Community Assistant Practitioner/ Nurse Associate

Job overview

We have an exciting Internal opportunity for a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner to join our dynamic, forward thinking Community Nursing Team at PBT3

Our aim is to provide a high standard of evidence based care to housebound patients within their own homes and to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

As an Assistant Practitioner you will need to be flexible and hardworking. You will be expected to see patients in their own home environment, under minimal supervision within your competencies and adhering to SWFT’s Lone Working Policy. We pride ourselves on delivering high standards of care and you will need to demonstrate how you will ensure this through your application/interview.

Working with a variety of staff groups in and out of the NHS your communications skills will be first-rate as you will be communicating with patients and carer’s in their own homes and also your fellow colleagues.

You will be required to have completed or about to complete the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent higher apprenticeship.  Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification carefully to ensure you meet all necessary requirements before applying.

We will provide you with a structured induction and training period to ensure you have the opportunity to develop new skills and competence.

The Service operates seven days a week and flexible working is required.

The requirements are that you should hold a valid UK driving license and access to a car.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Assistant Practitioner is to deliver a high quality, caring and compassionate patient care. The post holder will be undertake assessment, implementation and evaluation of patient care needs for a defined group of patients under the indirect supervision of a registered professional in their specialist area. The post holders are required to work as part of a team committed to delivering and improving a high standard of nursing care within South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Professional Values

To ensure Trust standards and values are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all who come into contact with the services provided by South Warwickshire Foundation Trust

Ensure records and documentation are maintained, kept confidential, and meets appropriate Trust standards, and in line with the Data Protection Act

Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic approach to their work in order to maintain high morale and motivation within the department. Promoting a professional and positive working environment

To report any accidents or incidents via the DATIX incident reporting system and/or to an appropriate registered professional, ensuring an open and transparent culture.

To adhere to the Trust’s dress code policy, maintaining a smart appearance at all times.

To adhere to the Trust’s IT policies regarding e-mail and internet usage.

To ensure children and adults and protected from abuse and avoidable harm and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

Clinical Practice

Take responsibility for care and welfare of an defined caseload of patients/client’s within your area of work

Continuously assess, implement and evaluate treatment, using appropriate programmes / methods of care agreed by a registered professional.

To report to the registered professional any patient who gives cause for concern

Never undertake anything beyond your own level of competency.

To ensure delivery of high quality care in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines.

To accurately document all care delivered to patients, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Participate in activities to improve the quality, productivity and effectiveness of care in response to local and national policies and initiatives

To adhere to Infection Prevention and Control policies relevant to the area of work, demonstrating an understanding of cross infection.

To support relatives as required demonstrating compassion and empathy.

Provide supervision and support to junior support and care staff as required.

Communications and Interpersonal Relationships

Welcome patients, relatives and visitors to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required, identifying individual needs and utilising a range of agreed communication mediums.

Always introduce yourself in line with the Trust privacy and dignity promises and the principles of good customer service.

Communicate effectively and professionally with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that patient care is well planned, coordinated and communicated.

Contribute to the reporting, handover and documentation of patient care maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Use the Trust information support systems and other computer systems as required by the clinical area.

Team Working

To act in a professional manner, and as a role model, at all times, leading by example to junior members of the team

Support and cooperate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that all statutory and Trust regulations are complied with.

Participate in research and audit as required by the multidisciplinary team to ensure standards of patient care are monitored and improved.

Education, Training and Personal Development

To ensure attendance at mandatory training sessions i.e. infection control, resuscitation and moving and handling training.

To complete the Trust’s Clinical Support Worker Induction programme

To successfully complete the Care Certificate within 12 weeks of commencing employment

To ensure maintenance and development of individual competence knowledge and skill

As a competent practitioner, teach and provide supervision to appropriate junior staff.

To participate in and undertake appropriate training and development activities including IT and clinical skills

Maintain up to date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post