Job overview
** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UHSUSSEX NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES **
This advert is an Expression of interest for Nursing Associates who will have completed the preceptorship course by February 26 and Assistant Practitioners who have at least one years consolidated practice and wish to undertake the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.
Whilst on programme with The OU, you will regularly attend and complete academic work. Time will be built into the programme for attending placements.
This is a developmental role. The apprentice will work towards becoming a Registered Nurse through successful completion of the Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice (RNDA) training programme which includes the attainment of a Bachelor of Nursing Degree.
To apply, you will need to have:
1. Completed the Level 5 Foundation Degree/ health and social care / Nursing Associate or Assistant Practitioner FdSc within the last 10 years
2. GCSEs Grade 4-9 / A -C in Maths and English or Functional skills Level 2
3. Recent academic study at Level 5 or above (within last 5 years)
4. Minimum of one year experience as a Nursing associate or Assistant practitioner
Please be aware this is a training post, you maybe required to change your base ward to complete this apprenticeship.
Please ensure you complete the application form fully, providing evidence that you meet the person specification. You will be required to provide all certificates required for the above prior to interview.
Main duties of the job
You will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of the Nurse Degree Apprentice within the service which includes working in range of care settings and delivery of person centred care.
The Nurse Degree Apprentice training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. A Nurse Degree Apprentice will be employed by the trust but will work in a wide range of clinical placement 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 Nurse Degree Apprentice will become a Registered Nurse, registered and accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Code (NMC). They will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Registered Nurse.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication
5. 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.
6. Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively.
7. 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.
Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.
8. 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.
People Management and Development
9. Work with their assessor and supervisor/s to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Nursing Degree Training Programme.
10. Develop by the end of the Nursing Degree Training Programme the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individual’s defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Registered Nurse role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
11. 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 Nurse Degree Apprentice.
12. Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
13. Completed Level 5 Foundation Degree (health and social care practice/ Nursing Associate or Assistant Practitioner in the last 10 years
14. GCSEs Grade 4-9 A-C in Maths and English or Functional skills level 2 or evidence of ENIC comparability
15. Minimum of one year experience as an Assistant practitioner (at start of apprenticeship) OR a Registered Nursing Associate who has completed the preceptorship course (by the start date of the apprenticeship)
16. Recent academic study at Level 5 or above (within last 5 years)
Desirable criteria
17. Evidence of recent learning or self-directed learning since qualification
Skills
Essential criteria
18. Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multidisciplinary team
19. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
20. Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
21. Understanding of the registered nurse role and how this may contribute to service development
22. Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
Desirable criteria
23. • Evidence of involvement in support / development of less experienced staff
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
24. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
25. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications