Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Kerensa Ward, a 25-bedded elderly care ward specialising in dementia and complex needs.

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and patient-focused Nursing Associate to join our multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality, person-centred care to older adults living with dementia.

Kerensa Ward provides specialist care for patients with cognitive impairment, frailty and multiple co-morbidities, focusing on dignity, safety and enhancing quality of life.

This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.

This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver safe, effective and compassionate nursing care to patients with dementia and complex elderly care needs.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate care using a person-centred approach
• Support patients with behaviours that challenge, ensuring care is delivered with dignity and respect.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team including therapists, doctors and support staff.
• Promote a therapeutic environment suitable for individuals living with dementia.
• Provide support and guidance to healthcare assistants and junior staff.
• Involve families and carers in care planning and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the ward.

About us
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.

RCHT is responsible for the provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds:

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael's Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities, and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting and retaining highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.

Details
Date posted: 03 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year
pa pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 156-8245660
Job locations: Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.

To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:

• Identity Checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Occupational Health clearance
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Right to work in the UK

For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation

We reserve the right to close this advert early.

We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.

We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Qualified band 4 or due to qualify in 6 months on the NMC register as a Nursing Associate

Desirable

• Working currently at band 4 level

Values
Essential

• Motivated/compassionate/willingness to learn/team player

Desirable

• Has led on self initiated patient related quality projects

Experience
Essential

• Can lead a supported bay

Desirable

• Has good clinical skills eg cannulation, venepuncture, ecgs etc

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

This 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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address: Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Unit Lead, Claudia Mills, claudiamills@nhs.net, 07884604974