Job summary
Applications are invited for the Registered Nurse Associate
Apprenticeship course commencing at Worcester University in September 2025.
Applicants should be substantively employed at
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust as a Band 2 or above, have a minimum
of 30 contracted hours and have the support of the manager for the application.
Evidence of managers support, and qualifications will need to be provided before being invited to interview.
Should any candidates not have a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, then they will need to submit references and a piece of work that will be graded by the University. Details of this will be provided if shortlisted for the post.
Main duties of the job
Be able to
demonstrate a passion for advancing their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Partake in
collaborative working.
Excellent
communication skills.
Shows and interest in
caring for people.
About us
Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is nearly 6,800 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Our objectives are simple:
- Best services for local people
- Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients
- Best use of resources
- Best people
Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Job purpose
This is a developmental role. The trainee 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.
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.
a) 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,physical, psychological and public health needs,learning disabilities, social, economic, spiritual and other factors in the assessing, planning and delivery of care.
b) 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 needed
2. 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 environments
3. 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 content will be reviewed in the light of the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot programme.
The trainee 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 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
- 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
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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Communication and relationshipsThe 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)
7. 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Job purpose
This is a developmental role. The trainee 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.
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.
a) 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,physical, psychological and public health needs,learning disabilities, social, economic, spiritual and other factors in the assessing, planning and delivery of care.
b) 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 needed
2. 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 environments
3. 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 content will be reviewed in the light of the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot programme.
The trainee 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 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
- 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
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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Communication and relationshipsThe 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)
7. 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.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Have a 30 hours+ permanent employment contact with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Demonstrate they have an understanding of the requirements of the nursing associate role.
Desirable
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths Grades A-C or 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills).
- 32 UCAS Tariff Points from a minimum of 1 A level and a maximum of 3 A Levels or Equivalent Level 3 qualifications e.g. BTEC National Diploma, NVQ level 3 or Access to Higher Education Diploma.
- OR:
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths Grades A-C or 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills). And will be required to complete further academic work set by the University of Worcester. Details to be forwarded if shortlisted for this training position). Also work based references will need to be submitted.
Desirable
- Evidence of recent study; demonstration of the ability to study at Level 5. Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme.
Other Requirements
Essential
- Applicants will be required to remain on programme for two years.
- Attend University and undertake practice placements.
- Line manager support/approval.
- Ability to work internal rotation shifts and travel across sites if required.
Personal Capabilities
Essential
- Be able to demonstrate a passion for advancing their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- Partake in collaborative working.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Shows an interest in caring for people.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Have a 30 hours+ permanent employment contact with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Demonstrate they have an understanding of the requirements of the nursing associate role.
Desirable
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths Grades A-C or 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills).
- 32 UCAS Tariff Points from a minimum of 1 A level and a maximum of 3 A Levels or Equivalent Level 3 qualifications e.g. BTEC National Diploma, NVQ level 3 or Access to Higher Education Diploma.
- OR:
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths Grades A-C or 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills). And will be required to complete further academic work set by the University of Worcester. Details to be forwarded if shortlisted for this training position). Also work based references will need to be submitted.
Desirable
- Evidence of recent study; demonstration of the ability to study at Level 5. Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme.
Other Requirements
Essential
- Applicants will be required to remain on programme for two years.
- Attend University and undertake practice placements.
- Line manager support/approval.
- Ability to work internal rotation shifts and travel across sites if required.
Personal Capabilities
Essential
- Be able to demonstrate a passion for advancing their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- Partake in collaborative working.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Shows an interest in caring for people.
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.
