Job overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Band 4 Nursing Associate to join our dynamic team on the emergency surgical ward, working night shifts only. This role is vital in supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced and often unpredictable environment.
As a Nursing Associate, you will work under the direction of registered nurses and alongside the wider multidisciplinary team to provide safe and effective care to patients undergoing emergency surgical treatment. You will be responsible for monitoring patients’ conditions, assisting with clinical procedures, supporting recovery, and ensuring continuity of care throughout the night.
This position requires excellent communication skills, sound clinical judgement, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will play a key role in maintaining patient safety and dignity during the quieter hours, while also responding promptly to any changes in condition or urgent needs.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 4 Nursing Associate on the emergency surgical ward, your role is essential in ensuring the continuity and quality of patient care during night hours. You will work under the supervision of registered nurses and in collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team to support patients who have undergone emergency surgical procedures or are awaiting urgent interventions. The Ward admits patients with Urology, Lower Gastrointestinal and Upper Gastro intestinal surgery. You will gain experience nursing patients, who have had; major bowel surgery, galls stones, kidney stones, urinary retention and appendectomies.
Your responsibilities will include monitoring vital signs, assisting with post-operative care, managing wound dressings, and supporting patients with personal care needs. You will be expected to identify and escalate any signs of deterioration promptly, ensuring timely intervention and patient safety.
You will also contribute to maintaining accurate documentation, supporting safe handovers, and fostering a calm and reassuring presence for patients who may be anxious or in pain. Emotional resilience, sound clinical judgement, and the ability to work independently are key attributes for success in this role. Your contribution during night shifts plays a critical part in the overall functioning of the ward and the recovery journey of surgical patients.
Working for our organisation
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is a leading NHS Trust known for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care and professional development. Staff benefit from a supportive team environment, opportunities for learning and growth, and a strong sense of purpose in delivering care to a diverse patient population.
We have 10,000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.
Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.
You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done. You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.
You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care and enhancing their experience which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.
Please come to ward if you would like to speak to ward manager Katy Hodges for any further information you require.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Provide good quality personalised care in accordance with agreed local and national standards.
2. Assist patients to meet nutritional needs in line with their individual care plan.
3. Take samples from patients for testing or dispatching eg: Urine, sputum, faeces, MRSA swabs, blood sugars.
4. Undertake clinical duties relevant to clinical area following achievement of competencies.
5. Assist to maintain patient safety, conforming to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines.
6. Assist in maintaining standards of care to improve the patient experience and outcome of care.
7. Promote equality in care and practice by recognising, respecting and meeting the needs and choices of individuals.
8. Contribute to maintaining safe, clean, and productive care. environment, compliant with standards for hygiene and cleanliness.
9. Maintain and develop own competence.
10. Actively try to resolve issues and complaints at local level and then report the outcome to line manager.
11. Take responsibility for a designated patient workload undertaking documentation, medication administration and escalation as required.
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
12. Significant experience of working at Senior Health Care Assistant level in a health or equivalent setting
13. Experience of assisting with clinical procedures
14. Recent experience of working within an acute hospital setting
15. Knowledge of infection control and decontamination processes
Desirable criteria
16. Experience of working as a Nursing Associate
17. Experience of assessing vascular access devices
Qualification and Education
Essential criteria
18. Basic General Education GCSE Maths & English grade C or above OR level 1 numeracy skills and level 2 literacy skills
19. NMC Nursing Associate Pin
20. Diploma/NVQ level 3 in Health / health & Social care OR completion of the LTHTR INCS course.
Desirable criteria
21. Basic Life Support
22. ECDL or equivalent IT skills