Nursing Associate

Job overview

The role of the Nursing Associate is to work with the multi professional team and the Registered Nurse contributing to the ongoing assessment, providing and monitoring care in line with the service pathways and as agreed with supervising clinician(s). They will monitor the condition and health needs of people within their care on a continual basis in partnership with the multi-professional team.   The Nursing Associate has a breadth of knowledge across the lifespan, providing holistic and person centred care and support for people of all ages and in a variety of settings. The Nursing Associate will help to bridge the gap between Health Care Assistants and Registered  Nurses by working independently under the leadership of Registered Nurses, working within the sphere of nursing and care and within all aspects of the nursing process.  Nursing Associates are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment; and will act in accordance with the NMC Code:  Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

Main duties of the job

Under the supervision and working in partnership with a registered nurse provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care contributing to the ongoing assessment, providing and monitoring care based on evidence and working in partnership with the multidisciplinary team.   Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to patients in a range of care settings.  Monitor the condition and health needs of patients within their care on a continual basis in partnership with patients, families and carers, ensuring appropriate escalation to a registered nurse when required.

Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and well-being.  Promote comfort and well-being by ensuring that patients’ personal and social needs are met and be able to care for a patient’s nursing needs.   To safely undertake the following procedures to meet the patient’s nursing needs to include; undertaking routine procedures including venepuncture, ECG recording, measuring and interpreting blood glucose levels, recording and interpreting vital signs, continence care, bladder and bowel care, pressure area care, wound care, nutrition, hydration, foot care, skin integrity, mood identification (as outlined in the NMC Nursing  Associate Skills Annex). Identify and report changes in a patient’s condition to a registered nurse.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communicate effectively with dignity and respect to all patients, relatives and others giving consideration to potential barriers to understanding. Communicate effectively with colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital or written information and instructions when sharing information, delegating or handing over responsibility for care.

Recognise and report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.  Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints following Trust policies / procedures.  Report accidents, incidents, near misses or complaints following Trust  policies/procedures.  Contribute to a culture where all staff feel safe to raise their concerns [and that]  speaking up about what these are is a normal part of their routine.

Support, supervise, teach (where appropriate) and act as a role model to trainee nursing associates, student nurses, healthcare support workers and new staff members, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback.  Contribute to the maintenance of the learning environment.  Adopt a reflective approach to own practice with a view to continually improve.  Undertake further training as required, prior to carrying out any additional duties identified as relevant to role, to comply with Trust policies and procedures.

This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role.  Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time.  The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process.