Trainee Healthcare Support Worker - Patient Safety

Job Introduction

Open the door to your NHS career today. Discover how you can earn while you learn.

Join our 6-month Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) development programme, where you will learn on-the-job as a Patient Safety Support Worker (PSSW) with no previous care experience needed.

We have supervised PSSW placements at Royal D&E Hospital (Exeter) & North Devon District Hospital (Barnstaple)​ for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Pay Rates:
Days: £11.44, Saturdays/Nights: £16.13, Sunday/Bank Hols: £20.94

Why might this job interest you?

During your placement, you’ll work towards achieving the widely recognised Care Certificate with the training you need to become a PSSW as well as a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW). Throughout, you’ll have supportive supervision from your mentor/Ward Manager.

Everyday your work will contribute to ensuring both quality and safety for vulnerable patients including those with challenging behaviours, dementia or at high risk of falls.

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be able to work as both a PSSW and HCSW, providing more choice in roles and wards. From here, you can progress your career by accessing further training. This career path may lead to potential roles such as Senior Healthcare Assistant to Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate, enabling further career avenues such as a Nurse or Midwife.

Where will you be working?

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Since the 23rd October 2023, our Nursing & Midwifery and Admin and Clerical Bank are managed by NHS Professionals.

Main Responsibilities

As a trainee Patient Safety Support Worker, you'll learn key skills, such as:

• Meeting the daily living needs of your patients, from hygiene to personal and physical comfort.
• Diversional techniques (i.e. use of dementia boxes), reminisce therapy (i.e. photographs, memorabilia)
• Taking basic observations, explaining treatment and updating patient records.
• Providing 1-1 supervision including of patients who have challenging behaviours, vulnerable and patients at risk of falls (under the delegation and supervision of a Registered Nurse).
• Supporting patients with mobility, assisting at mealtimes, as well as speaking with patients.
• Assisting in preparing for clinical procedures and cleaning the environment afterwards.
• Comply with Trust and local policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Infection Prevention and Control.

The benefits we can offer you in return: 

• Career progression – Achieve a Care Certificate and begin your healthcare career with the NHS.
• Weekly pay – Work this week, get paid next week.
• Join the NHS family – Become part of a respected healthcare team and provide patient care.
• Dedicated training and supervised shifts – Support from your ward / area and skilled mentors.
• Paid annual leave – Build holiday allowance.
• Webinar support – Regular monthly sessions covering the Care Certificate workbook, Conflict Management training and more.

The Ideal Candidate

What you’ll need:

• You do not need any previous healthcare experience, although any experience in 1-2-1 care is desirable, including familial care.
• A passion for care as well as following the six enduring values that underpin ‘compassion in practice’. The 6Cs are defined as: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment.
• The ability to work well in stressful situations.
• Able to manage and prioritise patient care and workload.
• To be over the age of 18 or turning 18 before placement.
• Able to work at least 30 hours a week across earlies, lates and nights during the programme.

What’s next?

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to an Interview & Assessment Day (14th January 2025), followed by FREE Classroom Training (10th-13th February 2025) and an induction week before you start.

“I want to be the best carer I can be, and nobody’s training can compete with the NHS.” Kristina Brookes, PSSW and HCSW

Apply Today

Disclaimer

Please note, you will be contacted by email throughout the recruitment process, so please check your emails, including your junk/spam regularly. We regret we cannot contact everyone who is not selected for an interview, therefore if you do not hear from us within 21 days after submitting your application, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion. Good luck!