Job summary
The successful candidate will be expected to work alongside our friendly, supportive critical care multidisciplinary team on our 11 bedded adult critical care unit, caring for level 2 and level 3 patients. You will also have the opportunity to work alongside our qualified ACCP's. We are currently in the early building stages of our new hospital project working on a 24 bedded critical care unit which will continue to support a wide range of conditions and specialties.
Successful candidates will need to commit to attending the course at Southampton University two days a week alongside their clinical commitments at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This post requires successful completion of the 2 year tACCP course. On successful completion the candidates would progress to ACCP at Band 8a and work on rotation on the medical rota.
Candidates must be able to commence in September 2025. There is scope to consider candidates who can commit to the university element but need a longer notice period in their current employment.
Main duties of the job
The purpose of this post is to support the successful applicant to successfully complete the Advanced Critical Care Practitioner (ACCP) Apprenticeship MSc (Level 7) programme through the University of Plymouth's PGDip and MSc programme with the aim of achieving FICM membership.
The post holder will complete training in line with the Trust's framework for advanced clinical practice and the individual's primary professional regulatory body, with the expectation that on successful completion of the PG Dip ACCP the post holder will occupy a Band 7 (AfC) ACCP role and on successful completion of MSc the post holder will move into a fully qualified ACCP role at Band 8a.
The post holder will be working towards fulfilling the expectations of membership of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine as an ACCP. On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, the post-holder will be able to:
Utilise advanced clinical reasoning skills and assessment techniques autonomously in the context of their speciality
Set appropriate treatment aims and objectives for a complex range of critically ill patients
Competently plan and implement realistic programmes of investigation and treatment
Evaluate investigations and treatment plans to assess impact and outcome.
Relate findings to presenting pathology and revise treatment plans
Demonstrate advanced clinical competence in area of speciality
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The tACP (ACCP) is an experienced senior nurse, paramedic, pharmacist or physiotherapist who has commenced or is due to commence formal education at masters level on a recognised ACP (ACCP) programme with the aim and commitment of progression to qualified ACP (ACCP) level on completion.
The ACP (ACCP) bridges the professional and clinical boundaries between traditional health professional roles and more independent medical care often enabling them to take on the role and responsibilities formerly undertaken by medical practitioners. The tACP (ACCP) will develop the ability to work independently and in partnership with the multidisciplinary team under the clinical supervision provided by a Consultant and/or Team Leader.
For areas where ACPs cover roles previously undertaken by medical practitioners, The tACP (ACCP) will work towards complementing the senior resident medical rota in Critical Care by acting as a senior, expert, skilled resource.
The tACP (ACCP) will assist with or lead audit, research and development initiating the implementation, evaluation and assist development of multidisciplinary guidelines and protocols, incorporating current best evidence in consultation with medical and nursing staff for the care of patients across the Trust.
Take responsibility for the management of patients within own caseload and supervision/development of junior members of the multi-professional team.
For those who complete the independent prescribing qualification during their pathway (relevant to role and discipline) the post holder is able to prescribe / de-prescribe medicines for patients as per the legal requirements for their professional regulatory body, National Prescribing Centre and national guidelines and in accordance with the Trusts non-medical prescribing policy and Trust formulary.
The tACP (ACCP) has a key working relationship with all members of nursing, midwifery, AHP, medical staff and members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients.
The post holder will promote the concept of clinical governance and facilitate the implementation of workforce strategy and work within agreed Trust/department protocols and guidelines.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The tACP (ACCP) is an experienced senior nurse, paramedic, pharmacist or physiotherapist who has commenced or is due to commence formal education at masters level on a recognised ACP (ACCP) programme with the aim and commitment of progression to qualified ACP (ACCP) level on completion.
The ACP (ACCP) bridges the professional and clinical boundaries between traditional health professional roles and more independent medical care often enabling them to take on the role and responsibilities formerly undertaken by medical practitioners. The tACP (ACCP) will develop the ability to work independently and in partnership with the multidisciplinary team under the clinical supervision provided by a Consultant and/or Team Leader.
For areas where ACPs cover roles previously undertaken by medical practitioners, The tACP (ACCP) will work towards complementing the senior resident medical rota in Critical Care by acting as a senior, expert, skilled resource.
