Trainee Nursing Associate Apprentice

Job summary

Are you looking to start an exciting and rewarding career as a Nursing Associate and have a passion for delivering high-quality care within an Inpatient Mental Health service? We are running our 16th cohort of Trainee Nursing Associate Apprentices, working in partnership The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) / The University of Cumbria.

These posts are apprenticeship posts commencing on the March 2025 cohort, which will see you develop to a NMC registered Nursing Associate, completing a 2 year foundation degree training programme. The course is fully funded.

Internal candidates, will be on a 2 year Trust Secondment contract External Candidates will be a 2 year fixed term contract.

We are hoping to be able to offer posts in a range of Mental Health inpatient services across LSCFT, therefore please indicate in your supporting information your preference in terms of our Mental Health inpatient services as per below;

The Harbour Mental Health Inpatient Wards, BlackpoolRoyal Blackburn Mental Health Inpatient Wards, BlackburnWoodview Mental Health Impatient Wards, WhalleyWesham Rehabilitation Centre, Wesham, PrestonSkylark Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston

Interviews will hold on 13th December 2024

Main duties of the job

As a trainee you will be based within clinical practice for the duration of the programme and will have study leave to attend University. You will rotate through different services within your speciality / service area (where applicable) and undertake block placements outside of your normal place of work, to gain a breadth of experience and skills.

Some travel is required so you must either be a car driver or be prepared to access public transport when on placement. You could be expected to travel up to 90 minutes each way to placement and work shifts and weekends.

You will need to demonstrate an understanding of healthcare and the role of a Nursing Associate and show evidence of being an effective communicator with the people you care for, their families and carers, as well as your colleagues and superiors.

You will need to be prepared to work hard and undertake study in your own time, while on the programme; learning the fundamentals of exceptional care and developing your depth of knowledge around important aspects of both physical and mental health. In addition you will be taught many clinical skills which will be required when you become a registered Nursing Associate.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.

For more information, please visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In order to apply for the course you will need to have:

1) Maths and English (See acceptable qualifications below)2) 48 UCAS Points3) 12 months health care experience

The entry criteria for the course are the following qualifications:

Maths & English at: GCSE English and Maths (grade C or 4 and above) ( English Literature is not accepted by the University of Cumbria ) Level 2 Functional skills Maths Level 2 Functional skills English Key Skills Level 2 application of number or numeracy (Pass) Key Skills Level 2 Communication (Pass) CSE (Grade 1) Maths CSE (Grade 1) English Level 2 certificates (Grade C or 4 and above) Core maths level 3 (Grade E or above) Pre U Certificate (P3 or above) Freestanding Mathematics - Foundations of Advanced Mathematics (Grade C)

If you do not have maths and English or original certificates, you will either not be shortlisted and/or you will not be offered an interview. These will be requested and validated, prior to receiving an interview slot.

48 UCAS Points: Have 48 UCAS points such as: A-Levels Diploma Foundation degree / Degree Level 4 NVQ BTEC (Dependant on the level)If you do not have the above our Universities will accept the following qualifications with 12 months health care experience: NVQ Level 3 + 12 months care experience NVQ Level 2 + 12 months care experience ( UCLAN only ) Care Certificate + 12 months care experience ( UCLAN only )

YOU MUST HAVE THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES. You must have the Original certificates for Maths, English and any qualifications needed to meet the entry requirements. Transcripts will not be accepted.

You must also clearly put Maths, English and other qualifications, with your type/level of qualification, grade and date achieved, on you application form in order to be shortlisted.

All current apprenticeships must be completed in full, including your end point assessment, to enrol onto this Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship.

For internal candidates you will need to have agreement from your manager to apply for this post, which will be verified if successful. As you will be on a Trust secondment contract, in the event of needing to withdraw from the programme.

On successful completion of the course you will be placed into a permanent band 4 Nursing Associate role within the Trust, however this may not be in your current work place.

During training you will be paid a Band 3 and there will be an expectation to work hours.

If successful in securing a place on the course you WILL NOT be eligible for student finance.

Please be advised if you are a Non-UK National applicant you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil the settlement requirements of the apprenticeship course funding. Your settlement status will need to be verified as eligible for funding by the relevant apprenticeship provider in order for you to formally enrol on the course.

The training provider will require evidence of:

Full time residency in the UK for 3 consecutive years or more prior to the course start date (unless otherwise exempt from this rule for example you hold refugee status use the link below to see full list of exemptions). Residency to live and work in the UK for at least 1 year from the apprenticeship start date and must cover the entire course duration including the EPA period.

We advise that you check the for more details on your visas eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship course prior to applying.

Those with previous NHS service may be eligible for provision of basic pay preservation as outlined in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service (TCS) Handbook. Eligibility will be assessed on an individual basis. Further information on eligibility and terms can be found on the following link - Apprenticeship pay guidance and FAQs | NHS Employers

Please see the job description and person specification attached for more details on this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English (or equivalent CSE / O Level), functional skills or key skills level 2 in Maths and English (must have proof of qualification) Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme to demonstrate a minimum of achievement of 48 UCAS points

Knowledge

Essential

Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate Understanding of the NMC Code of conduct and how it applies to the Nursing Associate role

Experience

Essential

Previous experience of working within a health / care setting (minimum of 12 months) relevant to the post you are applying for Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise

Personal

Essential

Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme

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