Job overview
The role of the Nursing Associate is to work with the multi professional team and the Registered Nurse contributing to the ongoing assessment, providing and monitoring care in line with the service pathways and as agreed with supervising clinician(s). They will monitor the condition and health needs of people within their care on a continual basis in partnership with the multi-professional team.
The Nursing Associate has a breadth of knowledge across the lifespan, providing holistic and person centred care and support for people of all ages and in a variety of settings. The Nursing Associate will help to bridge the gap between Health Care Assistants and Registered
Nurses by working independently under the leadership of Registered Nurses, working within the sphere of nursing and care and within all aspects of the nursing process.
Nursing Associates are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment; and will act in accordance with the NMC Code:
Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
Main duties of the job
Under the supervision and working in partnership with a registered nurse provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care contributing to the ongoing assessment, providing and monitoring care based on evidence and working in partnership with the multidisciplinary team.
Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to patients in a range of care settings.
Monitor the condition and health needs of patients within their care on a continual basis in partnership with patients, families and carers, ensuring appropriate escalation to a registered nurse when required.
Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and well-being.
Promote comfort and well-being by ensuring that patients’ personal and social needs are met and be able to care for a patient’s nursing needs.
To safely undertake the following procedures to meet the patient’s nursing needs to include; undertaking routine procedures including venepuncture, ECG recording, measuring and interpreting blood glucose levels, recording and interpreting vital signs, continence care, bladder and bowel care, pressure area care, wound care, nutrition, hydration, foot care, skin integrity, mood identification (as outlined in the NMC Nursing
Associate Skills Annex). Identify and report changes in a patient’s condition to a registered nurse.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communicate effectively with dignity and respect to all patients, relatives and others giving consideration to potential barriers to understanding. Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.
Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints following Trust policies / procedures.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints following Trust
policies/procedures.
Contribute to a culture where all staff feel safe to raise their concerns [and that] speaking up about what these are is a normal part of their routine.
Support, supervise, teach (where appropriate) and act as a role model to trainee nursing associates, student nurses, healthcare support workers and new staff members, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback.
Contribute to the maintenance of the learning environment.
Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve.
Undertake further training as required, prior to carrying out any additional duties identified as relevant to role, to comply with Trust policies and procedures.
This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process.
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC Register with a Foundation Degree
* GCSEs Grade C or above in Maths and English Language / New GCSE Grade 4-9 in Maths and English Language OR Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2)
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working in teams under appropriate supervision as part of a multi-disciplinary team
* Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
* Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information
Desirable criteria
* Experience of the speciality area
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* 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
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
* Ability to organise and prioritise own delegated workload
* Ability to deal with non- routine and unpredictable nature of workload and individual patient contact
* Ability to communicate effectively (written, verbal and non-verbal communication) with patients / relatives and carers and all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
* Ability to develop effective and appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues
* Ability to support, supervise, assess and act as a role model to nursing associate students, other learners and health care support workers as required within the clinical setting.
* Have effective time management skills and the ability to prioritise
* Maintain high standards of quality in corporate and clinical record keeping ensuring information is always recorded accurately, appropriately and kept up to date
Work Related Circumstances
Essential criteria
* Positive approach to work
* Capacity to work with colleagues at all levels
* Open minded, treats colleagues and the general public with dignity and respect
* Compassionate and caring
* Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
* Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
* Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We are aware of the increase in AI being used for job applications. AI can be a useful tool to assist in writing your application, but these tools may not understand the context or requirements of the job you are applying for and using for all your application will not be a true reflection of your skills and experience. Relying on AI for your whole application can negatively impact on your chances of success throughout the recruitment process as you will be asked to provide evidence to support what you have written. Take the time to proofread your application to ensure you can evidence what you have submitted, whether this is by your experience or certificates
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.