Recruitment and Retention

"Recruitment and selection is the process of identifying the need for a job, defining the requirements of the position and the job holder, advertising the position and choosing the most appropriate person for the job. Retention means ensuring that once the best person has been recruited, they stay with the business and are not “poached” by rival companies." (Riley,J.2012)

We are always looking for staff, service users and families to get involved in the recruitment, assessment and retention of staff.  Should you wish to get more involved, or have a good idea you wish to pass on, then please let us know.

Social Care Alba are currently recruiting both internally and externally and in the past weeks we have seen the introduction of many new recruits. In addition, current staff members have been given the opportunity to become team leaders, thus broadening their skill sets. Both current and newly appointed team leaders will continue to offer their knowledge, support and guidance to their colleagues.

Our current staff members who have a working knowledge of their colleagues, clients and the everyday running of the company are invaluable to the continued success of Social Care Alba. Equally important is the recruitment of new staff members, who come to our growing team with their own varied skills and experiences.

The importance of recruitment and selection.

Recruiting staff is a very important for the running of every company. It is an essential process and it pays to do it properly from the beginning. SCA is well aware of the importance of "getting it right" at the recruitment stage. The company needs to be sure of a candidate's ability to work well within a team for the continued security and confidence of existing staff and service users.  When organisations choose the right candidates for the job, train them well and treat them appropriately, these people not only produce good results but also tend to stay with the organisation long term. Under these circumstances, the organisation's initial and on-going investment in them is well rewarded.

Advertising the job.

Job advertisements form an important part of the recruitment process. SCA uses various means to communicate job vacancies including but not limited to:

·         Job Centres

·         Newspapers

·         The Internet

·         Local colleges

We also use external web portals, from which people can apply directly to our office. This offer candidates the opportunity to learn more about the company via our website and allows the popularity of the portal to be monitored.

Although we recognise the importance of recruitment, we also need to remember the importance of retention. Retention of staff members shows that our company is a happy place to work. Over the past few months the team have been extremely busy in both the field and office .  This doesn't mean that we will neglect the fun aspects of working within such a good team. In the coming weeks there will be some opportunities to have fun.  In past years, staff members have used different holidays to take the opportunity to put some fun and laughter into their work day. As Halloween is creeping up on us, use it as an excuse to have some fun. Silly costumes will give our clients a giggle and it will give the team a chance to take incriminating photos, which can come in useful when a shift needs to be swapped J

As we work shifts, it makes it harder for the whole team to be in one place at one time. Nevertheless,  we are looking for ideas and suggestions for social activities for our staff members, so that we can get back to enjoying ourselves together!

Team building helps better communication between the staff and also between the staff and management. Good communication is essential for strong professional relationships, understanding and co-operation, which are all reflected in the quality of our work. Team building helps staff motivation and builds trust, thereby ensuring better productivity. (Tintin, 2011)

We have recently seen the second quarter of our special recognition award nominations scheme. This award is given for the work observed by clients, management and your peers and is a recognition that is an honour to receive. The award lets the staff members see that the work that is being carried out is both seen and appreciated by the management and your fellow staff members. An award of this nature is not only something to be proud of; it is something that all staff members should strive towards getting in the upcoming months (not only for the title but also the lovely plaque you receive). Introducing this award is a way for the company to show its staff members that it recognises and appreciate your ongoing loyalty and hard work. It is also hoped that it will motivate key behaviours including reliability, and self-confidence, which in turn inspires client satisfaction.

If any staff members have any ideas that can help with recruitment and retention within the company please get in contact with us. All (realistic) suggestions are welcome!

Top 10 reasons why happiness is an important part of your work life.

1: Happy people work better with others.
2: Happy people are more creative.
3: Happy people fix problems instead of complaining about them.
4: Happy people have more energy.
5: Happy people are more optimistic.
6: Happy people are more motivated.
7: Happy people get sick less often.
8: Happy people learn faster.
9: Happy people worry less about making mistakes – and consequently make fewer mistakes.
10: Happy people make better decisions.

