Assistant Practitioner

We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome 16 Assistant Practitioners (AP)/Nurse Associates (NA) to join us in our new way of working across Somerset.We are also able to consider Health Care Assistants if you have not yet completed your AP or NA training.

This is an excellent developmental opportunity for those who are looking to do something a bit different, changing the way we deliver health care in Somerset and helping patients to remain at home wherever possible. You’ll join already well-established District Nursing Teams and be supported by professionals who are highly skilled in providing care at home.

You'll work as part of the wider health and social care team and have direct contact with patients providing high quality and compassionate care. Assistant Practitioners/ Nurse Associates work at a level above that of healthcare support workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health. Assistant Practitioners/ Nurse Associates will work in a variety of services and will develop additional skills and knowledge based on the service area in which they work.

As an Assistant Practitioner you will have a basic understanding of:

- the principles and philosophy of health and social care;
- the physiology, organisation and function of the human body;
- lifespan developments and healthcare needs;
- research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care;
- provision and promotion of holistic person centred care and support, duty of care and safeguarding of individuals;
- the importance of the strategic environment in health and social care and the implications for the individual;
- the importance of current evidence based practice within scope of the role.

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, continuing professional development and regular informal conversations around career progression, annual recognition awards to celebrate and recognise our colleagues achievements throughout the year and not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

We work hard to make sure that inclusion is part of everything we do. We know that true inclusion means we’re able to provide the best care for our patients and provide a fulfilling career for all our colleagues.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone’s throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London - there is truly something for everyone

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

We have six active and impactful colleague networks. These networks provide a safe space for colleagues to share their experiences and learn from one another, but also influence change across our trust:

- Multicultural Network
- Women’s Network
- Armed Forces’ Network
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Lived Experience Network, for colleagues living with disabilities
- Autistic Colleague Network

Please refer to the full job description

Ensures clear lines of communication and works collaboratively with all relevant health care professionals and agencies.

Manages own work and case load and implements programmes of care in line with current evidence, taking action relative to an individual’s health and care needs.

Undertakes defined clinical or therapeutic interventions appropriately delegated by a Registered Practitioner.

Promotes and understands the impact of effective health promotion, empowering, healthy lifestyles.

Identifies and manages risks, including assessment of moving and handling risk and understanding the nature of risk as it applies to the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.

Understands medicines management in line within own role and in accordance with Trust policy.

Undertakes any necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post and as directed.