Registered Nursing Associate

Job overview

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust is the health provider for the delivery of the Integrated Mental Health Team (IMHT) at HMP Altcourse. The service is designed to support the holistic mental health and learning disability needs of our client group, in partnership with physical healthcare providers and HMPPS colleagues.

HMP Altcourse are both Category B, male only, local prisons, in the Liverpool area.

The service provides individual and group-based interventions based on the clinical needs of the population. Interventions are individualised, and trauma informed, alongside comprehensive risk assessment and management.

Core aims of the service are to improve mental and psychological wellbeing via a range of interventions, build the development of independent core skills, reduce risk, and advocate for mental health and learning disabilities within the wider prison.

The post holder will be joining a dedicated team of clinical staff from a range of backgrounds and experience. Team members have high levels of skill, passion and enthusiasm (and humour!) and are committed to ensuring the on-going successful development of the service and the opportunities it provides for our population.

Main duties of the job

We are now recruiting x1 Registered Nurse Associates. The successful candidates will work under the supervision of a Registered Mental Health Nurse and will work alongside and be supported by the wider IMHT.

The post holder will have a key role in completing Primary Mental Health Screens for all new receptions in to the prison in order to identify mental health needs in a timely way. Other key roles and responsibilities will include mental health promotion, suicide prevention work, providing psychoeducation and information on coping strategies, supporting group activity and conducting some physical health checks.

and suicide prevention promotion and awareness on the induction wing, supporting the completion of physical health checks for our mental health population and supporting group work and activity.

The post holder should have some experience of working with individuals with complex clinical and risk presentations including within institutional settings and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This should include work with clients whose needs may mean that they find it difficult to engage with services.

We are committed to creating an empowered staff team. We strive to be reflective and support of each other which is vital given the challenges this work can entail.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

General Duties Knowledge, training and experience

Maintain knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings

Maintain own continuing professional development in accordance with NMC CPD requirements and revalidation, contributing to the formulation of own objectives and personal development plan.

Maintain practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills gained during 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

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the qualified Nursing Associate is working in.

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.

Demonstrate the principles of safe administration of medicines in line with the trust

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Nurse Associate Administration of Medicines and in line with trust policies.

Perform and record clinical observations including pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse

Undertake clinical tasks including venepuncture, ECGs, cannulation ( following appropriate training and sign off of competency)

Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake and output as clinically indicated

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 care as prescribed by the registered nurse

Maintain an 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 individual’s 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

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.