Job overview
As part of our workforce transformation plan, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is continuing to increase the number of Nursing Associates within the organisation. The Nursing Associate is a fast evolving role, which was developed to bridge the gap between the Registered Nurse and the Health Care Assistant (HCA). Apprentices will undertake a two-year programme, which will support them to attain the skills and knowledge to enable them to provide high quality, compassionate care to our patients. Throughout the apprenticeship, the student will be working at a higher level than a HCA and on completion will attain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The training programme combines both academic and work-based learning across a range of healthcare settings.
Apprentices will be based in one main ward / department and are expected to work a variety of shifts including nights, long days and weekends. They will also be required to gain experience working in a variety of health and social care settings. These placements will be both within and external to the Trust so Student Nursing Associates must be able and willing to travel as required and work different shift patterns according to the placement area.
Academically; apprentices will undertake a level 5 Apprenticeship (Nursing Associate) / Foundation Degree with University of West London (UWL) and will be released for study days as per the UWL programme.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic and resilient individuals to help us continue to develop this exciting role in the Trust and commence the academic programme in 2025. We will be accepting applications from individuals who are currently employed within the organisation, and those employed externally. Successful applicants will be required to complete the Care Certificate prior to commencing the Nursing Associate programme if they have not already.
We are looking to recruit Student Nursing Associates for a variety of ward areas/ departments. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred ward / department at interview.
On selection of application, candidates will be invited to undertake an interview held jointly with University of West London via MS Teams - Interviews dates to be confirmed.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Essential criteria are outlined in the job description but include the following:
- Applicants must hold GSCE Maths & English qualifications at grade 4-9/ A – C / the equivalent or level 2 functional skills.
- Applicants will be required to provide evidence of these qualifications in the form of certificates prior to being invited to the interview.
- Applicants must be able to work full time (37.5 hours per week)
- Provide evidence they meet the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules: Have the right to work in England and be one of the following: A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), or have the right of abode in the UK, and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
- OR a non-EEA citizen with permission from the UK government to live in the UK (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the start of learning.
Offers will be subject to reference, occupational health clearance, and DBS. Evidence is required for the apprenticeship standards (i.e. Maths and English certificates and residency in the UK for at least 3 years)
Once shortlisted and prior to being invited to interview, you will be required to upload your documents (certificates for English and Maths and passport/ proof of ID) to the University for checking.
Further information regarding the role of the Nursing Associate can be found at:
https://www.nmc.org.uk/education/becoming-a-nurse-midwife-nursing-associate/becoming-a-nursing-associate/
Please ensure you include your full legal name and National Insurance Number on the application form.
Further information regarding the apprenticeship programme at UWL can be found at:
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/apprenticeship/nursing-associate-0?start=1881&option=366
For more information or to arrange an informal visit please contact
Ruth Francis, Practice Development Nurse on 0118 322 7451 [email protected]
Abi Barnard, Practice Development Senior Staff Nurse on 0118 322 8630 [email protected]
Abby Cooper, Lead Practice Development Nurse on 0118 322 8034 [email protected]
