Nursing Associate Outpatients

Job description

Job summary

Are you a passionate and motivated Nursing Associate looking for an exciting new opportunity? Why not bring your skills, enthusiasm and compassion to our Outpatients Department at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre?

We are looking for a Band 4 Nursing Associate to join our welcoming and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a varied outpatient environment, caring for patients across a range of specialities and playing a key role in delivering a safe, effective and positive patient experience.

Working in Outpatients offers the opportunity to develop your clinical skills, expand your knowledge and gain valuable experience across different areas of care. You will work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team, contributing to high-quality patient care while supporting the smooth running of our services.

We are looking for someone who is caring, enthusiastic, organised and committed to delivering excellent patient-centred care. You will be supported to develop within your role and encouraged to make the most of opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

If you are ready for a new challenge and want to be part of a team where your skills, ideas and contribution are valued, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver safe, patient-centred care to outpatients, working within the Nursing Associate scope of practice and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Undertake a range of clinical assessments and observations, including NEWS, blood glucose, ECGs and others, recognising deterioration and escalating appropriately.
• Perform clinical procedures within competence, including venepuncture, cannulation, compression bandaging and supporting investigations and treatments.
• Support patient flow through Outpatients, including preparation, assessment, treatment, admission/transfer and discharge.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and the multidisciplinary team, providing information, reassurance and appropriate handovers while maintaining dignity, confidentiality and patient choice.
• Maintain high standards of infection prevention, health and safety and risk management, including reporting incidents, maintaining equipment and a safe clinical environment.
• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, including supporting and appropriately delegating to HCSWs and contributing to the induction and development of new staff and students.
• Contribute to audit, quality improvement and service development, helping implement changes and maintain high standards of care within the department.
• Maintain professional development and competence, including acting as an assessor/practice assessor, completing mandatory training and keeping practice up to date.

About us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a largeacute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acuteservices to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to alarger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services fromthree sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and ourcaring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centredcare. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people towork with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin oureveryday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Being open and honest

Ensuring people feel cared for

Showing respect to everyone

We are committed to developing a culture of continuous improvement by embedding the principles of our Improvement System.

We are proud to have achieved Timewiseaccreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible workingwithin our organisation as a flex positive employer.

DBS Checks and Costs

Any applicants who are offered posts requiring aDBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check(at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in SupportingInformation section for more details on DBS checks and costs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The post holder is amember of the direct care team and will provide advanced support to theregistered nurse to meet patients needs. You will be responsible for providingcare to patients as delegated by the registered nurse to ensure a seamlessservice to patients.

Key Duties

Service Delivery Responsibilities

Toensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights in the delivery of ahigh standard of patient care.

Tocontribute to the prevention and control of infection by monitoring andrecording any issues

Tocomply with Trust Policies and Regulations and attend mandatory training.

Tobe competent to work across multi-professional disciplines and make referralsfor additional assessments and treatments as required.

Toassist in maintaining own and others Health, Safety and Security in theworkplace for self and others.

Toact as champion where appropriate and as requested for areas such as ManualHandling, Tissue Viability, Infection Prevention and Control and Nutrition,and falls prevention.

ClinicalResponsibilities

Undertakea range of delegated clinical duties within the Outpatients Department, workingindependently within the scope of competence and escalating concernsappropriately to a Registered Nurse or other appropriate clinician.

Maintainand demonstrate competence in area-specific and generic clinical skills inaccordance with Trust policies, procedures and competency frameworks.

Undertakeappropriate clinical observations and assessments as required within theoutpatient setting, recognising and responding to changes in a patient'scondition and escalating concerns promptly.

Measure,monitor and accurately record clinical observations as required.

Calculateand record the National Early Warning Score where clinically indicatedand take appropriate action in accordance with Trust policy and escalationprocedures.

Undertakevenepuncture, cannulation and other approved clinical procedures followingappropriate training, competency assessment and within the scope of the role.

Undertakecomplex dressings, including compression bandaging, within Vascular and otherclinics after completion of appropriate training and competency assessment.

Performcapillary blood glucose monitoring and urinalysis where clinically indicated,recording results accurately and escalating abnormal findings appropriately.

Performelectrocardiograms following appropriate training and competencyassessment, ensuring recordings are of an appropriate standard and promptlycommunicated to the relevant clinician.

Supportclinicians with outpatient investigations, procedures and treatments within theindividual's scope of competence and following appropriate training.

Preparepatients appropriately for planned outpatient investigations and procedures,ensuring relevant information, clinical observations and documentation arecompleted accurately.

Provideappropriate support and reassurance to patients before, during and followingoutpatient investigations and procedures.

