Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

About Us:

The Confederation, Hillingdon CIC works with general practice and other healthcare providers in Hillingdon to deliver high quality clinical services to patients. Our aim is to improve care for patients by working collaboratively across primary care and our partners as part of the Integrated Care Partnership. The Confederation team also work to develop and support individual GP practices, PCNs and Neighbourhoods and their changing needs. We are of the NHS but independent, innovative and transformational.

General capacity across primary care is being expanded rapidly. The Confederation is determined to develop as an attractive place to work that provides rewarding roles and opportunities to grow in order to attract and retain great staff that in turn provides the highest quality care.

Our Values:

Job Summary:

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Primary Care to work as a Trainee Nurse Associate at The Confederation (CIC), Hillingdon.

You will need a caring and compassionate nature, excellent organisational skills and to enjoy working with people. The world of General Practice is busy and ever changing so an ability to learn quickly and be adaptable to rapid change is essential. The role will require an ability to organise and prioritise your own workload, and so you should be comfortable working independently and as a committed member of a multi-disciplinary team.

We recognise the value that a PCN Trainee Nurse Associate can bring to our practices and our aim is to provide exemplary patient care; finding innovative solutions in general practice to deliver the best outcomes to our patients. We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking PCN Nurse Associate to join the ever-growing team.

Primary Responsibilities

This is a developmental role. The trainee 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. They will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of Nursing Associate within the service and through completion of the Nursing Associate training programme which includes working in care settings and delivery of person-centred care.

The Nursing Associate training programme combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and education providers. A trainee Nursing Associate will be based, as an employee, in a particular organisation, in a specific setting, but will experience working in alternative settings in order that they gain a wide appreciation of many health and care contexts and are able to fulfil all the requirements of the programme.

At the end of the programme, the trainee Nursing Associate will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Nursing Associate and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.

The training programme emphasises the role that trainee Nursing Associates can play in life-course (pre-conception to end of life) approaches towards health and well-being and the ways in which they actively contribute to the delivery of holistic care. Holistic care, across life-course, is a whole-person approach which considers, and equally values1, physical, psychological and public health needs, learning disabilities, social, economic, spiritual and other factors in the assessing, planning and delivery of care.

The overall outcome from the training programme is a Nursing Associate that is fit to practice in the widest range of settings as well as being equipped with the specific knowledge, skills and capabilities required for the context in which they have trained and are employed.

The trainee will:

• Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (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 or other registered care professionals dependent on setting
• 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
• Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot programme
• Develop by the end of the Nursing Associate Training Programme the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed

Clinical responsibilities Individuals care:

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the trainee Nursing Associate is working in. The content will be reviewed in the light of the evaluation of the Nursing Associate pilot programme:

• Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management and evaluation of 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.
• 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.
• Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals.
• Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several areas within the environment where care is being administered.
• 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 care2 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 plans.

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.
• Raises 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.
• Have exposure to VDU screen.

Care Quality Commission:

• Work with the general practice team to ensure the practice is compliant with CQC standards.

Collaborative Working Relationships:

• Participates in the Primary Care Network Multidisciplinary Team.
• Liaises with CCG colleagues including CCG commissioners, to ensure consistency of patient care and benefit to GP practices.
• Foster and maintain strong links with all services across the PCN and neighbouring networks.
• Explores the potential for collaborative working and takes opportunities to initiate and sustain such relationships.
• Recognises the roles of other colleagues within the organisation and their role to patient care.
• Can recognise personal limitations and refer to more appropriate colleague(s) when necessary.
• Demonstrates ability to integrate general practice with community and hospital dietitian teams.

Liaises with other stakeholders as needed for the collective benefit of patients including but not limited to:

• Patients and their representatives GP, nurses and other practice staff.
• Other healthcare professionals including community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, social prescribers, first contact physiotherapists, physicians associate and paramedics.
• Community nurses and other allied health professionals.
• Community nurses and other allied health professionals.

Professional Development:

• Work with your line manager to undertake continual personal and professional development, taking an active part in reviewing and developing the role and responsibilities.
• Involved in one-to-one meetings with line manager monthly to discuss targets and outcomes achieved.
• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance, and health and safety.
• Work with your line manager to access regular clinical supervision, to enable you to deal effectively with difficult issues that may arise.
• Review yearly progress and develop clear plans to achieve results within priorities set by others.
• Participate in the delivery of formal education programmes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of current educational policies relevant to working areas of practice and keep up to date with relevant clinical practice.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• 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.

Education, Training and Development:

• Understands and demonstrates the characteristics of a role model to members in the team and/or service.
• Demonstrates self-development through continuous professional development activity.
• Demonstrates an understanding of current educational policies relevant to working areas of practice and keeps up to date with relevant clinical practice.
• Ensures appropriate clinical supervision is in place to support development.
• 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.

Leadership:

• Demonstrate understanding of, and contributes to, the workplace vision.
• Demonstrates ability to improve quality within limitations of service.
• Reviews yearly progress and develops clear plans to achieve results within priorities set by others.
• Demonstrate ability to motivate self to achieve goals.
• Promotes diversity and equality in people management techniques and leads by example.

Health and Safety/Risk Management:

• The post-holder must comply at all times with all local Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures and reporting incidents using the organisations Incident Reporting System.
• The post-holder will comply with the Data Protection Act (1984) and the Access to Health Records Act (1990).

Equality and Diversity:

• The post-holder must co-operate with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment. Co-workers, patients and visitors must be treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

Patient Confidentiality:

• The post holder must at all times respect patient confidentiality and, in particular, the confidentiality of electronically stored personal data in line with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation and in keeping with Hillingdon Primary Care Confederation Information Governance Policy and procedures.

Communication & Working Relationships:

• The post-holder will establish and maintain effective communication pathways at all times with project team members.

Special Working Conditions:

• The post-holder is required to travel independently between practice sites (where applicable), and to attend meetings etc. hosted by other agencies.
• Dependent on care setting, have frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. dealing with uncontained body fluids and difficult aggressive behaviour.

Job Description Agreement:

This job description is intended to provide an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities only. There may be other duties required of the post-holder commensurate with the position. This description will be open to regular review and may be amended to take into account development within The Confederation. All members of staff should be prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish existing duties in order to maintain the efficient running of the service or function.

This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Essential induction training and experience care certificate or equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• GCSEs Grade A-C in Maths and English or key skills level 2 in Maths and English (to be evidenced by a test if relevant qualifications not available)
• Demonstrable ability to study at Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education Level and commit to completing the Foundation Degree programme
• 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.
• Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers.
• Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact.
• Ability to move between sites working across health and social care as required by the needs of the development programme.
• Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities.
• Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well being (Making Every Contact Count).

Desirable Criteria:

• Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 3 in Care or equivalent in terms of both academic attainment and previous care experience.
• Previous experience of working within a health / care setting.
• Completion of an HCA development programme.
• Understanding of basic physiology, e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements etc.
• Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning.