Job summary
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual for the pivotal role as Nursing Associate at our values-driven Trust. This is a unique opportunity for someone to help shape the future of mental health services while developing a career in a supportive and innovative environment that is committed to inclusion, equity and being actively anti-racist.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative Short Stay mixed gender Psychiatric Ward operating on a maximum 28-day admission framework. The model integrates evidence-based approaches including robust gatekeeping processes, intensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, the Red to Green discharge facilitation approach, and strong integration with Home Treatment Teams (HTT) for both admission prevention and early supported discharge.
We are keen to welcome both non-clinical staff and clinicians both with experience and those who are new to mental health. You will need to demonstrate you are forward thinking with a proactive nature and excellent communication and relational skills. Championing patient centred care and collaboration with carers and families is critical to success in securing a position within the team.
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative Short Stay mixed gender Psychiatric Ward operating on a maximum 28 day admission framework. The model integrates evidence-based approaches including robust gatekeeping processes, intensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, the Red to Green discharge facilitation approach, and strong integration with Home Treatment Teams (HTT) for both admission prevention and early supported discharge
There will be an intensive front-loading of clinical activity in the first 72 hours upon admission, daily consultant-led reviews, seven-day therapy, activity and peer provision with a step-down to HTT once risk is containable in the community
The Nursing Associate contributes to the health and wellbeing of patients and service users, and applies across all health and care settings. The Nursing Associate will deliver high quality, personalized, safe, compassionate care in the best interest of people. The Nursing Associate is equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours across the fields of nursing, providing holistic care and support for people of all ages in a variety of settings
The Nursing Associate works independently under the leadership of registered nurses, working within the sphere of nursing. The Nursing Associate recognises and works within limits of their competence. The Nursing Associate works to a nationally recognized code of conduct and is registered with Nursing and Midwifery Council
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
About our locations:
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are now opening. Springfield is close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support with gatekeeping assessments and 1-1 patient reviews (under supervision of a registered nurse).
- Formulate and deliver care plans with supervision.
- Work collaboratively with patients to create crisis care plans.
- Monitor patients physical health and escalate concerns where needed.
- Build therapeutic relationships with patients to be able to support them in meeting their recovery goals.
- Carry out social activities with patients, as well as support patients with psychosocial interventions such as grounding techniques and self-harm alternatives.
- Lead on physical health interventions for patients, for example phlebotomy, wound care and ECG.
- Mentor band 2 and 3 healthcare assistants, supporting in their learning and development.
- Co-ordinate shift with supervision of registered nurse, this will include organising and delegating tasks to staff, maintaining a safe clinical area, receiving and delivering handovers effectively and escalating to the nurse-in-charge if applicable.
- Report and escalate any safeguarding issues to nurse-in-charge, MDT and safeguarding lead.
- Practice and maintain infection control measures.
- Support with the admission and discharge process of patients on the unit.
- Understand the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act and support the nurse-in-charge in the co-ordination of the Health Based Place of Safety.
- Liaise with other individuals and services in the interest of collaborative crisis and discharge planning for patients, i.e. social services, community teams, carers/families, drug and alcohol teams.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support with gatekeeping assessments and 1-1 patient reviews (under supervision of a registered nurse).
- Formulate and deliver care plans with supervision.
- Work collaboratively with patients to create crisis care plans.
- Monitor patients physical health and escalate concerns where needed.
- Build therapeutic relationships with patients to be able to support them in meeting their recovery goals.
- Carry out social activities with patients, as well as support patients with psychosocial interventions such as grounding techniques and self-harm alternatives.
- Lead on physical health interventions for patients, for example phlebotomy, wound care and ECG.
- Mentor band 2 and 3 healthcare assistants, supporting in their learning and development.
- Co-ordinate shift with supervision of registered nurse, this will include organising and delegating tasks to staff, maintaining a safe clinical area, receiving and delivering handovers effectively and escalating to the nurse-in-charge if applicable.
- Report and escalate any safeguarding issues to nurse-in-charge, MDT and safeguarding lead.
- Practice and maintain infection control measures.
- Support with the admission and discharge process of patients on the unit.
- Understand the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act and support the nurse-in-charge in the co-ordination of the Health Based Place of Safety.
- Liaise with other individuals and services in the interest of collaborative crisis and discharge planning for patients, i.e. social services, community teams, carers/families, drug and alcohol teams.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register.
- Nursing Associate foundation degree qualification.
- English and Mathematics basic qualifications (e.g. GCSE at Grade C or above, New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language or evidence of Level 2 in Functional skills for numeracy and literacy).
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the nursing and interdisciplinary team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development.
- Understands and acts in line with NMC professional standards for practice contained within The Code.
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice.
- Understand requirements for NMC professional Revalidation.
- Understanding of the importance of following procedures and treatment plans.
- Experience of working in teams under appropriate supervision as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development.
Desirable
- Experience in different clinical care settings.
- Experience in supervision of staff.
- Lived experience of mental health.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register.
- Nursing Associate foundation degree qualification.
- English and Mathematics basic qualifications (e.g. GCSE at Grade C or above, New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language or evidence of Level 2 in Functional skills for numeracy and literacy).
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the nursing and interdisciplinary team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development.
- Understands and acts in line with NMC professional standards for practice contained within The Code.
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice.
- Understand requirements for NMC professional Revalidation.
- Understanding of the importance of following procedures and treatment plans.
- Experience of working in teams under appropriate supervision as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development.
Desirable
- Experience in different clinical care settings.
- Experience in supervision of staff.
- Lived experience of mental health.
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).