Role of the Health and Social Care Worker | Reflection

• Sharon Heather Ferguson-Guy

Outcome 1 – Understand working relationships in health and social care

1:1 explain how a working relationship is different from a personal relationship:

A working relationship is where your attitude is to be more reserved yet professional. You will be placed with people that you would work with as part of a team, each of you will work towards achieving the same priorities of care, working together knowing the procedures of the workplace. You must be aware of your responsibilities for any errors or mistakes, being aware that you are accountable for your actions. You are not in the job to like the people you work with but, having respect for your fellow work colleague is vital as well as obtaining the same in return. So then your personal opinions and feelings are best kept to yourself. A working relationship must have good professional communication skills.

A personal relationship is a relationship through your own choices, like a friend that can share the same things as yourself, such as hobbies and interests. You may share your thoughts and opinions, the relationship is reciprocated because of the friendship you have formed with them, also; with a personal relationship you can say what is on your mind without the worry of being reported for stepping out of line. This is where trust bonds a personal relationship and communication is relaxed.

1:2 Describe different working relationship in health and social care setting:

Two types of working relationships in social care are;

1. Professional relationships i.e. with a doctor, district nurse, service users and the friends or family of them.
2. Working relationships i.e. with my manager, colleagues.

(It would be disrespectful to talk to a Doctor for example in the same manner as your work colleague)

Outcome 2 – Work in ways that are agreed with the employer:

2:1 describe why it is important to adhere to the agreed scope of the job role:

It is important to adhere to an agreed scope because by straying outside of this I may put individuals at risk, such as patients in my care and fellow work colleagues. Knowing that I was employed for my skills and qualifications that are in the job description, my employer would be assured in my capabilities for the position. You must not undertake a job role if you are not trained or qualified to do as this can put people in danger as well as yourself, and you will be made accountable. If I was asked to undertake a task that was not in my job role; I would have to refuse as I may not be qualified for that particular task. My colleague should be understanding in my refusal as I wouldn’t want to put anyone in danger.

2:2 Access full and up-to-date details of agreed ways of working:

Agreed ways of working includes policies and procedures. The employer would have given me my role and responsibilities for my scope of practice; this is to make sure that the information given to me for my role is done in the correct manner. They also trust me that I shall do my job within the role with a professional attitude.

2:3 Implement agreed ways of working:

It is important to update policies to reflect changes in legislation and make sure that staff understands them, as these will give a general guidance on how you should carry out your duties within the workplace. If something changes and you are not so sure on the proceedings then you should ask your senior or workplace manager for advice. They will be pleased that you have taken notice of any changes and asking them for advice.

Outcome 3 – Work in partnership with others:

3:1 explain why it is important to work in partnership with others:

By working in partnership with others we can use their expertise and provide more effective care, as you will be providing more of a holistic type of care. You will be looking at the individual as a whole person and you will be in touch with their family and friends, also you would be in contact with other carers, social workers and Doctors. You are all taking part as a team of support providers that will benefit the individual with their overall care.

3:2 Demonstrate way of working that can help improve partnership working:

Working in small teams and regular meetings and keeping good communication all improve partnership working. This will include keeping any information to the relevant persons involved. Having agreed values or outcomes. Ensuring confidentiality.

3:3 Identify skills and approaches needed for resolving conflicts:

Skills needed for resolving conflict include diplomacy, patience, empathy and good communication skills. There will come a time where a conflict will arise between work colleagues service users or others that you may have to encounter. Working together as part of a team you can put together knowledge and any ideas to resolve the matter. There will be social factors, values and also conflicts from differences in opinions; these can add fuel to the fire. Communication problems can arise with a lacking of listening skills; this can build up the walls so lack of information sharing can falter. You must find a quiet area where conflicts can be discussed so things cannot be misread; using mediation skills between parties involved you should therefore use the example below:

• All importance is to listen to all sides
• Anything that is said even if it is criticism must responded to, with empathy
• Being impartial to those involved and the points of conflict
• Don’t take criticism to heart as it won’t be directed to you personally
• If help from someone else is needed, ask for it
• Is the person showing congruence to what they are trying to put across
• Look for a compromise that will resolve the issue
• Resolve and defuse for the desired outcome
• Staying calm
• Staying focussed and without interruption

3:4 Demonstrate how and when to access support and advice about:

• Partnership working – I should access support and advice about partnership working before taking responsibility for any major decisions.
• Resolving conflicts – To take advice on resolution before any conflict gets out of hand.

References

Caroline Morris, 2011. Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma. By Caroline Morris, Val Michie. Edition. Hodder Education. 96-108

Doane, GA, 2002. Beyond behavioural skills to human-involved processes: relational nursing practice and interpretive pedagogy. Journal of Nursing Education, 41 issue 9, 400-404.

Higgins, M, 2013. Use your influence for good. Nursing Standard, 27 issue 49, 62-63.

Tingle, J, Cribb, and A 2002. Nursing Law and Ethics. 2 Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. 22. 2.2

Webb, K, 2013. Stand up and be accountable care. Nursing Standard, 27 issue 29, 26.

Sharon H Ferguson-Guy / NVQ3 Diploma ECA 1 of 2