Livewell Southwest

Student Nursing Associate

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Do you want to work in healthcare and make a difference?

Do you want to have a defined career pathway with progression opportunities?

Do you want to earn whilst you learn and study at university?

If so, this exciting development opportunity could be for you.

Livewell Southwest (LSW) want to recruit committed, compassionate, and caring individuals with a passion for working with people who experience health inequalities. This opportunity is based in the Community Learning Disability team.

We are offering the opportunity for people to join the Nursing Associate apprenticeship starting in September as a Band 3 Trainee Nursing Associate. You will be working in the Learning Disability Team supporting people to access healthcare and supporting health promotion in the team whilst attending Plymouth Marjon University for 1 day a week to study a Foundation degree.

On successful completion of the 2 year apprenticeship you will have gained a foundation degree and a higher-level apprenticeship qualification, becoming a Band 4 Registered Nursing Associate.

There are further development opportunities available to level 6-degree apprenticeships on completion of this programme. (Subject to availability).

"please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility"

Main duties of the job

The Student Nursing Associate will work as part of a team, delivering health and social care that focuses on the direct needs of service users. They will carry out specific clinical tasks and responsibilities as delegated by registered practitioners and will be able to work across the boundaries of care and organisations.

The student will complete the 2-year FdSc Nursing Associate apprenticeship programme delivered by an NMC approved Higher education institute.

During the apprenticeship programme the student trainee will work towards achieving the skills, knowledge and behaviours as detailed in the apprenticeship Nursing Associate (2018) standard and the NMC (2018) Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates.

The Full scope and range of the post can be found within the supporting documents section.

All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

Job Share(s) Considered

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details

Date posted

11 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2025-NM-9639

Job locations

Westbourne Unit

Beacon Park Road

Plymouth

PL2 2PQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop by the end of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship Programme the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.

Responsibility for People Management

Act in ways which support equality and value diversity

Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff

Support development of less experienced staff and students

Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and towards developing high quality learning environments

Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff

Acts as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace.

Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources

Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment

Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy

Safely carry out moving and handling of individuals and equipment

Use electronic resources to input, save and retrieve information making use of eRecord systems

Responsibility for administration

Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping

Follow all information governance guidance and policies

Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies

Document all care given in accordance with Livewell policy

Responsibility for people who use our services

Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals

To uphold at all times Livewell Southwests values of being Kind, Respectful, Inclusive, Ambitious and Responsible.

Follow treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional

Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities

Safely carry out moving and handling of individuals and equipment

Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the roles, responsibilities and professional values of a Student Nursing Associate

Exercise judgment in assessing service users condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors.

Work with a Practice Assessor and Practice supervisor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence and reflective practice within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate apprenticeship Programme

Work to standard operating procedures with registered care professional available for reference

Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries.

Raises any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person.

Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff.

Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered.

Acts as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace.

Recognises and either directly challenges or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed.

Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.

Contribute to the delivery of complex care as prescribed by the registered nurse.

Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting).

Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management and evaluation of care.

Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing individualised care and promoting independence.

Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate.

Report back and share information with the registered nurses on the condition, behaviour, activity and responses of individuals.

Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or concerns to the appropriate registered care professional.

Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas within the care environment.

Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers.

Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within scope of practice.

Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and apply principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse as required.

Document all care given in accordance with Livewell Southwest policy.

Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes.

Report concerns regarding health and safety issues within the working environment to the appropriate staff.

Demonstrate a high standard of care within a Quality and Safety framework.

Deal safely and effectively, in accordance with Livewell Southwest policy, exposure to hazards and highly unpleasant working conditions including face to face physical/ verbal aggressive behaviour from patients or relatives and contact with body fluids, using the incident reporting system to report any incidents or near misses.

Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments

Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security.

Report any accidents or incidents as per Livewell policy.

Share ideas with colleagues to improve care.

Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others.

Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national.

Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care.

Advocate the role of the Nursing associate.

Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship programme.

Participate in audits and surveys relating to nursing practice or patient satisfaction as required.

Participate in the completion of placement evaluation feedback forms.

Participate in achieving nursing performance indicators using clinical assurance tools.

Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines.

Other Responsibilities

Complete the level 5 Foundation degree qualification.

Complete the Higher level Apprenticeship.

Take part in regular tripartite learning reviews with your employer and HEI Apprenticeship Team/Practice educators.

To take part in regular performance appraisal.

To undertake any training required in order to maintain competency including mandatory training, e.g. Manual Handling.

To contribute to and work within a safe working environment.

The post holder is expected to comply with Livewell Southwest Infection Control Policies and conduct him/herself at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection.

Works in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting.

Takes responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services.

Take an active part in team meetings providing feedback on patient care and contributing to the improvement of services.

Liaise and communicate effectively with other team members and service users of different backgrounds and levels of understanding.

Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust.

Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively.

Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding.

Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team.

Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and always adhere to the principals of confidentiality.

Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance.

Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within scope of practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Frequent moderate effort is required when undertaking the moving and handling of individuals and objects in line with organisational guidelines.

Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment.

A combination of standing, walking bending and stretching is required throughout the shift.

Mental effort

Frequent concentration is required and work patterns are frequently unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response

The full Job Description can be found within the supporting documents section.

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop by the end of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship Programme the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.

Responsibility for People Management

Act in ways which support equality and value diversity

Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff

Support development of less experienced staff and students

Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and towards developing high quality learning environments

Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff

Acts as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace.

Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources

Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment

Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy

Safely carry out moving and handling of individuals and equipment

Use electronic resources to input, save and retrieve information making use of eRecord systems

Responsibility for administration

Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping

Follow all information governance guidance and policies

Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies

Document all care given in accordance with Livewell policy

Responsibility for people who use our services

Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals

To uphold at all times Livewell Southwests values of being Kind, Respectful, Inclusive, Ambitious and Responsible.

Follow treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional

Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities

Safely carry out moving and handling of individuals and equipment

Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the roles, responsibilities and professional values of a Student Nursing Associate

Exercise judgment in assessing service users condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors.

Work with a Practice Assessor and Practice supervisor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence and reflective practice within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate apprenticeship Programme

Work to standard operating procedures with registered care professional available for reference

Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries.

Raises any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person.

Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff.

Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered.

Acts as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace.

Recognises and either directly challenges or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed.

Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.

Contribute to the delivery of complex care as prescribed by the registered nurse.

Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting).

Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management and evaluation of care.

Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing individualised care and promoting independence.

Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate.

Report back and share information with the registered nurses on the condition, behaviour, activity and responses of individuals.

Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or concerns to the appropriate registered care professional.

Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas within the care environment.

Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers.

Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within scope of practice.

Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and apply principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse as required.

Document all care given in accordance with Livewell Southwest policy.

Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes.

Report concerns regarding health and safety issues within the working environment to the appropriate staff.

Demonstrate a high standard of care within a Quality and Safety framework.

Deal safely and effectively, in accordance with Livewell Southwest policy, exposure to hazards and highly unpleasant working conditions including face to face physical/ verbal aggressive behaviour from patients or relatives and contact with body fluids, using the incident reporting system to report any incidents or near misses.

Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments

Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security.

Report any accidents or incidents as per Livewell policy.

Share ideas with colleagues to improve care.

Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others.

Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national.

Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care.

Advocate the role of the Nursing associate.

Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship programme.

Participate in audits and surveys relating to nursing practice or patient satisfaction as required.

Participate in the completion of placement evaluation feedback forms.

Participate in achieving nursing performance indicators using clinical assurance tools.

Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines.

Other Responsibilities

Complete the level 5 Foundation degree qualification.

Complete the Higher level Apprenticeship.

