Job summary
GY&NV PCH - Trainee Nursing Associate - 2 year program, commencing September 2025.
This is a developmental role. The Apprentice will complete the 2 year Nursing Associate course via the apprenticeship route, with the ability to progress to the post of Nursing Associate upon successful completion.
The Nursing Associate apprenticeship combines and integrates both academic (level 5 Foundation Degree equivalent) and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. An Apprentice Nursing Associate will be based, as an employee, in ECCH, in a specific setting, and will experience working in this setting and alternative settings. In order that they gain a wide appreciation of many health and care contexts, are able to develop and maintain the knowledge, skills and competencies in order to fulfill all the requirements of the program.
Main duties of the job
The Apprentice will:
- Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting health and independence.
- Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values
- Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.
- 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 professionals dependent on setting.
- Work with a mentor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate Training Programme.
- Develop by the end of the Nursing Associate Training 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 role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.
About us
ECCH is a well established health care provider and has been successfully delivering NHS care within the community since 2011. We provide a range of NHS, community health and social care services predominantly across the easterly region of the Norfolk/Suffolk borders.
We are aligned to NHS terms and conditions, and offer many employee benefits, to find out more about us visit our website - www.ecch.org. We are a social enterprise and staff owned organisation which means staff can opt to be shareholders and have a real say in how ECCH is run and evolves to deliver healthcare for the future.
At the heart of our ambition, we work in partnership with and for the community to become the provider and employer of choice for community healthcare.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible as this job may close earlier than the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The following
list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the
care setting the Nursing Associate Apprentice is working in.
The Apprentice
will:
- 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 person-centred care and promoting
health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other
professionals as appropriate
- Perform and record clinical
observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse
- Undertake clinical tasks including,
venepuncture and ECGs
- Accurately record nutritional and
fluid intake
- Ensure the privacy, dignity and
safety of individuals is maintained at all times
-
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 raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals
- Assist in the
assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas
within the environment where care is being administered
- Assist in the implementation of
appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological,
social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers
- Assist in the delivery of complex
care[1]
as prescribed by the registered nurse
- Develop understanding of caring for
individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning
disabilities
- Develop skills in relation to
coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff
- Assist with the implementation and
monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes
- Develop a working knowledge of other
providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met,
within parameters of practice
- Engage in reflective practice including
management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and
reflecting on answers given
- Demonstrate good understanding of
principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking
nursing and care procedures
- Demonstrate good understanding of the
Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to
everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required
-
Comply with the
organisations Infection Control policies and clinical guidelines
Policy and
service development
The Apprentice
will:
- Promote health and safety maintaining
best practice in health, safety and security
- Share ideas with colleagues to
improve care and suggest areas for innovation
- Participate in audit activities being
undertaken in area of practice
- 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
Planning
and organisation
The Apprentice
will:
Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study
and placement activities
-
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
-
Deliver
effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or
registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans
Communication
and relationships
The Apprentice will:
- 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
- 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 adhere to the principals of
confidentiality at all times
- Report any accidents or incidents and
raise any concerns as per organisational policy
- Ensure clear, concise, accurate and
legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care
delivered adhering to local and national guidance
- Ensure ability to manage electronic
records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords,
swipe cards)
Analytical and judgmental skills
The Apprentice will:
-
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 role, responsibilities and professional values of an
Apprentice Nursing Associate
-
Exercise judgment in assessing patient
condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors
-
Ensure that only those activities for
which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that
recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside
capability
Physical
skills requirement
The Apprentice will:
- Use frequent moderate effort when
undertaking carrying out the manual handling of individuals and equipment in
line with organisational guidelines
- Use skills of manual dexterity and
manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment
- Use a combination of standing,
walking, bending and stretching throughout the shift
Financial
and physical resources
The Apprentice will:
- Exercise personal duty of care in the
safe use and storage of equipment
- Be environmentally aware and prudent
in use of resources and energy
Human
resources
The Apprentice will:
- 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
Information resources
The Apprentice
will:
- Develop skills to maintain
professional standards of record keeping
- Follow all information governance
guidance and policies
- Maintain confidentiality as outlined
within data protection policies
Freedom to
Act
The Apprentice will:
- Work to standard operating procedures
with registered care professionals available for reference
- Work within the organisational
policy, procedures and guidelines
- Work within the Apprentice Nursing
Associate parameters of practice
- 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
Mental and
Emotional effort
The Apprentice
will:
- Frequently use concentration and experience
work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some
requiring immediate response
- Maintain a professional approach
while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with
challenging behaviour
-
Support
individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life
changing diagnoses
Working
conditions
- Dependent on care setting, have frequent exposure to
highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. dealing with uncontained body fluids
and difficult aggressive behaviour.
Teaching
and Training
The
Apprentice will:
-
Be
proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills,
achieving clinical competencies and Foundation Degree / Level 5 qualification
within agreed timeframes. Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any
difficulties are encountered
-
Work
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
-
Take
responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in
accordance with organisational requirements
-
Act
as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the
workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to
challenge any poor practice observed
General
-
All
Terms of the Apprentices employment conditions will remain the province of
their employing Trusts and organisations
-
The
Apprentice will remain on the employment contract of their employing
organisation
-
In
the event that the Apprentice does not successfully complete the Nursing
Associate 2-year programme the Apprentice will return to their substantive post
and band
Job description
Job responsibilities
The following
list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the
care setting the Nursing Associate Apprentice is working in.
