Trainee Nursing Associate

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

1. Clinical Support:

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the trainee Nursing Associate is working in. The content will be reviewed in the light of the evaluation of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship programme. 

The trainee will:
•    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
•    Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse
•    Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs
•    Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake
•    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 
•    Develop 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
•    Assist patients in maintaining their personal hygiene, grooming and dressing needs with specific concern for their religious, cultural and personal preference, ensuring privacy and dignity at all times.  Undertake oral hygiene procedures for patients as per trust protocol.
•    Perform and record patient’s vital signs as directed, reporting findings to Registered Nurse on duty, or in their absence to Medical staff.  Perform and record temperature, blood pressure, respiration and pulse, oxygen saturation, modified early warning scores, height & weight, urine testing (including Midstream Specimen, 24Hr urine collection, etc.) as per Trust policy, reporting results to a Registered Nurse.
•    Provide a clinical phlebotomy service demonstrating expertise according to Phlebotomy guidelines and ensure that the samples and specimens are forwarded to appropriate laboratory services. Perform venous cannulation.  Carry out central venous catheter bloods and central line care as per trust policy.  Have a basic understanding of normal and altered blood values and escalate results as appropriate.
•    Perform electrocardiograms (ECG) in line with Trust policy and reporting to the Registered Nurse and/or medical staff once completed.
•    Assist patients in their mobility requirements, help move and position appropriately to maximise their physical comfort utilising equipment as directed by the multi professional team.  Assist in the care of patients’ pressure areas and prevention of pressure sores.  Assist patients to improve and maximise their mobility, utilising equipment as directed by the multi professional team.
•    Assist in meal service as required in line with Trust hygiene and food handling policy.At the delegation of the Registered Nurse transfer the patient/client from one care area to another, i.e. ward environment to discharge lounge/ other ward. Chaperone the patient as required ensuring appropriate support.
•    Welcome and orientate patients, visitors and others to the ward/department and ensure that all communications result in effective customer care.
•    Assist in the correct procedure of duties relating to last offices for deceased persons. Ensure that all religious and cultural wishes, obligations are adhered with.
•    Communicate well within the team at all times.  Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good team working relationship.   Proactively help patients and carers to take an active role in care delivery. 

2. Policy and service development 

The trainee will:
•    Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security 
•    Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation
•    Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice
•    Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others 
•    Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care 

3. Planning and organisation

The trainee will:
•    Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and learning environment activities
•    Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals
•    Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans

4. Communication and relationships 

The trainee will:
•    Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services
•    Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust
•    Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively
•    Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding 
•    Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team 
•    Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times 
•    Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy
•    Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance
•    Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)

5. Analytical and judgmental skills

•    The trainee will:
•    Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a trainee Nursing Associate
•    Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing  using analysis of a range of possible factors
•    Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside capability

6. Physical skills requirement 

The trainee will:
•    Use frequent moderate effort when undertaking carrying out the manual handling of individuals and equipment in line with organisational guidelines
•    Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment 
•    Use a combination of standing, walking bending and stretching throughout the shift

7. Financial and physical resources 

The trainee will:
•    Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment 
•    Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy 

8. Human resources 

The trainee will:
•    Act in ways which support equality and value diversity
•    Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff
•    Support development of less experienced staff and other learners 

9. Information resources

The trainee will:
•    Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping 
•    Follow all information governance guidance and policies
•    Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies

10. Freedom to Act 

The trainee will:
•    Work to standard operating procedures with registered care professionals available for reference
•    Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines
•    Work within the trainee Nursing Associate parameters of practice
•    Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries
•    Raises any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person

11.    Mental and Emotional effort

The trainee will:
•    Frequently use concentration and experience work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response
•    Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with challenging behaviour  
•    Support individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life changing diagnoses
•    Have exposure to VDU screen

12.    Working conditions

Dependent on care setting, have frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. dealing with uncontained body fluids and difficult aggressive behaviour. 

13.    Teaching and Training

The trainee will:
Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving  clinical competencies and Foundation Degree / Level 5 qualification within agreed timeframes. Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered
Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting 
Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements 
Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed

This job description is an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and is not intended as an exhaustive list.  The job may change over time to reflect the changing needs of the Trust and its services, as well as the personal development needs of the post holder.
Where particular Directorates require the post holder to focus on specific issues and/or areas of concern, this will be discussed through the performance management process.

Clinical Support:

1. Assist the Registered Nurse in the process of undertaking clinical risk assessments e.g. recording height and weight, updating the registered nurse on any changes to a patient’s condition/circumstances. 

2. Appropriately record and monitor dietary intake of patients, informing relevant staff of progress and/or any difficulties relating to dietary/fluid intake.

3. Assist in providing conditions to meet the patient’s need for rest and sleep. 

4. Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety of patients or carers, consistent with their personal beliefs and preferences.

5. Record patient’s items of property, ensuring valuables are correctly placed into safekeeping. 

6. Prepare trolleys for specific clinical procedures in line with trust policy utilising asceptic non touch technique practices.

7. Recognise and report abusive behaviour to an appropriate member of staff, documenting the same.

Environment Support:

1. Be responsible for self and others through identifying risks and undertaking work activities in a safe manner.

2. Maintain cleanliness in the work environment, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients, adhering to infection control policies and guidance in line with Trust health and safety policies.

3. Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures.

4. Contribute to the general tidiness and cleanliness of the clinical environment including the correct disposal of waste.

5. Assist with the checking of ward linen stock, where required.  Contribute to the supply and maintenance of materials and equipment to ensure the efficient running of the clinical environment.

6. Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders. Ensure stock rotation is undertaken to minimise the risk of equipment becoming out of date.

7.  Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested, including the maintenance of equipment as appropriate.

8. Report faults on the ward as necessary.

9. Reports all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy to shift coordinator or senior staff.

10. Contributes to the continuous improvement of services.  May be required to demonstrate and assist more junior staff to gain clinical experience, skills and knowledge. 
11. Undertake all training required to perform duties effectively to the requirements of the post, including but not limited to attending all required mandatory training courses. 

12. Maintain own professional portfolio in accordance with personal development plans.

13. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour.

Administration:

1. Assist in preparing patients notes, relevant charts, nursing documentation and identity bracelets prior to, and on admission.

2. Undertake clerical duties as directed by the Registered Nurse in relation to all verbal and written communications, ensuring messages and communications are passed to other team members, storage of patient information and retrieval of such information.

These duties and responsibilities are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and staff may be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities consistent with the band