Nursing Associate

Job summary

Interview 13.01.2025

Up to 37.5 hours per week.

Please contact the Recruiting Manager before applying.

The role requires positivity and excellent communication, leadership, and caseload management abilities. You will need to demonstrate integrity and initiative, sound clinical knowledge with evidenced based practice and the ability to support the team, approaching your work in a coordinated way

We work integrated with primary care, adult social care, therapists, urgent & intermediate care services alongside our specialist services informing our ageing well MDTs which facilitates shaping our future to deliver great quality care for housebound individuals.

We strive to maximise wellbeing, improve health outcomes and patient experience, and support people to remain at home. Through expert advice and clinical support and treatment, promoting the optimum quality of life. Whilst providing an effective and efficient service delivery, utilising health promotion, wound, medication, and continence management

If you have an interest in community nursing, preventing hospital admissions, and caring for people with complex long-term disease, through to the last stages of their life, this role is for you

We provide opportunity for continued learning and career progression, if this ignited your interest we would like to hear from you.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

All LW staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

Main duties of the job

To be a Nurse Associate your role is vital in terms of coordinating peoples care through holistic evidence-based best practice in accordance with National and Organisational approved polices/procedures.

You will be required to be an autonomous practitioner and a role model. Supporting the Community Registered Nurses and Sister/Charge Nurse in their absence.

Manage sensitive issues and overcome obstacles in communication.

You be required to undertake a robust induction, allocated a mentor to support your learning to develop in your role.

We offer training in line with the required competencies for you to build on your knowledge, experience, and skills. You will be expected to undertake continued learning with accessibility to accredited courses.

You will need to provide a high standard of nursing care within their scope of practice as delegated by the Senior Nurse on duty.

To work under the indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse and continue to develop and undertake a range of delegated tasks independently.

Have sound knowledge and judgement providing evidence-based medicine and wound management. Pressure ulcer prevention and continence management, palliative, and end of life care.

Have a full driving licence and the ability to travel across Plymouth.

Please note that we may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other.

We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well.

Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer:

Protected CPD time for registered staff

Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff

Leadership & mentoring programmes

Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training

A Robust Preceptorship

A bespoke induction programme

Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation.

Date posted

16 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year pa, pro-rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2024-NM-9514-3

Job locations

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY


Plympton Clinic

Plympton

Plymouth

Devon

PL7 2AS


Cumberland Centre

Devonport

Plymouth

PL14JZ


Plymouth Community Healthcare C I C

1 Brest Way

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 5XW


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

  • The Nursing Associate will work as part of a team, delivering 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

Job Summary

  • Manage a defined group of patients under the indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse, using evidence based/client centred principles to undertake a range of delegated tasks independently: assess, plan, implement, evaluate interventions and contribute to the service provision.
  • To take responsibility for planned/defined tasks as required.
  • To plan and undertake clinical tasks guided by standard operating procedures and protocols.
  • To delegate work to support worker staff as required.
  • To supervise and line manage band 2/3 staff and undertake the ongoing supervision of the routine work of others.
  • Take responsibility for the training of others and may be required to deliver training

Tasks:

  • To be responsible for the comprehensive assessment, planning, treatment and evaluation of a group of patients under the appropriate delegation from a registered practitioner and in close liaison with patient/carer.
  • To give compassionate, holistic evidence based practice to patients in the Community in line with national and organisational approved policies / procedures and individual care plans.
  • Undertakes delegated clinical skills within their role having once undertaken relevant training, deemed competent and adhere to standard operating procedures.
  • Monitor the condition and health needs of people within their care on a continual basis in partnership with people, families, and the Multidisciplinary Team
  • To demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of conditions relevant to the clinical area.
  • Observes any changes in the patient’s condition, manages these changes in line with scope and competence, reporting findings to the most appropriate clinician in a timely manner. In the event of a change in patient status, is able to safely decide whether to proceed with treatment (including medicines administration) and/or seeks support from a registered nurse to decide.
  • Safely uses a range of non invasive and invasive interventions whether therapeutic, technological or pharmacological, within the defined scope of the role
  • Implements the goal planning process and outcome measures used in the clinical area to review progress of the patient.
  • Administers medication within scope of practice, competency and as delegated by the registered nurse.
  • Support people to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing
  • To educate patients and carers regarding the impact of cognitive, perceptual and physical deficits on patient’s safety and independence
  • active involvement in the prevention of and protection against disease and ill health
  • To plan, organise and lead when delegated both formal and informal treatments and health education activities for both patients and carers.
  • contribute to ongoing assessment recognising when it is necessary to refer to others for reassessment
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions
  • recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes
  • Prioritise the day to day management of own caseload/ workload delegating activities to junior staff as appropriate
  • engage in public health, community development, and in the reduction of health inequalities and increased self-management
  • To act as the patient's advocate and, by providing information and support, facilitate the patient's own choices in conjunction with carers and other agencies where relevant.
  • To undertake specifically identified administrative and clerical tasks associated with patient care which facilitate the efficient running of the ward/department.

