Job summaryAn opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and passionate Nursing Associate to join our inpatient team at Franklyn Hospital, Exeter, to progress their career development. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, and a commitment to working flexibly. The role will be based on Rougemont Ward which operates on a 24/7 shift basis which includes weekend and night working for which unsocial enhancements are paid in addition to basic pay.
We are looking to appoint a proactive and motivated individual who is passionate about caring for older people with functional illnesses. This job will offer the successful candidate a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn and develop.
The successful candidate will have experience in a band 4 role. Applications will be welcomed from experienced nursing associates, apprentice nurse's nearing the end of their training or trainee nursing associates nearing the end of their training.
Rougemont Ward is a mixed sex, 16 bedded, inpatient assessment unit for Older People with functional illnesses and provides high quality care and treatment for people who have complex health needs.
We are looking for people who share our trust values in delivering high quality care and treatment, who enjoy working as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team and want to make a difference in improving peoples lives every day.
Main duties of the jobThe Nursing Associate will work as part of the multidisciplinary team, delivering evidence based health and social care that focuses on the holistic needs of service users. They will carry out specific clinical tasks and responsibilities as delegated by registered practitioners.
About usAbout Devon Partnership TrustWe provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our valuesWe not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
DetailsDate posted: 03 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9369-26-0645
Job locations: Rougemont Ward, Franklyn Hospital, Franklyn Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX2 9HS, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesCommunication and Working Relationship Skills- To communicate in a skilled and respectful manner with people using services, families and carers who may have specific difficulties in understanding and/or communicating and who may be distressed/present with challenging behaviour.
- To participate in clinical meetings and to work collaboratively with other colleagues in the multidisciplinary team.
- To maintain appropriate professional boundaries whilst recognising abilities and limitations of own competence.
- To communicate complex and sensitive condition-related information concerning the assessment, treatment and risk factors in relation to a range of mental health difficulties.
- To establish and maintain clear and professional relationships with others at all times.
- To liaise and work collaboratively with a range of other professionals in statutory and non-statutory organisations and agencies.
- Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team.
- Communicate using empathy and re-assurance skills when there may be barriers to understanding.
- Understand the roles of a range of professionals and carers from DPT and other organisations and settings who may be participating in the care of a person and their family.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills- Recognise and work within the limits of competencies as defined by the NMC standards for Registered Nursing Associates. Recognise abnormal readings and/or changes in physical, mental wellbeing or cognitive condition, escalating to registered nurse or clinician for advice.
- Recognise own clinical competencies, knowledge base and experience, and ensure that you practice within this and seek support as required.
- To make informed and well-reasoned decisions, recognising when to seek further advice from a registered practitioner.
- Undertake risk assessments and determine the appropriate course of action, which has taken into consideration a range of possible options. Where necessary, ensure that consultation with senior colleagues is undertaken.
- Recognise and take action to deal with any situations which may provide a conflict of interest.
Planning and Organisational Skills- To organise, plan and prioritise own workload under guidance of a registered practitioner.
- To provide evidence based advice, guidance and consultancy to patients, family members, carers and professionals within standard protocols.
- Delegate and oversee the work of health care assistants, including coordination of day to day activities.
- Planning, co-ordination and review of individual care plans as delegated by other registered practitioners. Reprioritising as required to ensure the interests of people using services are met.
- Organise clinical meetings and ensure that interventions/services are planned in an integrated and co-ordinated manner to best support the client/carers, this may include liaison with external agencies.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy- Put people first and provide nursing care that is person centred, safe and compassionate.
- To act as a named practitioner for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse and escalating concerns in the appropriate manner to the nurse in charge.
- To promote and uphold the privacy, dignity, rights, health and wellbeing of patients and their care givers at all times.
- Responsible for the delivery of holistic care plans which are co-produced with patients and carers including assessing, planning, intervention and evaluation according to the trusts standard protocols and accountable for their own actions within the delivery of this care.
- To comply with Trust policies and procedures and the NMC Code for Nursing Associates.
- Provide evidence based clinical advice in relation to the individuals in the care of the team.
- Ensure that appropriate action is taken for safeguarding adults and children under the guidance of a Senior Mental Health Practitioner.
- Undertakes delegated clinical skills within their role having once undertaken relevant training, deemed competent and adhere to standard operating procedures, in line with Trust policy.
- Administers medication within scope of practice, competency and as delegated by the registered nurse, in line with Trust policy.
- Maintain up to date clinical records in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with Trust policy.
- Develop, monitor and review care plans to meet individuals needs.
- Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors.
- Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies that encourage them to live healthily and apply principles of self-care, utilising evidence information resources as appropriate.
- Recognise the physical health needs of patients and identification of ill health/physical deterioration.
- Ensure that high standards of nursing care are maintained and take appropriate action when standards are not being maintained.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation- To follow Trust policy guidance in relation to your team and role and to comment on proposed policy changes and service developments.
- Actively embrace change, respond positively to new priorities and challenges and look for opportunities for service development and improvement.
- To contribute to service development activities as required by line management in order to improve the quality of care offered by the team.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources- Responsible for the safe use of any relevant equipment/resources in line with Trust Policy. For example the use of hoists.
- Responsibility for the handling of monies and individuals valuables if deemed necessary under the indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.
- Responsibility for the storage, handling and administration of medication.
- Responsible for the ordering of supplies/equipment as necessary under the indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management- Demonstrate personal responsibility and initiative for own learning and continuing professional development including core training in line with the Directorates Workforce Plan in accordance with Trust policy.
- Carry out Continuing Professional Development by seeking to develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills.
- Maintaining Nursing & Midwifery Council registration by adhering to all requirements regarding Standards, Proficiencies and the revalidation process.
- Engage in reflective practice to monitor their own performance and progress and accept feedback from others in order to continue their ongoing development.
- Actively engage with line management, clinical supervision and reflective practice.
- Mentor and supervise more junior staff, demonstrating own activities and workplace routines to new or less experienced colleagues. Mentor, train and allocating work.
- To ensure all resources are effectively deployed to plan the workload and meet the priorities of patients.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties- To be responsible for using an email account to generate, monitor, and respond to the e-mail traffic by which the Trust conducts much of its internal communication.
- Maintain patient records, recording information in a timely way and in line with trusts and professional standards.
- Ensure information resources including the Intranet are consulted regularly to maintain a current knowledge of Trust, Directorate and Team priorities and safety initiatives.
- Ensure information is shared with key stakeholders and other agencies in a secure manner.
- Working knowledge of SystmOne and associated systems.
Responsibility for Research and Development- To contribute to any relevant Research and Development activities as undertaken within the team.
- Participate in audits and surveys relating to nursing practice or patient satisfaction as required.
Freedom to Act- To work within the Trust operational policies and service specifications of the team.
- To organise and take responsibility for own work and caseload under guidance of a registered practitioner and within standard protocols/ integrated care pathways.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required- Undertake all necessary academic study and work based training associated with the post.
Person SpecificationAnalytical and Judgement SkillsEssential- Ability to evaluate complex information to assist with decision making.
- Problem solving skills.
- An awareness of own scope of practice and ability to make appropriate judgements on when to refer issues to a registered practitioner.
- Ability to assess risk (to self, service user and/or family/carers) and to take appropriate action.
QualificationsEssential- Nursing Associate Foundation Degree qualification.
- Registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
- Level 3 NVQ/QCF qualification or equivalent (2 A Levels).
- GCSE Grade A-C in Maths & English or Functional level 2 Maths & English Language or equivalent.
KnowledgeEssential- Knowledge of a range of Mental Health presentations and medications.
- An understanding of physical health problems which can impact on a persons mental health and monitoring of the same.
- Knowledge of safeguarding principles and appropriate action to take.
- An understanding of Care Coordination/ Management process.
- Understanding of Recovery principles in Mental Health.
- Understands and acts in line with NMC professional standards for practice contained within The Code, including requirements for professional Revalidation.
- Understanding of evidence based practice.
- Understanding of the importance of following procedures and treatment plans.
- Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice.
- 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.
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
- Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning
Communication and working relationship skillsEssential- Ability to communicate effectively (written, verbal and non-verbal communication) with patients/relatives and carers and all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to develop effective and appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues.
- 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.
- Ability to work with people in a group or on an individual basis.
- An ability to make, sustain and disengage from professional therapeutic relationships.
ExperienceEssential- Experience of and the ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information.
Desirable- Previous experience working in a range of different mental health care settings.
- Working with people with challenging behaviour and complex health needs.
- Conducts clinical tasks within Nursing Associate scope of practice to a high level of competency.
Physical SkillsEssential- Intermediate IT skills. This post requires the post holder to undertake and comply with the Trusts policies on manual handling and Breakaway/restraint core training if relevant to their clinical area of work.
- Able to travel and work across the area covered by the trust as requested by Line Manager.
Planning and Organisational SkillsEssential- Ability to work independently within defined procedures and care pathways.
- Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise own delegated workload.
- Ability to cope with change.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. 