Observepatients following procedures or interventions where required, recognisingsigns of deterioration, adverse reactions or complications and escalatingconcerns immediately to the appropriate Registered Nurse or clinician.

AssistRegistered Nurses and other clinicians in the management of patients who becomeacutely unwell within the Outpatients Department, initiating appropriateimmediate action within the scope of competence and Trust policy.

Identifyand report clinical risks or changes in a patient's condition to theappropriate Registered Nurse or clinician.

Undertakeappropriate assessments relevant to the outpatient environment, including fallsrisk, safeguarding, wellbeing and other clinical assessments as required by theservice.

Contributeto the management of patients with additional needs,including those requiring reasonable adjustments, communication support orassistance to access outpatient services.

Maintainaccurate, timely and comprehensive clinical documentation in accordance withTrust policies and professional standards, ensuring records are clear, concise and legible.

Obtain and communicate investigation results as appropriate, ensuring abnormalor clinically significant results are escalated promptly to the relevantclinician.

Supportthe safe and effective flow of patients through the Outpatients Department,contributing to the efficient preparation, assessment, treatment and dischargeof patients.

Providepatients with appropriate information relating to their appointment,investigation, treatment or onward care, within the scope of the role, andensure patients know how to seek further advice or support when required.

Recogniseand escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust policies andprocedures, contributing to the protection of children and adults at risk.

Maintaineffective communication with patients, relatives and carers, demonstratingcompassion, respect and sensitivity, particularly when patients may be anxious,distressed or receiving difficult information.

Demonstrateeffective communication skills when supporting patients with additionalcommunication needs, language barriers, sensory impairment, learningdisabilities or other individual requirements.

Maintainpatient dignity, privacy, confidentiality and choice at all times, recognisingthe importance of a positive patient experience within the outpatientenvironment.

Demonstrateexcellent customer care skills and act as a positive role model for colleagues,contributing to a welcoming, professional and patient-centred outpatientservice.

Recognisechallenging or potentially aggressive behaviour and use appropriatecommunication and de-escalation techniques, seeking assistance when requiredand following Trust procedures.

Maintainhigh standards of Infection Prevention and Control at all times, ensuringclinical areas, equipment and patient environments are maintained in accordancewith Trust policy.

Ensureclinical equipment is appropriately prepared, cleaned, maintained and stored,reporting faults or concerns promptly and following relevant departmentalprocedures.

Contributeto maintaining a safe, clean and well-organised clinical environment and reportany environmental, health and safety or infection prevention concerns to theappropriate person.

Supportthe safe management of clinical stock and supplies, monitoring stock levels andensuring appropriate equipment and consumables are available for outpatientclinics and procedures.

Ensureincidents, accidents, near misses and other safety concerns are reportedpromptly and managed in accordance with Trust policy, including the completionof Datix.

Contributeto the development and production of appropriate patient information andsupport patients to access relevant health information and services.

Promotehealth and wellbeing and provide appropriate health promotion informationwithin the scope of the role.

Maintainaccurate and timely patient and service-related data, contributing to audit and quality improvement activities as required.

Workcollaboratively with ALL colleagues to support the delivery of effective outpatientservices.

Providesupport, guidance and appropriate delegation to Healthcare Support Workers within the limits of the role, ensuring delegated activitiesare undertaken safely and effectively.

Participatein the induction, orientation and support of newly appointed staff andstudents, sharing knowledge and demonstrating good practice.

Participatein departmental meetings, training and professionaldevelopment activities as required.

Maintainand develop clinical knowledge and skills appropriate to the role, undertakingmandatory and role-specific training.

Workwithin the boundaries of the Nursing Associate role, recognising limitations ofcompetence and seeking advice appropriately.

Upholdand promote high standards of professional practice, behaviour andpatient-centred care at all times, working in accordance with Trust policies,procedures, values and relevant professional standards.

Personal Development

Actas an Assessor for staff

Actas a Practice Assessor for students

Maintaina personal development plan and an annual programme of learning and developmentto ensure clinical practice is based on best practice and up to date.

Tobe responsible for own practice.

Maintainresponsibility for the identification of own continuing educational needs.

Formulatea personal development plan, take part in annual appraisal and keeprevalidation records up to date.

Administration and ClericalResponsibilities

Demonstratethe use of information technology to benefit the service.

Record,report and where required take responsibility for a variety of systems requiredfor delivering the service, e.g. supplies andenvironmental estates issues.

Utilisethe information systems for reporting relevant data.

Useof clinical databases e.g. patient records, order systems, etc.

Toobtain blood results from the appropriate IT system.

Quality Improvement

Carryout relevant audits as delegated by the Outpatients Sister and assist in the development of action plans as a result of findings.

