Assistant Practitioner

Assistant Practitioner

Hours: (Days, Nights or Bank contracts available) – Paid Breaks- 33h per week

Location: Minehead Nursing Home, Periton Road, Minehead, TA24 8DT

The Assistant Practitioner (AP) will work as part of the nursing and care team to support the delivery of safe, effective and person- centred care to our residents. The post holder will undertake a range of enhanced care and clinical duties following appropriate training, competency assessment and delegation bu a Registered Nurse.

The role combines direct resident care with enhanced clinincal responsabilities, leadership and support to the wider care team.

Key Responsabilities

Person-Centered Care

Clinical Care

Following appropriate training, competency assessment and delegation, duties may include:

• Undertaking and recording clinical observations, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
• Blood glucose monitoring.
• Supporting wound care and undertaking delegated wound care within assessed competence.
• Supporting pressure area prevention, skin integrity monitoring and appropriate documentation.
• Supporting catheter and continence care.
• Monitoring nutrition, hydration and weight and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Supporting residents with long-term health conditions and monitoring for changes or deterioration.
• Supporting falls prevention and post-fall monitoring in accordance with the home's procedures.
• Undertaking other clinical skills for which the post holder has received appropriate training, has been assessed as competent and has been authorised to undertake.
• Escalate concerns promptly to the Registered Nurse or appropriate senior member of the team.

The Assistant Practitioner must not undertake any clinical task for which they have not been trained, assessed as competent or appropriately delegated.
Medication

Where appropriately trained, assessed as competent and authorised:

• Administer medications safely in accordance with the home's medication policy and procedures.
• Complete medication records accurately using the home's medication administration system.
• Monitor residents for the effectiveness, side effects or potential adverse effects of medication and escalate concerns to the Registered Nurse.
• Follow procedures for PRN medication, refusals, omissions, errors and medication stock management.
• Maintain safe and secure handling of medicines at all times.

Recognising Deterioration

Care Planning and Documentation
Leadership and Team Support

Safeguarding

Infection Prevention and Health & Safety

• Follow infection prevention and control procedures and promote good practice within the team.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately.
• Follow moving and handling procedures and individual resident assessments.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards, equipment faults and environmental concerns promptly.
• Understand and follow fire safety and emergency procedures.
• Take reasonable responsibility for the health and safety of residents, colleagues, visitors and themselves.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Assistant Practitioner is expected to:

• Work within the boundaries of their role, training and assessed competence.
• Understand that enhanced clinical competence does not replace the accountability or responsibilities of a Registered Nurse.
• Seek advice whenever unsure and never undertake a task beyond their competence.
• Maintain all mandatory training and role-specific clinical competencies.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal, competency assessment, reflective practice and ongoing development.
• Follow Eastleigh Care Homes' policies, procedures and expected standards of conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Treat residents, relatives, colleagues and professionals with dignity and respect.
• Work flexibly according to the needs of the home.

Who We’re Looking For

Essential

• Previous experience working within health or social care.
• Experience providing direct care to older people or adults with care and support needs.
• Good understanding of person-centred care.
• Ability to recognise changes in a person's condition and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain clear and accurated records.
• Ability to work effectively both independently within defined responsabilities and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging or emergency situations.
• Willingness to undertake training and competency assessments relevant to the role.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, dignity and professional boundaries.
• Reliable, compasionate and able to demonstrated a commitment to high standards of care.

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care or equivalent.
• Level 4 qualification in Adult Care/Assistant Practitioner practice pr willingness to work towards an appropriate qualification.
• Previous experience in a Senior Care, Assistant Practitioner or rnhanced care role.
• Experience within a nursing or residential care home.
• Experience of medication administration.
• Experience undertaking clinincal observations and enhanced clinical care tasks.
• Knowledge of dementia, fraility and complex care needs.
• The duties listed within this job description describe the general responsabilities of the role and are not exhoustive.

Clinical duties undertaken by the Assistant Practitioner will depend upon the individual's training, experience, competency assessment and the needs of the service.

The post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the level and nature of the role.