Service specific tasks and responsibilities.

This should align with the service essential skills framework and relevant clinical competencies which can be located via the link below : http://pchnet.derriford.phnt.swest.nhs.uk/StaffCentral/Training/Competencies.aspx

  • Assessment and holistic patient centred care
  • Wound Care including pressure ulcer management
  • Bowel/ continence management
  • Medicines management
  • Ear syringing
  • Care of the dying patient end of life

This list is not exhaustive and aligns with clinical competency and role specification as above.

Knowledge, training and experience

(See person specification for qualifications/equivalent experience)

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings
  • Identify personal development needs that ensure acquisition of knowledge, skills and competency to undertake the care and treatment responsibilities assigned
  • 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.

Communication and relationships

  • Communicate in a clear manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and service needs.
  • Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services
  • Liaise and communicate effectively with others of different backgrounds and levels of understanding
  • Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust
  • Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively
  • Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team
  • Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principles of confidentiality at all times
  • Report any accidents or incidents as per organisational policy
  • Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance
  • To record and report regularly on patient progress and treatment to the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) and handovers.
  • Constructively manage barriers to communication.
  • To attend and participate in case conferences, ward meetings, handovers and forums appropriate to the clinical setting / role / service needs.
  • Liaise with and ensure good communication with statutory/voluntary bodies to establish a comprehensive package to ensure continuation of care.
  • Provide an opportunity and respond to patients and carers to enable them to express their feelings and whilst encouraging acceptance and adjustment to their new circumstances.
  • To communicate effectively with patients and carers recognising the need for a wide range of verbal and non verbal communication methods with patients who may have difficulty in understanding or communicating and who may be low in mood and lack insight.

Improving safety and quality of care:

  • Improve the quality of care by helping to monitor people’s experience
  • To maintain an up to date record of all patient contact, MDT care plans, assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times.
  • To comply with legislation, policies, procedures and other quality approaches relevant to the work being undertaken.
  • To use and maintain resources efficiently and effectively.
  • Works within the limits of own competence and responsibility and refers issues beyond these limits to the relevant people
  • Ensures problems are reported in a timely manner whilst being solution-focused.
  • To demonstrate leadership skills and role modelling through the management of designated projects.
  • To contribute to the safety and quality agenda including research, audit and service evaluation.
  • To actively contribute to service development / improvement plans.
  • Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others
  • Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care
  • Contributes to reporting caseload management
  • When indicated, carries out whistleblowing or activities designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals in line with best practice, policy and legislation
  • Advocate the role of the Nursing associate

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

  • The Nursing Associate will work as part of a team, delivering 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

Job Summary

  • Manage a defined group of patients under the indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse, using evidence based/client centred principles to undertake a range of delegated tasks independently: assess, plan, implement, evaluate interventions and contribute to the service provision.
  • To take responsibility for planned/defined tasks as required.
  • To plan and undertake clinical tasks guided by standard operating procedures and protocols.
  • To delegate work to support worker staff as required.
  • To supervise and line manage band 2/3 staff and undertake the ongoing supervision of the routine work of others.
  • Take responsibility for the training of others and may be required to deliver training

Tasks:

  • To be responsible for the comprehensive assessment, planning, treatment and evaluation of a group of patients under the appropriate delegation from a registered practitioner and in close liaison with patient/carer.
  • To give compassionate, holistic evidence based practice to patients in the Community in line with national and organisational approved policies / procedures and individual care plans.
  • Undertakes delegated clinical skills within their role having once undertaken relevant training, deemed competent and adhere to standard operating procedures.
  • Monitor the condition and health needs of people within their care on a continual basis in partnership with people, families, and the Multidisciplinary Team
  • To demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of conditions relevant to the clinical area.
  • Observes any changes in the patient’s condition, manages these changes in line with scope and competence, reporting findings to the most appropriate clinician in a timely manner. In the event of a change in patient status, is able to safely decide whether to proceed with treatment (including medicines administration) and/or seeks support from a registered nurse to decide.
  • Safely uses a range of non invasive and invasive interventions whether therapeutic, technological or pharmacological, within the defined scope of the role
  • Implements the goal planning process and outcome measures used in the clinical area to review progress of the patient.
  • Administers medication within scope of practice, competency and as delegated by the registered nurse.
  • Support people to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing
  • To educate patients and carers regarding the impact of cognitive, perceptual and physical deficits on patient’s safety and independence
  • active involvement in the prevention of and protection against disease and ill health
  • To plan, organise and lead when delegated both formal and informal treatments and health education activities for both patients and carers.
  • contribute to ongoing assessment recognising when it is necessary to refer to others for reassessment
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions
  • recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes
  • Prioritise the day to day management of own caseload/ workload delegating activities to junior staff as appropriate
  • engage in public health, community development, and in the reduction of health inequalities and increased self-management
  • To act as the patient's advocate and, by providing information and support, facilitate the patient's own choices in conjunction with carers and other agencies where relevant.
  • To undertake specifically identified administrative and clerical tasks associated with patient care which facilitate the efficient running of the ward/department.