Workwith the department staff on quality improvement initiatives and support the embedding of change initiatives intoclinical practice.

Job description
Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The post holder is amember of the direct care team and will provide advanced support to theregistered nurse to meet patients needs. You will be responsible for providingcare to patients as delegated by the registered nurse to ensure a seamlessservice to patients.

Key Duties

Service Delivery Responsibilities

Toensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights in the delivery of ahigh standard of patient care.

Tocontribute to the prevention and control of infection by monitoring andrecording any issues

Tocomply with Trust Policies and Regulations and attend mandatory training.

Tobe competent to work across multi-professional disciplines and make referralsfor additional assessments and treatments as required.

Toassist in maintaining own and others Health, Safety and Security in theworkplace for self and others.

Toact as champion where appropriate and as requested for areas such as ManualHandling, Tissue Viability, Infection Prevention and Control and Nutrition,and falls prevention.

ClinicalResponsibilities

Undertakea range of delegated clinical duties within the Outpatients Department, workingindependently within the scope of competence and escalating concernsappropriately to a Registered Nurse or other appropriate clinician.

Maintainand demonstrate competence in area-specific and generic clinical skills inaccordance with Trust policies, procedures and competency frameworks.

Undertakeappropriate clinical observations and assessments as required within theoutpatient setting, recognising and responding to changes in a patient'scondition and escalating concerns promptly.

Measure,monitor and accurately record clinical observations as required.

Calculateand record the National Early Warning Score where clinically indicatedand take appropriate action in accordance with Trust policy and escalationprocedures.

Undertakevenepuncture, cannulation and other approved clinical procedures followingappropriate training, competency assessment and within the scope of the role.

Undertakecomplex dressings, including compression bandaging, within Vascular and otherclinics after completion of appropriate training and competency assessment.

Performcapillary blood glucose monitoring and urinalysis where clinically indicated,recording results accurately and escalating abnormal findings appropriately.

Performelectrocardiograms following appropriate training and competencyassessment, ensuring recordings are of an appropriate standard and promptlycommunicated to the relevant clinician.

Supportclinicians with outpatient investigations, procedures and treatments within theindividual's scope of competence and following appropriate training.

Preparepatients appropriately for planned outpatient investigations and procedures,ensuring relevant information, clinical observations and documentation arecompleted accurately.

Provideappropriate support and reassurance to patients before, during and followingoutpatient investigations and procedures.

Observepatients following procedures or interventions where required, recognisingsigns of deterioration, adverse reactions or complications and escalatingconcerns immediately to the appropriate Registered Nurse or clinician.

AssistRegistered Nurses and other clinicians in the management of patients who becomeacutely unwell within the Outpatients Department, initiating appropriateimmediate action within the scope of competence and Trust policy.

Identifyand report clinical risks or changes in a patient's condition to theappropriate Registered Nurse or clinician.

Undertakeappropriate assessments relevant to the outpatient environment, including fallsrisk, safeguarding, wellbeing and other clinical assessments as required by theservice.

Contributeto the management of patients with additional needs,including those requiring reasonable adjustments, communication support orassistance to access outpatient services.

Maintainaccurate, timely and comprehensive clinical documentation in accordance withTrust policies and professional standards, ensuring records are clear, concise and legible.

Obtain and communicate investigation results as appropriate, ensuring abnormalor clinically significant results are escalated promptly to the relevantclinician.

Supportthe safe and effective flow of patients through the Outpatients Department,contributing to the efficient preparation, assessment, treatment and dischargeof patients.

Providepatients with appropriate information relating to their appointment,investigation, treatment or onward care, within the scope of the role, andensure patients know how to seek further advice or support when required.

Recogniseand escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust policies andprocedures, contributing to the protection of children and adults at risk.

Maintaineffective communication with patients, relatives and carers, demonstratingcompassion, respect and sensitivity, particularly when patients may be anxious,distressed or receiving difficult information.

Demonstrateeffective communication skills when supporting patients with additionalcommunication needs, language barriers, sensory impairment, learningdisabilities or other individual requirements.

Maintainpatient dignity, privacy, confidentiality and choice at all times, recognisingthe importance of a positive patient experience within the outpatientenvironment.

Demonstrateexcellent customer care skills and act as a positive role model for colleagues,contributing to a welcoming, professional and patient-centred outpatientservice.

Recognisechallenging or potentially aggressive behaviour and use appropriatecommunication and de-escalation techniques, seeking assistance when requiredand following Trust procedures.

Maintainhigh standards of Infection Prevention and Control at all times, ensuringclinical areas, equipment and patient environments are maintained in accordancewith Trust policy.