Take part in regular tripartite learning reviews with your employer and HEI Apprenticeship Team/Practice educators.

To take part in regular performance appraisal.

To undertake any training required in order to maintain competency including mandatory training, e.g. Manual Handling.

To contribute to and work within a safe working environment.

The post holder is expected to comply with Livewell Southwest Infection Control Policies and conduct him/herself at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection.

Works in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting.

Takes responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services.

Take an active part in team meetings providing feedback on patient care and contributing to the improvement of services.

Liaise and communicate effectively with other team members and service users of different backgrounds and levels of understanding.

Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust.

Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively.

Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding.

Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team.

Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and always adhere to the principals of confidentiality.

Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance.

Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within scope of practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Frequent moderate effort is required when undertaking the moving and handling of individuals and objects in line with organisational guidelines.

Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment.

A combination of standing, walking bending and stretching is required throughout the shift.

Mental effort

Frequent concentration is required and work patterns are frequently unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response

The full Job Description can be found within the supporting documents section.

Person Specification

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to complete placements in external organisations and work the specific shift pattern linked to the placement area
  • Flexible and adaptable

Specific Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
  • Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent written skills
  • Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
  • Demonstrable ability to study at Foundation degree or Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme
  • Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
  • Ability to communicate with members of the public and health care providers
  • Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
  • Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
  • Ability to manage academic, work apprenticeship and training commitments.

Desirable

  • Self- Awareness of own strengths and development needs

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care setting
  • Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

  • Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff

Knowledge

Essential

  • To have an understanding of and uphold at all times Livewell Southwests Values of being Kind, Respectful, Inclusive, Ambitious and Responsible
  • Understanding of evidence-based practice
  • Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
  • Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
  • Intermediate IT skills
  • Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
  • Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-learning
  • Awareness and understanding of the NMC standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates

Qualifications

Essential

  • Essential induction, BLS and anaphylaxis, complex manual handling, conflict resolution and Breakaway training.
  • GCSEs grade 4-9 in English and Maths OR Functional skills level 2 in English and Maths, evidenced by certificate of achievement
  • Level 3 qualification e.g. A level or NVQ level 3 evidenced by certificate of achievement. Or willingness to complete level 4 prep to higher education module.
Person Specification

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to complete placements in external organisations and work the specific shift pattern linked to the placement area
  • Flexible and adaptable

Specific Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
  • Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent written skills
  • Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
  • Demonstrable ability to study at Foundation degree or Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme
  • Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
  • Ability to communicate with members of the public and health care providers
  • Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
  • Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
  • Ability to manage academic, work apprenticeship and training commitments.

Desirable

  • Self- Awareness of own strengths and development needs

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care setting
  • Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

  • Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff

Knowledge

Essential

  • To have an understanding of and uphold at all times Livewell Southwests Values of being Kind, Respectful, Inclusive, Ambitious and Responsible
  • Understanding of evidence-based practice
  • Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
  • Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
  • Intermediate IT skills
  • Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
  • Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-learning
  • Awareness and understanding of the NMC standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates

Qualifications

Essential

  • Essential induction, BLS and anaphylaxis, complex manual handling, conflict resolution and Breakaway training.
  • GCSEs grade 4-9 in English and Maths OR Functional skills level 2 in English and Maths, evidenced by certificate of achievement
  • Level 3 qualification e.g. A level or NVQ level 3 evidenced by certificate of achievement. Or willingness to complete level 4 prep to higher education module.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

Westbourne Unit

Beacon Park Road

Plymouth

PL2 2PQ


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

Westbourne Unit

Beacon Park Road

Plymouth

PL2 2PQ


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Group Manager

Holly Carpenter

holly.carpenter5@nhs.net

01752434033

Details

Date posted

11 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2025-NM-9639

Job locations

Westbourne Unit

Beacon Park Road

Plymouth

PL2 2PQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Livewell Southwest's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)