Service specific tasks and responsibilities.

This should align with the service essential skills framework and relevant clinical competencies which can be located via the link below : http://pchnet.derriford.phnt.swest.nhs.uk/StaffCentral/Training/Competencies.aspx

  • Assessment and holistic patient centred care
  • Wound Care including pressure ulcer management
  • Bowel/ continence management
  • Medicines management
  • Ear syringing
  • Care of the dying patient end of life

This list is not exhaustive and aligns with clinical competency and role specification as above.

Knowledge, training and experience

(See person specification for qualifications/equivalent experience)

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings
  • Identify personal development needs that ensure acquisition of knowledge, skills and competency to undertake the care and treatment responsibilities assigned
  • 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.

Communication and relationships

  • Communicate in a clear manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and service needs.
  • Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services
  • Liaise and communicate effectively with others of different backgrounds and levels of understanding
  • Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust
  • Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively
  • Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team
  • Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principles of confidentiality at all times
  • Report any accidents or incidents as per organisational policy
  • Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance
  • To record and report regularly on patient progress and treatment to the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) and handovers.
  • Constructively manage barriers to communication.
  • To attend and participate in case conferences, ward meetings, handovers and forums appropriate to the clinical setting / role / service needs.
  • Liaise with and ensure good communication with statutory/voluntary bodies to establish a comprehensive package to ensure continuation of care.
  • Provide an opportunity and respond to patients and carers to enable them to express their feelings and whilst encouraging acceptance and adjustment to their new circumstances.
  • To communicate effectively with patients and carers recognising the need for a wide range of verbal and non verbal communication methods with patients who may have difficulty in understanding or communicating and who may be low in mood and lack insight.

Improving safety and quality of care:

  • Improve the quality of care by helping to monitor people’s experience
  • To maintain an up to date record of all patient contact, MDT care plans, assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times.
  • To comply with legislation, policies, procedures and other quality approaches relevant to the work being undertaken.
  • To use and maintain resources efficiently and effectively.
  • Works within the limits of own competence and responsibility and refers issues beyond these limits to the relevant people
  • Ensures problems are reported in a timely manner whilst being solution-focused.
  • To demonstrate leadership skills and role modelling through the management of designated projects.
  • To contribute to the safety and quality agenda including research, audit and service evaluation.
  • To actively contribute to service development / improvement plans.
  • Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others
  • Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care
  • Contributes to reporting caseload management
  • When indicated, carries out whistleblowing or activities designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals in line with best practice, policy and legislation
  • Advocate the role of the Nursing associate

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of and the ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to work independently with a delegated caseload, use initiative whilst understanding limits of scope
  • Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information
  • Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
  • Conducts clinical tasks within Nursing Associate scope of practice to a high level of competency
  • Ability to support the development of less experienced staff
  • Fully Competent
  • Line manages and supervises day to day activity of support workers
  • Provides clinical supervision for less experienced staff

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register
  • Foundation Degree (FdSc in Healthcare Practice (Nursing Associate)
  • Care Certificate or equivalent
  • GCSEs Grade A-C (Grades 4-7) in Maths and English or Functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English

Behavioural Attributes & Competencies

Essential

  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own delegated workload
  • 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 take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
  • 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.
  • Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
  • Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
  • Commits to maintaining personal development and meeting requirements of revalidation
  • Meets requirements of all Nursing & Midwifery standards
  • Ability to communicate with members of the public and health care providers
  • Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • 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
  • Intermediate IT skills
  • Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
  • Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of and the ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to work independently with a delegated caseload, use initiative whilst understanding limits of scope
  • Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information
  • Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
  • Conducts clinical tasks within Nursing Associate scope of practice to a high level of competency
  • Ability to support the development of less experienced staff
  • Fully Competent
  • Line manages and supervises day to day activity of support workers
  • Provides clinical supervision for less experienced staff

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register
  • Foundation Degree (FdSc in Healthcare Practice (Nursing Associate)
  • Care Certificate or equivalent
  • GCSEs Grade A-C (Grades 4-7) in Maths and English or Functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English

Behavioural Attributes & Competencies

Essential

  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own delegated workload
  • 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 take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
  • 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.
  • Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times
  • Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
  • Commits to maintaining personal development and meeting requirements of revalidation
  • Meets requirements of all Nursing & Midwifery standards
  • Ability to communicate with members of the public and health care providers
  • Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • 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
  • Intermediate IT skills
  • Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and wellbeing
  • Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning

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).

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Operational Lead

Nicky Stidever

nstidever@nhs.net

07717530239

Date posted

16 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year pa, pro-rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2024-NM-9514-3

Job locations

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY


Plympton Clinic

Plympton

Plymouth

Devon

PL7 2AS


Cumberland Centre

Devonport

Plymouth

PL14JZ


Plymouth Community Healthcare C I C

1 Brest Way

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 5XW


Supporting documents

Please view the full job description on NHS Jobs for attached documents.

Supporting links (all open in new tabs)

DN Teams Overview

Privacy notice

Livewell Southwest's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

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