(Kjerulf, J. 2007)

http://www.tutor2u.net/business/gcse/people_recruitment_introduction.htm jim 2012

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/team-building-in-the-workplace.html Tintin 2011

http://positivesharing.com/2007/03/top-10-reasons-why-happiness-at-work-is-the-ultimate-productivity-booster/ 

Caroline Raftis - Team Leader

Learn More About - Medicines

Part of our role includes helping others with their medication.  This may involve reminders, dispensing medicines or arranging for medication to be delivered.  Though much guidance is written for Care Homes, little is available for Care at Home.  Here we look at the most common questions for staff and service users, as well as offering links to further useful guidance.

Should you have any questions on medication then please contact the office who will pass your enquiry to our Pharmacy - Professional Advisor

1.    What does MARS stand for?

MARS stands for Medication Administration Record Sheet.  It is used to record the type of medicine, dose and the time a medicine has been given to or administered.  The MARS lets you monitor the current medicines prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by the pharmacy.

2.     Am I responsible for a service users’ medication?

This will depend on the service user; most service users can take their medication themselves.  Others will be supported by their families or require only prompting or reminders that they should take their medication.

Where we are responsible for assisting with service users’ medication then a signed authorisation form will be completed by the service user of their representative.  A personal plan will be on file to advice staff what our responsibilities are.

3.     Where should medication be stored?

Usually medication is stored out me reach from children, in a cool and dry place.  However some medications have specific storage conditions which may include storage in a fridge or in the case of controlled drugs in a secure location.

4.     How do you safely dispense medication?

• Before you start put gloves on because:
• The medication might contain harmful chemicals
•  You might be allergic to medicine
• It prevents contamination

Next check the pharmacy label and MAR sheet make sure the medication label is correct (Service User’s name, medication name, administration time and amount)

Be careful of medications which look alike or sound alike, it is worth taking time to read medication’s name properly.  If you are working with a colleague ask them to double check with you.

Only when the medication has been taken or given to the service user should the MAR sheet be marked accordingly.

5.     What side effects should I look for?

Side effects vary depending on the medication taken.  The likelihood of having side effects from medications may be related to your age, weight, sex, and overall health. Additionally, ethnicity and race or the severity of disease may increase the possibility of side effects. 

 Although many side effects are minor and not harmful, they can be a sign of danger or an indication that your drug is not working properly.

You should let your doctor know if you have:

     Abdominal pain

     Blurred vision

     Constipation

     Diarrhea

     Headaches

     Loss of appetite

     Memory loss

     Palpitations

     Problems with coordination

     Ringing in the ears

     Skin rashes or hives

     Swelling of hands or feet

     Syncope (loss of consciousness or fainting)

6.     What happens if I make or notice an error?

If you make or notice an error, let your manager or the office know immediately.  Write down on the medication sheet the error, reason for it and action taken, signing your notes.  It is always better to raise awareness of errors so that we can:

•      Protect the health of service users
•          Improve our practice
•          Maintain a culture of openness.
•          Prevent a culture of fear, secrecy or apathy.

 7.     What if I drop a medicine on the floor?

DON’T give it to the service user.  Make sure you discard it safely and write down on the MAR sheet what happened, signing your entry.  Let your manager and the office know as additional medication may require to be ordered to replace the discarded tablet.

8.  What if I have given or taken the wrong medication?

Let your manager and office know immediately.  Record the error in the MAR sheet and sign your entry.  Contact the service users GP for advice.  Record the advice given by the GP on the MAR sheet and continuation sheets.

9.     Where can I get more information?

To learn more about medication best practise you can:

•          Undertake e-learning
•          Speak with your Team Leader
•          Speak with the Professional Advisor
•          Read more guidance from SCSWIS HERE
•          Read more guidance from the NMC HERE
•          Attend a training workshop.
•          Visiting or posting questions on our FORUM.

       

Sharada Heath - Professional Advisor - Pharmacy

Learn More About - Physiotherapy

Our staff team includes people with many different professional backgrounds.  Here we look at Physiotherapy and what support is available to both staff and service users.

What do physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. 

They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them to remain independent for as long as possible.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle.

At the core is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.

You can benefit from physiotherapy at any time in your life. Physiotherapy helps with back pain or sudden injury, managing long-term medical condition such as asthma, and in preparing for childbirth or a sporting event.

Why physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a degree-based healthcare profession. Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:

• Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's)
• Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)
• Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
• Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis).

Physiotherapists work in a variety of specialisms in health and social care. Additionally, some physiotherapists are involved in education, research and service management.

What is the role of the personal assistant in physiotherapy?

