Job summaryWe are launching a new surgical Virtual Ward at NUH, providing acute-level care to patients in their own home, and we are looking for Senior Healthcare Support Workers to join the team. Working under the direction of registered nurses across both the hospital and community elements of the service, you will provide direct care and practical support that helps patients recover safely at home.
Main duties of the jobYou will carry out clinical tasks and personal care under the supervision of a registered nurse, following training and competency verification, including observations, NEWS2 scoring, and - where competency-assessed - venepuncture, cannulation, ECGs, and wound care.
You will carry out planned community visits to patients' homes, following agreed care plans and Trust lone-working policy, and escalating any concerns to the registered nurse promptly.
You will record observations and care accurately using Trust handheld devices and electronic systems, and support the smooth day-to-day running of the service.
About usVirtual Wards are a significant development in how the NHS delivers acute care, and this post sits within a fully funded new service in Surgery and Associated Services at NUH, launching alongside a dedicated therapies team.
You will be a valued member of a supportive, well-led new team, with training and competency development provided to help you work confidently across hospital and community settings.
You will also benefit from the NHS Pension Scheme, annual leave, and the development opportunities that come with joining a new and growing service.
Job responsibilitiesJob PurposeThe Band 3 SAS Virtual Ward Clinical Support Worker provides direct care and practical support to patients on the surgical Virtual Ward pathway, under the direction and supervision of registered nurses, across both hospital and community settings.
Direct Patient CareUnder the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, carry out nursing procedures and clinical tasks following competency verification, in both hospital and community settings.
Assist with personal care, comfort, and hygiene needs, adapting sensitively for care delivered in a patients own home.
Take and record clinical observations, including NEWS2 scoring, and report changes in a patients condition promptly to the supervising registered nurse.
Following training and competency assessment, carry out venepuncture, cannulation, ECG recording, wound care, catheter care, and other clinical tasks as directed.
Community Visiting and Lone WorkingCarry out planned community visits to patients homes in line with the agreed visit schedule, care plans, and instructions from the supervising registered nurse.
Follow Trust lone-working policy at all times, including check-in and check-out procedures, and assess the safety of the home environment on arrival.
Escalate any clinical concerns, unexpected findings, or safeguarding concerns immediately to the supervising registered nurse.
Operational Support and Team ContributionContribute to the safe and efficient day-to-day running of the service, attending handovers, huddles, and briefings.
Support registered nurses with administrative and organisational tasks, and assist in the checking, maintenance, and safe storage of clinical equipment and supplies.
Work flexibly across hospital and community settings to meet the demands of a 7-day service model.
Documentation, Governance and SafetyMaintain accurate, contemporaneous, and legible records of care delivered and observations recorded, using electronic patient record systems and Trust handheld devices.
Report all incidents, accidents, near misses, and safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust policy.
Comply with all Trust policies, particularly patient safety, infection prevention and control, manual handling, lone working, and confidentiality.
Communication and TeamworkingCommunicate effectively and professionally with patients, carers, and colleagues, adapting your style sensitively where needed.
Make clear, accurate, and timely verbal reports to registered nursing staff, followed by written or electronic documentation.
Raise concerns promptly with the supervising registered nurse, and never act beyond your competence or scope of practice.
GeneralParticipate in mandatory training, role-specific competency assessments, and working in new ways modules identified as integral to the role.
Travel between patients homes and Trust sites; a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or ability to meet travel requirements by other reasonable means) is required.
This is a summary of the main duties. The full Person Specification and Job Description are available as supporting documents.
Person SpecificationCommunicationEssential- Demonstrate clear, accurate, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to pass on information accurately and promptly to registered nursing colleagues, both verbally and in written or electronic documentation.
- Able to communicate sensitively and compassionately with patients and carers across a range of settings, including patients' homes.
Desirable- Experience of communicating with patients or service users in emotionally complex or challenging circumstances.
- Experience of using electronic patient record systems or digital clinical tools to document care.
ExperienceEssential- Previous experience in a caring role within a health or social care setting, in either a paid or voluntary capacity
- Experience of working under the direction of a registered professional and within clearly defined boundaries and protocols
- Experience of contributing to the care of people with health or care needs in a respectful, dignified, and patient-centred way.
Desirable- Experience in an acute hospital, surgical ward, or inpatient clinical setting.
- Experience of working in a community, domiciliary, or home-care setting.
- Experience of taking and recording clinical observations such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, or oxygen saturations.
- Experience of working with patients recovering from surgery or with acute health needs.
Training & QualificationsEssential- NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent, or a commitment to working toward this.
- Functional Skills in Maths and English at Level 1 or above, or equivalent.
Desirable- NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in a health or social care setting.
- Venepuncture or cannulation training or competency
- ECG recording training or competency.
- Any training relevant to community working, Virtual Ward, Hospital at Home, or surgical care.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 