Nursing Associate

Job summary

Are you a qualified Nursing Associate looking to make a meaningful impact in a friendly and supportive general practice?

Were looking for a compassionate, motivated, and proactive Nursing Associate to join our multidisciplinary team. In this key role, you'll contribute to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care for our local community, supporting patients with a wide range of health needs.

We pride ourselves on being a flexible and supportive employer, committed to helping our staff grow. Whether you're newly qualified or looking to develop further, we offer a nurturing environment with access to ongoing training, and professional support to help you thrive in your role.

Join us and be part of a team where your contribution is valued, and your professional development is encouraged every step of the way.

Main duties of the job

This is a part-time role (24 hours per week), with some flexibility in working pattern, although availability to start at 08:00 each day is requiredto support early clinics and patient access.

As a Nursing Associate in general practice, you will work as part of our multidisciplinary team, supporting registered nurses and GPs. You'll be involved in a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks that contribute to the smooth running of the practice and the wellbeing of our patients.

Day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Conducting routine health checks and observations

• Taking blood samples

• Supporting long-term condition monitoring (e.g. diabetes, asthma, hypertension)

• Performing wound care and dressing changes

• Supporting cervical screening (if appropriately trained)

• Carrying out ECGs and urinalysis

• Assisting with NHS Health Checks and lifestyle advice

• Supporting health promotion and patient education

• Stock ordering, monitoring and room stocking

• Supporting the Nursing team with infection control and prevention

• Administrative support for the Nursing team

This is a great opportunity for a Nursing Associate who enjoys variety, continuity of care, and working closely with patients over time.

About us

Lepton & Kirkheaton surgeries is a well-established and highly regarded GP practice, operating across two locations in Huddersfield. With a dedicated team of three GP partners, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional healthcare services to our community in a welcoming and compassionate environment. We are a close-knit and supportive practice, where every team member plays an essential role in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.

Our practice is committed to providing a patient-centered approach to healthcare, where every individual is treated with respect and compassion. We work hard to create an atmosphere where patients feel valued and cared for, while also supporting our staff in their personal and professional growth.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is simple:To Provide Quality Care, In a Safe and Courteous Manner.

Job responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Nursing Associate in delivering health services:

a. Deliver high quality, compassionate care while undertaking specific clinical and care tasks under the direction of a registered nurse (or other registered care professional) with a focus on promoting good health and independence

b. Provide high-quality holistic and person-centred care to individuals

c. Provide routine care to patients as required in accordance with clinical based evidence, NICE and the NSF

d. Provide wound care, dressings and other clinical tasks as required

e. Work as part of the MDT to provide and monitor care, under direct or indirect supervision and ensure delivery of nursing associate duties

f. Improve the safety and quality of care at every opportunity

g. Support registered nurses to enable them to be able to focus on the more complex clinical care and to relieve their burden

h. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient health records ensuring that clinical data is appropriately recorded with SNOMED codes

i. Perform and record clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse including appropriate coding

j. After undertaking additional training, provide ECGs and venepuncture and other relevant clinical tasks as required and in line with the competencies of the role

k. Promote health and wellbeing to all patients, for example undertaking the NHS health check

l. Provide wound care (ulcer/Doppler etc.) to patients

m. Provide support during minor operations as required

n. Advise patients on general healthcare and promote self-management where appropriate, including signposting patients to personalised care colleagues and local community and voluntary sector services

o. Communicate proactively and effectively with all MDT colleagues, attending and contributing to meetings as required

p. Be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children

q. Enhance own performance through continuous professional development, imparting own knowledge and behaviours to meet the needs of the service

r. Contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance

s. Attend a formal appraisal at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed

t. Contribute towards public health and screening programmes, including immunisations and vaccinations

u. Support and deliver health promotion and wellbeing programmes including any opportunistic delivery

v. Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area

w. Recognise boundaries of practice and know when and to whom patients should be referred

x. Demonstrate initiative and be creative in finding solutions to problems

y. Support in the delivery of enhanced services, QOF and other service requirements on behalf of the practice.

z. Undertake all mandatory training and induction programme

There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks, this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nursing Associate and on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register (Essential)
• Meets the specific qualification and training requirements as specified in the NMC Standards of Proficiency, having completed the two-year Foundation Degree from an NMC-approved provider (Essential)

Experience

Essential

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational Health clearance
• Meet the requirements and provide evidence for revalidation
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the role
• Willingness to work flexible hours when required to meet service demands
• Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work within own scope of practice and understanding when to refer to clinical colleagues
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Ability to communicate with members of the public and health and care providers
• Ability to communicate effectively (written, verbal, and non-verbal) with patients, carers, and the multidisciplinary team
• Ability to develop effective and appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers, and colleagues
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children
• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk
• Understanding of the importance of promoting health and wellbeing (Making Every Contact Count)
• Understand the requirement for Patient Specific Directions (PSDs) and associated policy
• Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity
• Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Problem-solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• Ability to work to key policies and procedures
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Ability to follow legal, ethical, and professional standards, including local policies and procedures
• Ability to listen, empathise, and provide person-centred support in a non-judgemental way

Desirable

• Good clinical IT system knowledge
• Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information
• Understand the importance of following procedures and treatment plans
• Chaperone experience
• Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience, and ability to work under pressure
• Knowledge of IT systems including word processing, emails, and internet use
• Access to own transport and ability to travel across the locality