Ensureclinical equipment is appropriately prepared, cleaned, maintained and stored,reporting faults or concerns promptly and following relevant departmentalprocedures.

Contributeto maintaining a safe, clean and well-organised clinical environment and reportany environmental, health and safety or infection prevention concerns to theappropriate person.

Supportthe safe management of clinical stock and supplies, monitoring stock levels andensuring appropriate equipment and consumables are available for outpatientclinics and procedures.

Ensureincidents, accidents, near misses and other safety concerns are reportedpromptly and managed in accordance with Trust policy, including the completionof Datix.

Contributeto the development and production of appropriate patient information andsupport patients to access relevant health information and services.

Promotehealth and wellbeing and provide appropriate health promotion informationwithin the scope of the role.

Maintainaccurate and timely patient and service-related data, contributing to audit and quality improvement activities as required.

Workcollaboratively with ALL colleagues to support the delivery of effective outpatientservices.

Providesupport, guidance and appropriate delegation to Healthcare Support Workers within the limits of the role, ensuring delegated activitiesare undertaken safely and effectively.

Participatein the induction, orientation and support of newly appointed staff andstudents, sharing knowledge and demonstrating good practice.

Participatein departmental meetings, training and professionaldevelopment activities as required.

Maintainand develop clinical knowledge and skills appropriate to the role, undertakingmandatory and role-specific training.

Workwithin the boundaries of the Nursing Associate role, recognising limitations ofcompetence and seeking advice appropriately.

Upholdand promote high standards of professional practice, behaviour andpatient-centred care at all times, working in accordance with Trust policies,procedures, values and relevant professional standards.

Personal Development

Actas an Assessor for staff

Actas a Practice Assessor for students

Maintaina personal development plan and an annual programme of learning and developmentto ensure clinical practice is based on best practice and up to date.

Tobe responsible for own practice.

Maintainresponsibility for the identification of own continuing educational needs.

Formulatea personal development plan, take part in annual appraisal and keeprevalidation records up to date.

Administration and ClericalResponsibilities

Demonstratethe use of information technology to benefit the service.

Record,report and where required take responsibility for a variety of systems requiredfor delivering the service, e.g. supplies andenvironmental estates issues.

Utilisethe information systems for reporting relevant data.

Useof clinical databases e.g. patient records, order systems, etc.

Toobtain blood results from the appropriate IT system.

Quality Improvement

Carryout relevant audits as delegated by the Outpatients Sister and assist in the development of action plans as a result of findings.

Workwith the department staff on quality improvement initiatives and support the embedding of change initiatives intoclinical practice.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team, relatives and patients
• Evidence of good interpersonal skills
• Good written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Good mediating or counselling skills
• Able to communicate sensitive information to patients and carers in an empathetic and understandable manner

Desirable

• Experience and competency in ECGs, cannulation, venepuncture and complex wound dressings.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
• Moderate physical effort required for long periods on a daily basis

Other Job Requirements

Essential

• Contact with bodily fluids associated with treatment and examination of patients
• Frequent requirement for assisting in moving patients and handling of inanimate objects.
• Ability to recognise own limitations and to escalate to senior staff appropriately.

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation Degree Nursing Associate
• Demonstrates a commitment to further learning and personal development
• Evidence of full-time educational achievements
• Level 2 in Maths and English or equivalent
• Registration with the NMC as a nursing associate

Experience

Essential

• Band 4 experience within an Outpatient setting
• Able to prioritise workload and to work independently or as part of a team.
• Basic numerical skills
• Intermediate keyboard skills
• Organisational skills
• Compassionate, caring and approachable.

Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team, relatives and patients
• Evidence of good interpersonal skills
• Good written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Good mediating or counselling skills
• Able to communicate sensitive information to patients and carers in an empathetic and understandable manner

Desirable

• Experience and competency in ECGs, cannulation, venepuncture and complex wound dressings.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
• Moderate physical effort required for long periods on a daily basis

Other Job Requirements

Essential

• Contact with bodily fluids associated with treatment and examination of patients
• Frequent requirement for assisting in moving patients and handling of inanimate objects.
• Ability to recognise own limitations and to escalate to senior staff appropriately.

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation Degree Nursing Associate
• Demonstrates a commitment to further learning and personal development
• Evidence of full-time educational achievements
• Level 2 in Maths and English or equivalent
• Registration with the NMC as a nursing associate

Experience

Essential

• Band 4 experience within an Outpatient setting
• Able to prioritise workload and to work independently or as part of a team.
• Basic numerical skills
• Intermediate keyboard skills
• Organisational skills
• Compassionate, caring and approachable.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address

Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre

Bewdley Road

Kidderminster

Worcestershire

DY11 6RJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website