Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and well-motivated candidate to join a dynamic and evolving service. Tatton Unit is a Low Secure Unit for male patients with complex needs. The unit has 16 beds and is based on the Tameside General Hospital site. We are currently looking to appoint to a number of band 3 positions. We are seeking individuals with a genuine interest in working with a complex and challenging patient group.
About the service
We cater for patients with a severe enduring mental illness with co-morbid substance use, personality disorder and challenging behaviour. Referrals come from medium secure, low secure, prison, PICU and acute environments. The unit benefits from a variety of practitioners and roles including occupational therapy, social work, dual diagnosis, medical staff, psychology in addition to the nursing teams.
Responsibilities
* Provide Safe and Effective Care
* Treat patients as individuals
* Engage patients in their own care
* Strive to provide an outstanding service
* Be clear about the ward vision and the role that the Nursing Assistant plays within the team
* Engage in learning and development
* Contribute to growth through regular supervision and annual appraisal
* Be a member of a team, establishing your own role within that team
* Nursing Assistant will be an informal leader, setting an example for other members within the team
Our commitment and values
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 proud of our #PennineCarePeople and strive to be a great place to work.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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. We also welcome applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either personally or as a carer.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* To assist the qualified staff, as required in the delivery of care.
* To work as a member of the team with the support and supervision of a registered nurse and in line with the policies and procedures agreed by Pennine Care NHS Trust.
* To ensure the promotion of safety, wellbeing and interests of clients, staff and visitors to the unit if ward based.
* To provide personal care to patients in accordance with their individualized care plan in a respectful manner, showing proper regard to their right to privacy and dignity.
* Provide input to care plan discussions with a qualified practitioner where requested, using knowledge of patient and environment.
* To assist patients in the maintenance of adequate nutrition and hydration, following a detailed care plan and using a therapeutic approach. If ward based, assist patients to choose and order from the menu, considering any special dietary requirements.
* Under direction of a qualified practitioner, undertake escort duty with patients, including when patients are risk assessed or may present with more complex needs.
* Carry out duties as allocated by a qualified practitioner and engage with patients to undertake activities and duties agreed with a qualified practitioner; use initiative in planning and delivering some basic activities.
* Complete patient monitoring charts (e.g., weight, input/output, observation) and record accordingly.
* Undertake and record clinical observations (temperature, pulse, blood pressure) as required, with supervision from a qualified staff member, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
* Undertake and record therapeutic observations in line with the Trust’s Observation & Engagement Policy (e.g., 1:1, 2:1) and escalate concerns as appropriate.
* Have a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and be aware of relevant MHA information when carrying out observations, supporting leave for detained patients under practitioner approval.
* Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude with the team, patients, families and the public.
* Contribute to maintaining the ward’s philosophy, aims and objectives and participate in maintaining the ward environment to ensure cleanliness and tidiness in line with information policy.
* Accurately document nursing care in notes when required, countersigned by a qualified practitioner.
* Monitor the ward environment, engage with patients to de‑stimulate and reduce potential for escalation as needed.
* Respond to and manage aggressive behaviours, initiating de-escalation techniques and escalating concerns to a senior member of staff as needed.
* Be competent in reducing restrictive practices, including prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive approaches, positive behaviour support, up to physical restraint as a last option, with supervision as required.
* Ensure security protocols are followed 24 hours a day and report any breaches to the senior nurse.
* Communicate effectively with patients, staff, families and external agencies; use a polite telephone manner and clear verbal/non‑verbal communication to overcome barriers.
* Report any changes in a patient’s behaviour or condition to the registered nurse, using appropriate verbal or written communication.
* Assist in safekeeping of patients’ property and clothing as required.
* Participate in staff support groups and clinical supervision; work as part of the ward team to promote high standards of care.
* Understand the importance of confidentiality in all patient matters in accordance with GDPR and Trust policy.
* Comply with Trust policy and health and safety requirements, including fire prevention and safeguarding reporting to a senior nurse when required.
* Be aware of safeguarding concerns and record appropriately in notes where required.
* Facilitate patient activities under the direction of qualified staff; assist Occupational Therapy and other Allied Health Professionals.
* Be flexible to meet the needs of the unit and be willing to undertake a full range of shifts as required.
Other information
This job description is not exhaustive and is intended to provide an overall picture of the role. The duties may be reviewed through the agreed process. The advert closes on Friday 27 Mar 2026.
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