all times.
HEALTH
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable
of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would
indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
ENQUIRIES
Ms. Bernadette Lyons, CNM3, Nurse Bank, Phone 01 4162231, Email:
[email protected]
or
Ms. Jane Murphy, CNM3, Nurse Bank, Phone 01 4162231 Email:
[email protected]
For External Applicants:
The Application Form is available under Support Staff Posts section of Careers
webpage.
Alternatively, please contact the Human Resources Directorate for an application form,
Phone: 01 4162559 or Email: [email protected]. Please note closing date
Sunday 21st August 2016 for receipt of completed application forms. C.V.s will not be
accepted.
A panel may be formed from which future vacancies will be filled
St. James’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunities Employer