A1- Working in health and sceince

Question 1

What are policies?

Answer 1

Rules & guidelines that outline acceptable behaviour and practice. A failure to comply with policy can result in a verbal or written warning, a performance improvement plan, supervision or a termination.

Question 2

What is a DBS?

Answer 2

This stands for ‘Disclosure and barring service’ and it helps employers to make informed decisions regarding employment. A basic check looks at convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. An enhanced check additionally looks at information held by the police, like if you are on the sex register or have a bans in place.

Question 3

What is a grievance policy?

Answer 3

This is how complaints and concerns are handled. The policy will outline a set of rules that individuals can follow if they have any concerns or complaints at their workplace or within an organisation. It ensures complaints are handled fairly and effectively.

Question 4

What is a trade union?

Answer 4

An organisation with workers as its members. They protect and advance the interests of their members, give them advice and protect their rights by fighting for their lost wages during protests.

Question 5

What is HR?

Answer 5

‘Human resources’ is an objective organisation which helps employees with grievances and also with appeals to disciplinary’s.

Question 6

What is quality control?

Answer 6

The QC ‘quality control’ department test products/equipment to ensure it meets the required standards.

Question 7

What is quality assurance?

Answer 7

Where the organisation put procedures in place to ensure quality is maintained.

Question 8

What is clinical audit?

Answer 8

This is a quality improvement tool where the effectiveness of care provided by a service is evaluated. They review clinical care against standards/guidelines to find areas of improvement and ensure best practice is followed.

Question 9

What is the NMC code of conduct and what are its main points?

Answer 9

The ‘Nursing and Midwifery Councils’ code of conduct presents the professional standards that must be followed in order to uphold their registration. It says to prioritise the patient, don’t assume anything, uphold their rights, empower the patient and respect their decisions.

Question 10

What are codes of conduct and what is their impact?

Answer 10

They are an articulation of standards like aims, values and compliance which convey professional practice. These are set by regulatory body’s. They promote good behaviour, confidence, responsibility, patient safety, confidentiality and respect.

Question 11

What is an employment contract?

Answer 11

These set out employment conditions, rights, responsibilities and duties. Also known as the terms and conditions. They can be written, a verbal agreement, an offer letter or handbook.

Question 12

What is a performance review?

Answer 12

These are meeting with an employee and employer which has the objectives of:
• evaluating performance against standards and expectations.
• feedback to improve performance.
• opportunity to raise concerns.
• training opportunities for CPD

Question 13

What are the qualification levels?

Answer 13

• technical
• higher technical
• professional

Question 14

What is a technical qualification?

Answer 14

These are skilled occupations that a college leaver or apprentice would enter, requiring a level 2/3 qualification.

eg:
• healthcare support worker
• dental nurse
• laboratory technician

Question 15

What is a higher technical qualification?

Answer 15

These require knowledge and skill, which is acquired through experience in the workplace or further technical education. Thai requires a level 4/5 qualification.

eg:
• nursing associate
• dental technician
• technician scientist

Question 16

What is a professional qualification?

Answer 16

Occupations with clear career progression from higher technical occupations and where a degree apprenticeship exists. This requires a level 6 qualification.

eg:
• social worker
• nurse
• midwife
• biochemist
• physicist
• research scientist

Question 17

What is an apprenticeship?

Answer 17

A training opportunity alongside a job.

Question 18

What is a degree apprenticeship?

Answer 18

Working while you study at a university.

Question 19

What is an internship?

Answer 19

This is over a short period of time, typically over the summer months, and allows you to gain experience in a working environment. Some are not payed.

Question 20

What is a job description?

Answer 20

This sets out the specific responsibilities of a job role, including information like:
• task and activities involved.
• the main focus of the role.
• their responsibilities.
• who their supervisor is.

Question 21

What is a personal specification?

Answer 21

This describes the attributes desired of an employee.
• required experience.
• essential and desirable skills.
• qualifications required.
• attributes required.
• mandatory training.
• registration requirements.