Choose Well - Choose WWL
Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, forward-thinking individual who will be committed to providing high quality care.
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.
Candidates will be required to present original certificates for qualifications at interview stage.
Main duties of the job
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.
Working for our organisation
Choose Well – Choose WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’.
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Planning and Organisational Duties
1. 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 multi-disciplinary team.
2. Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to patients in a range of care settings
3. 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.
4. Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and well-being.
5. 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.
6. 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, skin clip and suture removal, removal and application of casts, application of splints, 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.
7. Prioritise and manage own workload, recognising where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members.
8. Provide and receive sensitive information concerning a patient’s medical condition.
9. Work with the registered nurse and engage with other agencies and community teams to ensure a safe, individualised approach to the admission and discharge of patients.
10. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous patient records in line with Trust policy and the NMC Code.
11. Provide effective evidence-based care for service users under the supervision of registered nurses in order to perform non-complex activities, in line with clinical governance and professional standards.
12. Recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions.
13. Undertake safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with Trust policy and the NMC standards of proficiency for nursing associates.
14. Administer medicines via the following routes, oral, topical, rectal, subcutaneous and intramuscular in line with NMC Standards and Trust policies.
15. Comply with Trust policy in relation to any safety critical medicines to be administered by Nursing Associates.
16. Monitor the condition and health needs of patients within their care following administration of medication.
17. Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes related to medicines management.
Communications and Key Working Relationships
18. Communicate effectively with dignity and respect to all patients, relatives and others giving consideration to potential barriers to understanding.
19. Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.
20. Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.
21. Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints following Trust policies/procedures.
22. 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.
23. Identify relevant sources of evidence to inform practice.
24. Critically consider and analyse their own practice in light of best available evidence.
25. Contribute to surveys, audits, research activity as required to own role, supporting recommended changes in practice.
Responsibility for Finance
26. To be aware of resources and give high-quality cost-effective care.
Responsibility for Human Resources
27. In conjunction with the ward manager, and Registered Nurses, introduce new staff to the ward and their duties.
Responsibility for Health & Safety
28. Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Responsibility for Teaching
29. Comply with mandatory competencies in line with Trust policy.
30. To engage in a preceptorship period that includes achieving the Nursing Associate Medicines Management Competency framework
31. Maintain own continuing professional development in accordance with NMC CPD requirements and contribute to formulation of own objectives and personal development plans.
32. 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.
33. Contribute to the maintenance of the learning environment.
34. Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve.
35. Undertake further training as required, prior to carrying out any additional duties identified as relevant to role, to comply with Trust policies and procedures.
36. Take personal responsibility for developing and maintaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in conjunction with NMC guidance.
37. Attend mandatory training as directed by Trust.
38. In conjunction with ward manager and Registered Nurses, help create and maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and students and act as a Practice supervisor in the supervision and teaching of less experienced staff.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
39. Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC Register with a Foundation Degree
40. 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
41. Experience in relevant speciality
42. Experience working independently and as a team
Skills
Essential criteria
43. Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
44. Ability to organise and prioritise own delegated workload
45. Ability to deal with non- routine and unpredictable nature of workload and individual patient contact
46. Ability to communicate effectively (written, verbal and non - verbal communication) with patients/relatives and carers and all members of the multi-disciplinary team
47. 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
48. Ability to develop effective and appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues
49. 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
50. Maintain high standards of quality in corporate and clinical record keeping ensuring information is always accurately recorded and kept up to date.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
51. 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
52. Understands and acts in line with NMC professional standards for practice contained within The Code
53. Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
54. Understand requirements for NMC professional Revalidation
55. Understanding of the importance of following procedures and treatment plans
Additional
Essential criteria
56. Positive approach to work
57. Capacity to work with colleagues at all levels
58. Open minded, treats colleagues and the general public with dignity and respect Compassionate and caring
59. Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation