Assistant Practitioner - Dialysis Unit Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Antistatique; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is looking for a haemodialysis assistant practitioner to join their team in Dorchester. This role involves providing essential support to patients in a compassionate setting while receiving comprehensive training in dialysis procedures. Ideal candidates will have a background in care and be willing to pursue further qualifications. Opportunities for professional development and mentoring are offered to ensure your growth as a practitioner.

Qualifications

• Experience in a care setting is essential.
• Completion of an appropriate Assistant Practitioner course may be required.
• Willingness to undertake training for complex needling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide a friendly environment for patients and ensure their needs are met.
• Manage dialysis access and assist with programming machines.
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams to discuss patient care.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Compassionate care

Enthusiasm for learning

Education

Assistant Practitioner qualification

GCSE maths and English Grade 4 or above

Level 3 qualification

Job description

An exciting position has become available in the dialysis unit for a haemodialysis assistant practitioner.

Previous experience in dialysis is desirable, but candidates will be supported to obtain all necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies required for the Assistant Practitioner role.

Experience in a care setting is essential, and a care certificate is desirable. Support is available to train the right candidate to obtain the necessary qualifications and skills.

The successful candidate should ideally already hold an Assistant Practitioner, Nursing Associate, or an equivalent qualification, or be willing to undertake the Apprentice Assistant Practitioner course to gain this qualification. Entry requirements for the apprentice course include GCSE maths and English Grade 4 or above, or functional skills, and a Level 3 qualification. Support can be provided to the right candidate for the Level 3 healthcare support worker apprenticeship, which leads to the AP course. Band 3 pay will be provided until completion of the AP course.

We have a proven track record of training novices to experts through competency-based learning and apprenticeship programmes.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the unit or visit before applying.

Overseas applicants should be aware this is not a sponsored post.

The role involves providing a warm, friendly environment for patients, ensuring their needs and comfort are met. Excellent communication skills are essential.

The role requires demonstrating aspirations and a passion for learning, completing competencies, and developing into an excellent practitioner.

Responsibilities include setting up the unit, stock control, ordering, programming dialysis machines, managing dialysis access, needling fistulas and grafts, and managing dialysis catheters.

Full training will be provided for needling complex access under ultrasound guidance.

The role offers opportunities to specialise and share knowledge within the team. Enthusiasm for mentoring junior staff and confidently discussing patient care with the MDT, external agencies, and families is important.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on high-quality, compassionate care and an inclusive culture. We aim to create a fair environment for staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide excellent services and foster an environment where people can thrive. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, and thriving communities.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to inclusion. Applications from under-represented groups are welcome.

Our Job Description and Person Specification (attached) provide more details. Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your experience and skills meet the criteria.

Contact us if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

We seek staff who embody our Trust Values: Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Excellence, and who are passionate about patient care. For more about our Trust and values, search Dorset County Hospital online.

This advert closes on Thursday, 5 June 2025.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.

Disability Confident employers typically offer interviews to applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum job criteria. In high-volume or seasonal recruitment, the number of interviews may be limited. For more details, visit Disability Confident.