JOB DESCRIPTION
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT
Reporting to:
Inpatient Unit Nurse Manager
Employment Status:
Week>
<Eg Part-time or Full-Time And Hours Per
Date Prepared:
POSITION PURPOSE
To be responsible for performing care for patients and
families as per the policies and protocols of Mary Potter
Hospice and under the direction and supervision of a
Registered Nurse. The Registered Nurse (Duty leader for that
shift) is accountable for the total care provided by the
Health Care Assistant. Care is delivered according to the
Hospice’s philosophy, Code of Practice, Code of Rights and
Responsibilities and the Code of Health and Disability
Services Consumer’ Rights.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To provide care and support for patients with a terminal
illness and to families and carers to help maintain the
highest possible quality of life.
 Demonstrate competency and safe practice in the clinical
setting
 Perform patient cares under the supervision of an RN in a
manner that reflects the philosophy, values and mission
statement of the Mary Potter Hospice.
 Practice with an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi
and the concept of cultural safety.
2. To work with the nursing team and to support the wider
multidisciplinary team.
 Report accurately the outcomes of the care given either
verbally or in writing.
 Report accurately physical, psychological and spiritual
needs expressed by patients, families and carers to the
registered and/or enrolled nurse
 Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team, taking
direction, support nursing colleagues and demonstrate
team-building skills.
 Demonstrate the ability to work under the guidance of the
Registered Nurse and work collaboratively with Enrolled
Nurses.
3. To provide a clean, safe and tidy environment at all
times for patients, families, visitors and staff.
 Maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the working
area.
 Ensuring a safe environment in risk areas by monitoring
water spills, untidy lockers and bed and bathroom,
sluicing and storage areas.
 Being aware of those patients who may be unsteady or
confused
and
provide
supportive
care
and
close
supervision.
 Report any accidents or incidents and handle any
complaints according to the hospice’s protocols and
policies.
 Being familiar with the Internal and External Disaster
Plan and attending a Safety Walk annually.
 Being aware of the Security Policy and the security and
locking-up procedures.
 Report any faulty equipment or maintenance issues.
 Provide feedback on the linen service and any issues in
relation to the proper handling of clean and dirty linen
and its storage.
 Monitor sluices, ensuring they are emptied, following
correct
sterilization.
Correct
storage
of
reusable
equipment in sluice room.
4. Actively assist with the patients’ meal service, ensuring
patients’ timely and appropriate access to food/fluids,
refreshments in the absence of the Hospitality team.
 Work alongside Hospitality team and volunteers to ensure
patients are suitably prepared for their meals, and food
servings meet their current preferences and assessed
health status.
 Work alongside volunteers to ensure patients receive
their meals at the right time and temperature, in the
absence of the Hospitality team.
 Provide hospitality to families/visitors in accordance
with Mary Potter Hospice values, policies/procedures.
 Ensure patients have ongoing access to additional snacks,
fluids and refreshments as their conditions/personal
preference dictates, and outside of scheduled meal times.
5. To
attend
nursing
team
meetings
and
to
take
responsibility for own learning and personal growth and
development.
 Attend nursing team meetings
 Attend relevant courses, for example, CPR.
 Provide and receive support on a day-to-day basis from
colleagues within the work setting.
Health and Safety
Page 2 of 5




Practise within MPH health and safety policies and
procedures outlined in the Health and Safety Policy Manual.
Report all identified hazards, incidents (including nearmisses) and accidents to the Team Leader
Contribute to ensuring that a safe working environment is
maintained at all times
Participate in mandatory health and safety training as
required
This
that
that
will
job description does not intend to cover every detail
may be required within the role, and the expectation is
any other reasonable requests made by the Team Manager
be undertaken.
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
External
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The following requirements are sought for this position:






Will be a Health Care Assistant strongly committed to
working as part of the nursing team
Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and
clearly, both verbally and in writing
Has an ability to work co-operatively with Registered Nurses
who direct and supervise Health Care Assistant work
Be responsible for own actions
Demonstrate
an
understanding
and
commitment
to
the
philosophy of the hospice and work within patients Code of
Rights and the Mary Potter Hospice policies
Has an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and openness
to wider cultural diversity
Page 3 of 5

Brings a range of life skills and/or previous Health Care
Assistant experience
In order to meet the changing needs of Mary Potter Hospice, this
job description may require change from time to time.
Signed:
..............................................................
.................... Date: ...............................
Page 4 of 5
Job Description Appendix
About Mary Potter Hospice
For 35 years, Mary Potter Hospice has provided the highest
quality specialist palliative care to people whose illnesses
are incurable. We support patients and their families to deal
with the host of significant and challenging changes.
At Mary Potter Hospice our vision is that people in our
communities
who
need
palliative
care
have
access
to
compassionate and quality care, when and where they need it.
To achieve this, we work alongside our many health partners to
promote and provide education on quality palliative care and
care planning services. We provide high quality specialist
palliative care in our In-Patient Unit, in other care
facilities and the community. The Hospice assists patients and
their families with the quality of their life, their dying and
their bereavement.
Our values are based on
hospitality, and stewardship.
respect,
compassion,
In 2014, it costs around $10 million a year
Hospice. Just under 50% is currently funded by
with the balance to be raised from the community.
million (gross) comes from donated goods sold
retail shops.
dignity,
to run the
Government,
Nearly $1.5
through our
Mary Potter Hospice is proud to be regarded
Wellington's most loved and trusted charities.
as
one
of
Mary Potter Hospice is proud to be regarded
Wellington's most loved and trusted charities.
as
one
of
As at January 2015
Page 5 of 5