We all play a vital role in ensuring best physiotherapy best practice is used.  Some of the main areas to consider are:

• Mobilising and promoting movement
• Ensuring appropriate posture in bed or chair
• Correct repositioning
• Promoting independence in daily activities

How can we promote mobilisation and reduce the risk of injury?

Each of us should on a daily basis, encourage service users to mobilise as much as possible.  We can do this by promoting greater independence and offering encouragement to move, change position from bed to chair and maintaining personal hygiene.

Where service users require assistance to move there are some key points to remember.  Always consult the moving and handling assessment.  Ensure the environment is safe and the equipment needed is in place.  Use your moving and handling training and remember the basic of good posture:

• Put your feet in a wide stable position
• Ensure you have a good hold on equipment or service user
• Use equipment to assist you
• Don’t lift weight, instead guide, support or steady.

What is a pressure ulcer?

A pressure ulcer (bedsore) is an area of skin and tissue damage caused by pressure, shear, friction or mixture of these factors. Pressure is the direct force on the skin and tissues which affects the person if he or she remains in one position for too long. This is common when people are being cared for in bed or sitting up in a chair for long periods of time without moving or being moved. Two hours is the maximum allowable time in one position for many people. The blood supply to the tissues is reduced or cut off when tissue is compressed against bone for long periods of time .This may cause blue/black skin damage, which can appear like bruising on the skin.

What can we do to prevent skin damage?

Some important steps can be taken to reduce the risk to people who are vulnerable to skin damage. This includes:

• Inspecting the skin regularly
• Making sure all surfaces, such as the bed and chair, are appropriate to the person
• Assisting the person to reposition him or herself on a regular basis
• Use manual handling aids to minimise shear and friction.

The techniques and equipment available for pressure redistribution are:

• Repositioning
• Specialist mattresses
• Specialist beds
• Specialist cushion
• Other aids, such as heel protectors

More information on Tissue Viability can be found on the Care Inspectorate website or by following the following link Tissue Viability

Where can I learn more about what a Physiotherapist does?

If you need more help or advice then please feel free to contact me as I am only too happy to help.  You can also follow me on the SCA blog or Forum.  You can also learn more about what a physiotherapist does by following the link below:

http://www.csp.org.uk/your-health/conditions

Agnieszka Korplaska 
Team Leader + Professional Advisor - Physiotherapy

Training and Development

Jackie and I are working together on a new Training and Development Plan. The plan has been approved and we have started to implement it.  We have already delivered learning events which are open to all Social Care Alba staff and service users.

We are keen that not only staff but service users and their families have access to a range of training workshops and e-learning.  For more information please contact the office who will be happy to help.

The plan has a number of different areas such as:

1. Induction

It is envisaged that the current 16 week induction program be integrated with training courses including:

·         Introduction to Social Care / Social Care Alba

·         Moving and handling

·         Infection control

·         Role of the key worker, including recording and report writing

·         Assessment, including risk assessment

·         Safeguarding of vulnerable adults

·         Challenging behaviour

·         Safe administration of medicines

·         Nutrition and diet

2. Supporting Professional Development

It is suggested that various knowledge based course be made available for all staff including:

·         Understanding stroke

·         Working with people with dementia

·         Understanding challenging behaviour

·         Abuse and adult protection

·         Loss, change and bereavement

·         Palliative care

3. Supporting Personal Development

We felt that it was also important to support personal development, especially in the area of dealing with the effects of stress and importantly preparing and explaining to staff members the SVQ process. So we came up with:

·         Introduction to SVQ

·         Assertiveness and Stress Management

·         SVQ 3 Health and Social Care

Staff undertaking an SVQ will have on site tutor support as well as having a dedicated area of the forum for peer support.

4.  Supporting Managers

We felt that learning and development should be "for all" so we included this management orientated course:

·         Management Skills including Supervision

·         Disciplinary and Grievance best practice

·         SVQ 4 Management and Leadership

5.  Learning Support for All

There are a number of other ways that you can expand your learning and gain support.  These include:

·         Use of our resource library

·         Participation in our forum

·         Linking with our Professional Advisors

·         Accessing our e-learning courses via our website

Hopefully this now gives a flavour of what we envisage in terms of learning and development opportunities for all staff, service users and families.  If you would like to learn more, share your ideas, get access to our forum, or attend a training session then please contact the office who will be pleased to help you.

Stuart and Jackie