Professionalism and Geneva Guidelines
Preparing for your assignment/shift
You must ensure that you know and understand the exact details
of your assignment/shift. Allow plenty of travel time. If for some
reason you are running late to an assignment/shift, please call us
on free phone 0508 466 322 and we will inform the Client.
Dress code
Our dress code has been designed to ensure the highest standards
of presentation and professionalism. Staff are required to wear a
Geneva Health uniform, which is clean, fresh,and their Geneva Name
Badge at all times unless you are specifically requested not to by
your client or consultant.
Please also be aware that:
- any jewellery worn must be appropriate
- identification badges need to be worn on the outside of your
uniform at all times
- covered shoes to be low-heeled and either black or navy; no
running shoes to be worn (community support workers are the only
exception to this rule)
- trousers must be black/navy - no jeans or leggings please
- only wear white t-shirts or thermals under your polo shirt
- jackets and cardigans are not to be worn during shifts at all -
this includes the Geneva Fleeces and vests.
- if you have been given a lanyard, please tuck this inside your
polo shirt
On arrival and during the assignment/shift
- Introduce yourself to the nurse/ coordinator in charge or the
client
- Identify emergency numbers and procedures, location of
equipment and emergency exits
- Receive a verbal hand-over from the previous assignment/shift
nurse. Ensure you check the needs of your patients, medication
charts, fluid balance charts and observations. For homecare
clients, please ensure you have read the service delivery plan and
speak with your client about what tasks are the main priority for
that shift. Also, read the communication book if you are
caring for this client as part of a team.
- If you are unsure, pass on questions asked by the patient and
their family to the nurse in charge
- In the event of clinical deterioration of your patient, contact
your consultant immediately. Record in the clients communication
book your findings, the report you gave the doctor and the outcome
of any intervention.
- If you feel that there is nothing to do, take the initiative,
ask your client what other tasks they need assistance with
- Practice Universal standard precautions at all times to protect
both yourself and your patients. Please read the Health &
Safety section in your manual for examples
- Ensure documentation on all patient records and charts is
thorough, as these are legal documents
- Give a clear, concise hand-over to the staff on the next
assignment/shift.
Contact Geneva Health if:
- the clients situation changes or they are not there upon your
arrival.
- you are unable to attend or are going to be late
- you finish your assignment/shift either early or late
- your availability changes
- you have any concerns about your personal safety