Job summary
An exciting opportunity is open to undertake Apprenticeship training, to become a Nursing Associate in partnership with one of our local universities. As an apprentice you will work towards progression into the post of Nursing Associate, through successful completion of the Nursing Associate training programme, which includes the attainment of a level 5 Foundation Degree equivalent qualification. The Nursing Associate apprenticeship combines both academic and work-based learning. Apprentices will attend university for theory, and will complete work based learning in their clinical workplace. They will also experience working in alternative settings on spoke placements, to fulfil all the requirements of the programme, and registration will be with the NMC.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Nursing Associate (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting health and independence.
• Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values.
• 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, nursing associate or other registered care professionals dependent on setting.
• Work with a practice supervisor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Student Nursing Associate (SNA) Apprenticeship.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

• Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the Registered Nurse and/or Nursing Associate in the on-going delivery of clinical 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 respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, blood pressure, pulse, conscious level and temperature.
• Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, electrocardiograms (ECG) within their parameters of practice.
• Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake.
• Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is always maintained.
• Recognise changing priorities, seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse, Nursing Associate, or other registered care professionals as appropriate.
• Report back and share information with the Registered Nurses on the condition, behaviour, activity and responses of individuals.
• Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals.

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSE Maths and English Level 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2
• Academic Level 3 qualification and demonstrable healthcare experience

Desirable

• Completion of a HCA development programme

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Previous demonstrable experience of working in an acute healthcare setting
• Proven knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate care needs
• Basic understanding of evidence based practice
• Understanding of basic physiology eg. vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements etc

Desirable

• Essential induction training and demonstrable experience - care certificate or equivalent.

Aptitude and Experience
Essential

• Proven ability to study at Level 5 and commitment to completing the Foundation Degree Apprenticeship
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team under appropriate supervision and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Proven ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
• Proven ability to deal with the unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact
• Proven ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme.
• Proven ability to work using own initiative
• Proven ability to work within own scope of practice and able to escalate when help is required

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.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: University Hospitals Plymouth Trust, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Clinical Placement Quality Lead
Camilla McDaniel
camilla.mcdaniel@nhs.net
07767181595