Job summary
As part of Oxford Health's workforce transformation plan, we are continuing to increase the number of Nursing Associates within the organisation.
The Nursing Associate role bridges the gap between the Registered Nurse and the Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) and is vital to the provision of great patient care.
Successful applicants will undertake a two-year apprenticeship programme, which will support them to attain the skills and knowledge to enable them to provide high quality, compassionate care to our patients.
On completion of the apprenticeship programme the employee will attain Nursing Associate registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The training programme combines both academic and work-based learning across a range of healthcare settings.
Main duties of the job
Nurse Associate Apprentices will be based in one main ward / department and are expected to work a variety of shifts including nights, long days and weekends.
They will gain experience working in a variety of health and social care settings. These placements will be both within and external to the Trust, so employees must be able and willing to travel as required, and work different shift patterns according to the placement area.
Nurse Associate Apprentices will undertake a level 5 Apprenticeship (Nursing Associate) / Foundation Degree with Buckinghamshire New University and will be released for study days as per the BNU programme. Many of these sessions will be run in Oxford at Unipart House.
We are looking to recruit Nursing Associate Apprentices to a variety of mental heath settings.Applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred ward / department at interview.
Successful applicants will also be required to complete the Care Certificate if they have not already.
About us
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
1. Excellent opportunities for career progression
2. Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
3. 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
4. NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
5. Competitive pension scheme
6. Lease car scheme
7. Cycle to work scheme
8. Employee Assistance Programme
9. Mental Health First Aiders
10. Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
11. Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description
Job responsibilities
Your main responsibilities will be:
Clinical - 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- 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-Work with a mentor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate Training Programme -By the end of the Nursing Associate Training Programme, develop the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed-Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management and evaluation of care-Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing person-centred care and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate-Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse-Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs-Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake-Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times-Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse or other registered care professionals as appropriate-Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals-Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas within the environment where care is being administered-Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers-Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities-Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff-Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes-Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referralsystems to ensure individuals needs are met, within parameters ofpractice-Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given-Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures-Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required-Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping-Follow all information governance guidance and policies-Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policiesEducation-Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings-Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Training Programme and maintain all evidence required-Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments-Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and Foundation Degree / Level 5 qualification within agreed timeframes. Seek support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered-Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting-Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements-Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
12. Level 2 Maths and English functional skills
Desirable
13. Level 3 Academic qualification AS/ A level, access to higher education diploma.
Assessment
Essential
14. Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
Skills
Essential
15. Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise.
16. Intermediate IT skills
17. Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
18. Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
19. Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
20. Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities