Nursing Associate

Job responsibilities

See person specification for qualifications/equivalent experience

Work within clearly defined accountability frameworks and boundaries of limitation to provide the best possible care in collaboration with colleagues, patients and their carers

Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Role and maintain all evidence required

Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments

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 inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust

Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively

Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team

Ensure all patient related information and are treated sensitively, adhering 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 are made and that all communication is maintained in relation to care delivery adhering to local and national guidance

Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)

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 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

Clinical responsibilities Individuals care

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the Nursing Associate is working in.

The Nursing Associate 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

Provide and monitor 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

Be prepared to undertake additional skills once competent including but not exhaustive; cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs as per training and competency

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

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

Administer medicines safety and in a timely manner; (NB nursing associates will only administer medicines, if suitably trained and competent, in settings where it is deemed appropriate and where this is guided by organisational medicines management policies)

Experience

Essential

• Be able to demonstrate ability to work in the area for which an application is made
• Good experience of working in a teams
• Experience of with the public demonstrating good customer care skills
• Experience of health coaching and promoting independent living

Desirable

• Previous experience of working within an Acute health / care setting
• Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff
• Surgical & wound care experience

Personal attributes

Essential

• Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
• Positive and caring attitude
• Enthusiastic
• Passionate about delivering safe care
• Reliable
• Trustworthy
• Adaptable

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation Level Degree: Nursing Associate Qualification
• NMC Registered Nursing Associate
• Foundation Degree
• Completion of End Point Assessment for applicants who have undertaken an apprenticeship route
• GCSE Grade A-C English and Maths or
• Level 2 in Maths and English
• When English is spoken as a second language, must have an IELTS score of 7.0
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Completion of end point assessment if undertaken NA training as an apprentice

Desirable

• Essential induction training and experience
• Care Certificate
• 5 GCSEs Grade A-C to include Maths and English
• Level 3 Health related qualification

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written) and good interpersonal skills.
• 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
• Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities

Knowledge & awareness

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
• 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)
• Awareness of own limitations.

Desirable

• 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 recent work-based learning or self-directed learning

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).