Band 3 Trainee Nursing Associate

Job summary

Poppy Unit are looking for a Band 3 Trainee Nurse Associate to join their experienced Multi Disciplinary Team. The successful applicant will join as a Band 3 Trainee and will be supported through their Nurse Associate training, upon completion they will transition into a Band 4 Nurse Associate within Poppy Unit.

Poppy Unit is a mixed gender 20 bedded acute inpatient ward, providing care for patients from across Wiltshire, Swindon and BaNES. Poppy Unit is based in Devizes, a beautiful rural town nestled in the heart of Wiltshire.

Main duties of the job

To provide focused, person-centered support to people receiving care, and to contribute to effective care and treatment interventions. To undertake a two-year Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (which will include a Level 5 Foundation Degree), leading to NMC-Registration as a qualified Nursing Associate (at Band 4). Aligning to the six platforms of the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates, the post-holder will:

Develop, demonstrate and practice (under supervision) the required competencies of a Nursing Associate Contribute to the ongoing assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of secure nursing care interventions Develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of a Nursing Associate within the service and through completion of the Nursing Associate training programme / placements Display proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values Work with a mentor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the Nursing Associate Training Programme

The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.

We provide services from a range of locations to approximately million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.

Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Knowledge, training and experience

Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the Nursing Associate Training Programme and maintain all evidence required Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high quality learning environments

Clinical responsibilities Individuals 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 blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs (under supervision) Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the Registered Nurse 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 Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers Assist in the delivery of complex care[1] as prescribed by the registered nurse Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within parameters of practice Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required

Policy and service development

Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care

Planning and organisation

Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plan

Communication and relationships

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 Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding 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 principals of confidentiality at all times Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns 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 Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)

Analytical and judgmental skills

Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a trainee Nursing Associate Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside capability

Physical skills requirement

Use frequent moderate effort when undertaking carrying out the manual handling of individuals and equipment in line with organisational guidelines Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment Use a combination of standing, walking bending and stretching throughout the shift

Financial and physical resources

Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy

Human resources

Act in ways which support equality and value diversity Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff Support development of less experienced staff and students

Information resources

Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping Follow all information governance guidance and policies Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies

Freedom to Act

Work to standard operating procedures with registered care professionals available for reference Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines Work within the trainee Nursing Associate parameters of practice Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries Raise any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person

Mental and Emotional effort

Frequently use concentration and experience work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with challenging behaviour Support individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life changing diagnoses

Working conditions

Dependent on care setting, have frequent exposure to potentially unpleasant working conditions ( working with uncontained body fluids and challenging behaviour)

Teaching and Training

Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and Foundation Degree / Level 5 qualification within agreed timeframes. Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements

Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed.

[1] Nursing Associates can deliver complex care, defined as patients with complex care needs with a combination of multiple chronic conditions, mental health issues, medication-related problems, and social vulnerability if a specific protocol has been written for that group of employees

Person Specification

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

Experience of working in an adult, children's, mental health or learning disability nursing setting Demonstrable understanding of mental health and learning disability issues, taking a positive, non-judgemental approach towards service users, carers, colleagues and members of the public. Knowledge of the types of stigma / prejudice experienced by people with Learning Disabilities, and possible ways of challenging this.

Desirable

Experience of working in a customer care environment, eg an Advice Centre, Telephone Helpline or Advocacy Service

Education and Qualifications

Essential

Ability and willingness to commence, and work towards completion of, a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (incorporating a Level 5 Foundation Degree), leading to NMC-registration as a Nursing Associate Ability and willingness to commence, and work towards completion of, any preparatory programmes of learning (such as Level 2 Functional Skills or a Level 3 Diploma) prior to commencing a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (for those who do not yet posses the TNA entry requirements)

Desirable

Level 2 Functional Skills Level 3 Qualification Training in Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) Training in phlebotomy and physical healthcare skills

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Ability to form and sustain a trusting relationship with service users/carers Well-developed listening skills and effective verbal communication skills, and ability to communicate both face to face, via email and by telephone Written communication skills, with the ability to contribute to written reports, maintain accurate records and interpret relevant clinical information effectively. IT skills: ability to use email, Microsoft word and basic clinical records databases. Ability to use initiative appropriately, making decisions within the context of the role and service Team-working skills, and ability to function effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary setting Enthusiasm for continual professional development and service improvement. Flexible and adaptable to change

Desirable

Ability to practice Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) Enhanced / specialized skills in supporting people with a Learning Disability

Other

Essential

Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and learning disabilities, and ability to cope with behavior which may be challenging at times.

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