Job summary
Apprentice Nurse Associate- February 2024 cohort
This is an interesting and innovative role in healthcare. When you successfully complete the course, you will then register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, as a Registered Nursing Associate.
The academic education is provided by the University of Chichester, which will enable you to attain a Foundation Degree (FdSc) Nursing Associate. As an Apprentice Nursing Associate the education costs will be funded by the Trust, through the apprenticeship levy. The Foundation Degree will commence in February 2024 and last for two years.
This post is an educational programme that combines both academic and work-based learning in holistic person-centred, bio-psycho-social and public health aspects of care from pre-conception to end of life. You will experience a variety of placements across the breadth of nursing and so must be willing to learn and work for short periods in different organisations and spend approximately 1 day a week at the University of Chichester, West Sussex.
You will be employed on a Full Time basis (37.5 hours per week) while you complete the two year Apprenticeship.
In advance of the academic course starting you will work as a Health Care Support Worker on either the Worthing Hospital or St Richards Hospital sites. You will also complete a bridging programme to equip you with study skills.
Accommodation is not provided and you will be expected to travel to placements and pay for travel costs.
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
- Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot 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 individual's defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed
About us
Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops
At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB PURPOSE:
This is a developmental Apprenticeship role. The apprentice will work towards progression into the post of Nursing Associate through successful completion of the Nursing Associate training programme which includes the attainment of a level 5 Foundation Degree equivalent qualification. They will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of Nursing Associate within the service and through completion of the Nursing Associate training programme which includes working in care settings and delivery of person-centred care.
- Job purpose
The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. A trainee Nursing Associate will be based, as an employee, in a particular organisation, in a specific setting, but will experience working in alternative settings in order that they gain a wide appreciation of many health and care contexts and are able to fulfil all the requirements of the programme.
At the end of the programme, the trainee Nursing Associate will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Nursing Associate and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.
- The training programme emphasises the role that trainee Nursing Associates can play in life-course (pre-conception to end of life) approaches towards health and well-being and the ways in which they actively contribute to the delivery of holistic care. Holistic care, across life-course, is a whole-person approach which considers, and equally values[1], physical, psychological and public health needs, learning disabilities, social, economic, spiritual and other factors in the assessing, planning and delivery of care.
- The overall outcome from the training programme is a Nursing Associate that is fit to practice in the widest range of settings as well as being equipped with the specific knowledge, skills and capabilities required for the context in which they have trained and are employed
The trainee 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
- Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot 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 neede
- Knowledge, training and experience
- See person specification for qualifications/equivalent experience
- Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings
- Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Training Programme and maintain all evidence required
- Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environment
- Clinical responsibilities Individuals care
The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the trainee Nursing Associate is working in.
The trainee will:
- 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 cannulation, venepuncture, 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
- 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[2] 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
- Policy and service development
The trainee 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 trainee 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 trainee 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 trainee 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 a trainee 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 trainee 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
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB PURPOSE:
This is a developmental Apprenticeship role. The apprentice will work towards progression into the post of Nursing Associate through successful completion of the Nursing Associate training programme which includes the attainment of a level 5 Foundation Degree equivalent qualification. They will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of Nursing Associate within the service and through completion of the Nursing Associate training programme which includes working in care settings and delivery of person-centred care.
- Job purpose
The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. A trainee Nursing Associate will be based, as an employee, in a particular organisation, in a specific setting, but will experience working in alternative settings in order that they gain a wide appreciation of many health and care contexts and are able to fulfil all the requirements of the programme.
At the end of the programme, the trainee Nursing Associate will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Nursing Associate and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.
- The training programme emphasises the role that trainee Nursing Associates can play in life-course (pre-conception to end of life) approaches towards health and well-being and the ways in which they actively contribute to the delivery of holistic care. Holistic care, across life-course, is a whole-person approach which considers, and equally values[1], physical, psychological and public health needs, learning disabilities, social, economic, spiritual and other factors in the assessing, planning and delivery of care.
- The overall outcome from the training programme is a Nursing Associate that is fit to practice in the widest range of settings as well as being equipped with the specific knowledge, skills and capabilities required for the context in which they have trained and are employed
The trainee 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
- Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot 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 neede
- Knowledge, training and experience
- See person specification for qualifications/equivalent experience
- Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings
- Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Training Programme and maintain all evidence required
- Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environment
- Clinical responsibilities Individuals care
The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the trainee Nursing Associate is working in.
The trainee will:
- 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 cannulation, venepuncture, 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
- 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[2] 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
- Policy and service development
The trainee 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 trainee 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 trainee 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 trainee 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 a trainee 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 trainee 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
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at C/4 or higher OR Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 Pass
- In addition, with a relevant level 3 qualification such as: A Level in an appropriate subject area (Science / Health / Biology) BTEC National Diploma in relevant subject (Double PP) BTEC Extended Diploma in relevant subject (Triple P) Level 3 NVQ or above in Care or related subject An Accredited Access to HE Diploma (pass with at least 45 credits at level 3) Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social care (Merit or above)
- Evidence of study in the last 5 years
Desirable
- Clinical experience
- Evidence of nursing values
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at C/4 or higher OR Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 Pass
- In addition, with a relevant level 3 qualification such as: A Level in an appropriate subject area (Science / Health / Biology) BTEC National Diploma in relevant subject (Double PP) BTEC Extended Diploma in relevant subject (Triple P) Level 3 NVQ or above in Care or related subject An Accredited Access to HE Diploma (pass with at least 45 credits at level 3) Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social care (Merit or above)
- Evidence of study in the last 5 years
Desirable
- Clinical experience
- Evidence of nursing values
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.