The tACP (ACCP) will assist with or lead audit, research and development initiating the implementation, evaluation and assist development of multidisciplinary guidelines and protocols, incorporating current best evidence in consultation with medical and nursing staff for the care of patients across the Trust.
Take responsibility for the management of patients within own caseload and supervision/development of junior members of the multi-professional team.
For those who complete the independent prescribing qualification during their pathway (relevant to role and discipline) the post holder is able to prescribe / de-prescribe medicines for patients as per the legal requirements for their professional regulatory body, National Prescribing Centre and national guidelines and in accordance with the Trusts non-medical prescribing policy and Trust formulary.
The tACP (ACCP) has a key working relationship with all members of nursing, midwifery, AHP, medical staff and members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients.
The post holder will promote the concept of clinical governance and facilitate the implementation of workforce strategy and work within agreed Trust/department protocols and guidelines.
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Current unrestricted registration as a nurse, paramedic, pharmacist or physiotherapist
- Working towards or due to start MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent qualification with a commitment to complete pathway
- Resuscitation / life support course (if appropriate to area and role)
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications)
Desirable
- mentorship / teaching course or willingness to complete
- Level 7 non-medical prescriber course
- Level 7 history taking and assessment course
- Degree with at least 2:2 award
- Post graduate teaching or research qualification or equivalent
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 6 months experience within specialty at Band 6 or equivalent
- At least 2 years experience in caring for acutely unwell patients
- Management of patients with complex needs
Desirable
- Evidence of ability to work at advanced practice level
- Clinical Supervision experience
- Research and audit skills and an understanding of their application to improve quality of services
- Ability to initiate, sustain and evaluate change within a variety of clinical situations
- Previous knowledge and experience of Critical Care clinical work
- Experience in any leadership or management position
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Knowledge of current practice issues and interest in further learning
- Evidence of good written and oral communication skills including presentations
- Able to recognise and analyse complex situations and take appropriate solutions
- Ability to motivate self and others
- Ability to work in clinical area with rapidly changing priorities
- Ability to manage difficult conversations/ emotive situations
- Ability to work autonomously and in a multidisciplinary team
- Committed to further personal and professional development in Intensive Care Medicine and in-patient Critical Care
- Competent in English Language (IELTS >6.5 overall score if not first language)
Desirable
- Awareness of critical analysis & awareness of application of research to practice
- Good IT skills with ability to present information appropriately
- Competence in relevant practical skills such as vascular access
- Committed to service development
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Current unrestricted registration as a nurse, paramedic, pharmacist or physiotherapist
- Working towards or due to start MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent qualification with a commitment to complete pathway
- Resuscitation / life support course (if appropriate to area and role)
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications)
Desirable
- mentorship / teaching course or willingness to complete
- Level 7 non-medical prescriber course
- Level 7 history taking and assessment course
- Degree with at least 2:2 award
- Post graduate teaching or research qualification or equivalent
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 6 months experience within specialty at Band 6 or equivalent
- At least 2 years experience in caring for acutely unwell patients
- Management of patients with complex needs
Desirable
- Evidence of ability to work at advanced practice level
- Clinical Supervision experience
- Research and audit skills and an understanding of their application to improve quality of services
- Ability to initiate, sustain and evaluate change within a variety of clinical situations
- Previous knowledge and experience of Critical Care clinical work
- Experience in any leadership or management position
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Knowledge of current practice issues and interest in further learning
- Evidence of good written and oral communication skills including presentations
- Able to recognise and analyse complex situations and take appropriate solutions
- Ability to motivate self and others
- Ability to work in clinical area with rapidly changing priorities
- Ability to manage difficult conversations/ emotive situations
- Ability to work autonomously and in a multidisciplinary team
- Committed to further personal and professional development in Intensive Care Medicine and in-patient Critical Care
- Competent in English Language (IELTS >6.5 overall score if not first language)
Desirable
- Awareness of critical analysis & awareness of application of research to practice
- Good IT skills with ability to present information appropriately
- Competence in relevant practical skills such as vascular access
- Committed to service development
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).
