Job summary
Poppy Unit are looking for a Band 3 Trainee Nurse Associate to join their experienced Multi Disciplinary Team. The successful applicant will join as a Band 3 Trainee and will be supported through their Nurse Associate training, upon completion they will transition into a Band 4 Nurse Associate within Poppy Unit.
Poppy Unit is a mixed gender 20 bedded acute inpatient ward, providing care for patients from across Wiltshire, Swindon and BaNES. Poppy Unit is based in Devizes, a beautiful rural town nestled in the heart of Wiltshire.
Main duties of the job
To provide focused, person-centered support to people receiving care, and to contribute to effective care and treatment interventions. To undertake a two-year Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (which will include a Level 5 Foundation Degree), leading to NMC-Registration as a qualified Nursing Associate (at Band 4). Aligning to the six platforms of the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates, the post-holder will:
1. Develop, demonstrate and practice (under supervision) the required competencies of a Nursing Associate
2. Contribute to the ongoing assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of secure nursing care interventions
3. Develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of a Nursing Associate within the service and through completion of the Nursing Associate training programme / placements
4. Display proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values
5. 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
The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Knowledge, training and experience
6. Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings
7. Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Training Programme and maintain all evidence required
8. Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments
Clinical responsibilities Individuals care
9. 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
10. Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse
11. Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs (under supervision)
12. Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake
13. Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
14. Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate
15. Report back and share information with the registered nurses on the condition, behaviour, activity and responses of individuals
16. Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers
17. Assist in the delivery of complex care[1] as prescribed by the registered nurse
18. Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities
19. Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff
20. Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes
21. Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within parameters of practice
22. Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given
23. Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures
24. 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
25. Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security
26. Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation
27. Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice
28. Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others
29. 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
30. Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities
31. 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
32. Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plan
Communication and relationships
33. 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
34. Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust
35. Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively
36. Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding
37. Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team
38. Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times
39. Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy
40. Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance
41. Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)
Analytical and judgmental skills
42. 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
43. Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors
44. 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
45. Use frequent moderate effort when undertaking carrying out the manual handling of individuals and equipment in line with organisational guidelines
46. Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment
47. Use a combination of standing, walking bending and stretching throughout the shift
Financial and physical resources
48. Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment
49. Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy
Human resources
50. Act in ways which support equality and value diversity
51. Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff
52. Support development of less experienced staff and students
Information resources
53. Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping
54. Follow all information governance guidance and policies
55. Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies
Freedom to Act
56. Work to standard operating procedures with registered care professionals available for reference
57. Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines
58. Work within the trainee Nursing Associate parameters of practice
59. Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries
60. Raise any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person
Mental and Emotional effort
61. Frequently use concentration and experience work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response
62. Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with challenging behaviour
63. Support individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life changing diagnoses
Working conditions
64. Dependent on care setting, have frequent exposure to potentially unpleasant working conditions ( working with uncontained body fluids and challenging behaviour)
Teaching and Training
65. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and Foundation Degree / Level 5 qualification within agreed timeframes. Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered
66. Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting
67. Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements
Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed.
[1] Nursing Associates can deliver complex care, defined as patients with complex care needs with a combination of multiple chronic conditions, mental health issues, medication-related problems, and social vulnerability if a specific protocol has been written for that group of employees
Person Specification
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
68. Experience of working in an adult, children's, mental health or learning disability nursing setting
69. Demonstrable understanding of mental health and learning disability issues, taking a positive, non-judgemental approach towards service users, carers, colleagues and members of the public.
70. Knowledge of the types of stigma / prejudice experienced by people with Learning Disabilities, and possible ways of challenging this.
Desirable
71. Experience of working in a customer care environment, eg an Advice Centre, Telephone Helpline or Advocacy Service
Education and Qualifications
Essential
72. Ability and willingness to commence, and work towards completion of, a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (incorporating a Level 5 Foundation Degree), leading to NMC-registration as a Nursing Associate
73. Ability and willingness to commence, and work towards completion of, any preparatory programmes of learning (such as Level 2 Functional Skills or a Level 3 Diploma) prior to commencing a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (for those who do not yet posses the TNA entry requirements)
Desirable
74. Level 2 Functional Skills
75. Level 3 Qualification
76. Training in Positive Behavioural Support (PBS)
77. Training in phlebotomy and physical healthcare skills
Skills & Abilities
Essential
78. Ability to form and sustain a trusting relationship with service users/carers
79. Well-developed listening skills and effective verbal communication skills, and ability to communicate both face to face, via email and by telephone
80. Written communication skills, with the ability to contribute to written reports, maintain accurate records and interpret relevant clinical information effectively.
81. IT skills: ability to use email, Microsoft word and basic clinical records databases.
82. Ability to use initiative appropriately, making decisions within the context of the role and service
83. Team-working skills, and ability to function effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary setting
84. Enthusiasm for continual professional development and service improvement.
85. Flexible and adaptable to change
Desirable
86. Ability to practice Positive Behavioural Support (PBS)
87. Enhanced / specialized skills in supporting people with a Learning Disability
Other
Essential
88. Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and learning disabilities, and ability to cope with behavior which may be challenging at times.