The Apprentice
will:
- 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 person-centred care and promoting
health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other
professionals as appropriate
- Perform and record clinical
observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse
- Undertake clinical tasks including,
venepuncture and ECGs
- Accurately record nutritional and
fluid intake
- Ensure the privacy, dignity and
safety of individuals is maintained at all times
-
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 raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals
- Assist in the
assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas
within the environment where care is being administered
- Assist in the implementation of
appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological,
social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers
- Assist in the delivery of complex
care[1]
as prescribed by the registered nurse
- Develop understanding of caring for
individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning
disabilities
- Develop skills in relation to
coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff
- Assist with the implementation and
monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes
- Develop a working knowledge of other
providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met,
within parameters of practice
- Engage in reflective practice including
management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and
reflecting on answers given
- Demonstrate good understanding of
principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking
nursing and care procedures
- Demonstrate good understanding of the
Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to
everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required
-
Comply with the
organisations Infection Control policies and clinical guidelines
Policy and
service development
The Apprentice
will:
- Promote health and safety maintaining
best practice in health, safety and security
- Share ideas with colleagues to
improve care and suggest areas for innovation
- Participate in audit activities being
undertaken in area of practice
- 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
Planning
and organisation
The Apprentice
will:
Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study
and placement activities
-
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
-
Deliver
effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or
registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans
Communication
and relationships
The Apprentice will:
- 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
- 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 adhere to the principals of
confidentiality at all times
- Report any accidents or incidents and
raise any concerns as per organisational policy
- Ensure clear, concise, accurate and
legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care
delivered adhering to local and national guidance
- Ensure ability to manage electronic
records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords,
swipe cards)
Analytical and judgmental skills
The Apprentice will:
-
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 role, responsibilities and professional values of an
Apprentice Nursing Associate
-
Exercise judgment in assessing patient
condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors
-
Ensure that only those activities for
which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that
recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside
capability
Physical
skills requirement
The Apprentice will:
- Use frequent moderate effort when
undertaking carrying out the manual handling of individuals and equipment in
line with organisational guidelines
- Use skills of manual dexterity and
manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment
- Use a combination of standing,
walking, bending and stretching throughout the shift
Financial
and physical resources
The Apprentice will:
- Exercise personal duty of care in the
safe use and storage of equipment
- Be environmentally aware and prudent
in use of resources and energy
Human
resources
The Apprentice will:
- 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
Information resources
The Apprentice
will:
- Develop skills to maintain
professional standards of record keeping
- Follow all information governance
guidance and policies
- Maintain confidentiality as outlined
within data protection policies
Freedom to
Act
The Apprentice will:
- Work to standard operating procedures
with registered care professionals available for reference
- Work within the organisational
policy, procedures and guidelines
- Work within the Apprentice Nursing
Associate parameters of practice
- 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
Mental and
Emotional effort
The Apprentice
will:
- Frequently use concentration and experience
work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some
requiring immediate response
- Maintain a professional approach
while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with
challenging behaviour
-
Support
individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life
changing diagnoses
Working
conditions
- Dependent on care setting, have frequent exposure to
highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. dealing with uncontained body fluids
and difficult aggressive behaviour.
Teaching
and Training
The
Apprentice will:
-
Be
proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills,
achieving clinical competencies and Foundation Degree / Level 5 qualification
within agreed timeframes. Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any
difficulties are encountered
-
Work
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
-
Take
responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in
accordance with organisational requirements
-
Act
as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the
workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to
challenge any poor practice observed
General
-
All
Terms of the Apprentices employment conditions will remain the province of
their employing Trusts and organisations
-
The
Apprentice will remain on the employment contract of their employing
organisation
-
In
the event that the Apprentice does not successfully complete the Nursing
Associate 2-year programme the Apprentice will return to their substantive post
and band
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
- 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
- Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
- Intermediate IT skills
- Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing (Making Every Contact Count)
Desirable
- Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English or key skills level 2 in Maths and English
- Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme
Desirable
- Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience
- Essential induction training and experience care certificate or equivalent (must be completed before course end date)
Experience
Essential
- Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- 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 take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a health / care setting
- Understanding of evidence-based practice
- Completion of an HCA development programme
- Understanding of basic physiology, e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements, etc.
- Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Willingness and ability to work across different sites
- The ability to travel across the community
- Ability to embrace our Culture, Values and Signature Behaviours:
- (Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together)
- Willingness and ability to work across different sites and travel to alternative sites and across the community as required
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
- 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
- Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
- Intermediate IT skills
- Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing (Making Every Contact Count)
Desirable
- Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English or key skills level 2 in Maths and English
- Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme
Desirable
- Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience
- Essential induction training and experience care certificate or equivalent (must be completed before course end date)
Experience
Essential
- Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- 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 take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a health / care setting
- Understanding of evidence-based practice
- Completion of an HCA development programme
- Understanding of basic physiology, e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements, etc.
- Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Willingness and ability to work across different sites
- The ability to travel across the community
- Ability to embrace our Culture, Values and Signature Behaviours:
- (Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together)
- Willingness and ability to work across different sites and travel to alternative sites and across the community as required
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.
