Student Nursing Associate

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The Nursing Associate role will sit alongside existing nursing care support workers and offer support to a Registered Nurse, thus being pivotal in providing the workforce we need for the future on the frontline caring directly for patients.

During the programme the Student Nursing Associate will be employed for 2 years at Band 3 or Annex 21 and, on successful completion, the Trust intends to offer you a Band 4 Nursing Associate post, this will depend on availability. The training is a 2-year programme leading to a level 5 Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice.

The University costs for the programme are fully funded and it is a training programme that combines both academic and work-based learning. The programme is structured, and you will experience a wide variety of placements across the breadth of health and social care sectors in different organisations, with the aim of giving trainees the widest exposure to healthcare.

You will also be expected to attend a Higher Education Institute (HEI) throughout the programme to complete the academic aspect of the programme this will be delivered by the University of Greater Manchester at North Devon College in Barnstaple.

To be considered for this position, you will be required to meet the following requirements:

Experience of working in a healthcare setting (minimum 6 months)

Applicants must hold the essential qualifications to apply:

• NVQ / QCF/Apprenticeship Level 2/3 qualification in a healthcare related area, or equivalent
• GCSE English and Maths grade 4 to 9 (A to C), OR Functional skills level 2 in Maths and English, OR A-Level in English and Maths grade E or above
• IT skills and access to own laptop/computer device for home study
• Access to own car or ability to drive would be an advantage.

To undertake the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, applicants must be contracted for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Working Pattern: Various depending on placement area

Interview Date: 27th, 28th or 30th April 2026

For further information please contact: Ed Barker Clinical Tutor on 01271 370238 or edward.barker1@nhs.net

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date,, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers)

This is a fixed term contract for 28 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North Devon District Hospital

Raleigh Park

Barnstaple

Devon

EX314JB

Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)