Assistant Practitioner/ Nursing Associate- Day Surgery Unit (DSU)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Torquay; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate for the Day Surgery Unit in Torbay. You will deliver direct patient care under a Registered Nurse and perform pre-operative assessments and nurse-led discharges for suitable patients.

Requirements include a 24-month AP/NA foundation degree and NMC Nursing Associate registration, with recent surgical experience.

Qualifications

• Qualified AP/NA through a 24-month foundation degree.
• NMC registration as Nursing Associate.
• Recent surgical experience, pre-op and post-op, at Band 3 or 4.
• Customer care experience.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures and health and safety for handling blood and body fluids.
• Ability to prioritise workloads.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct care to patients in Day Surgery Unit under supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Carry out pre-operative assessment on suitable patients.
• Provide nurse-led discharge for suitable patients, supporting timely discharge home.
• Support registered staff on the ward to achieve best patient outcomes.
• Support Band 3 colleagues and work within Trust policies.
• Undertake activities delegated by the Registered Nurse within competence.
• Uphold high standards of patient care in a safe, welcoming environment.

Skills

Manual handling

Prioritisation

Teamwork

Independent working

Caring attitude

Education

Foundation degree AP/NA (24 months)

Job description

An Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate post on the Day Surgery Unit at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. The role gives direct care to patients attending day surgery, working under a Registered Nurse and taking on pre-operative assessment and nurse-led discharge for patients judged suitable. The unit runs Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 21:00 on varying shifts, so late and varied hours are part of the job. Qualified AP/NA status through a 24-month foundation degree is essential to apply.

What the job involves

• Deliver direct care to patients attending the Day Surgery Unit under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Carry out pre-operative assessment on patients designated suitable for AP/NA work
• Provide nurse-led discharge for patients designated suitable, supporting timely discharge home
• Support registered staff on the ward area to achieve the best patient outcomes
• Support band 3 members of the team
• Work within Trust policy, protocols and standard operating procedures
• Undertake only activities delegated by the Registered Nurse, within demonstrated competence
• Uphold high standards of patient care in a safe, welcoming and compassionate environment

Qualifications

• Qualified AP/NA through a 24-month degree foundation course

Registration & licences

• NMC registration as a Nursing Associate

Experience

• Customer care experience
• Recent surgical experience, pre-op and post-op, at Band 3 or 4 on a ward area and in pre-assessment

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of policies, procedures and health and safety for handling blood and body fluids
• Moving and manual handling skills
• Ability to prioritise workloads
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently with minimal supervision
• Commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with others
• Caring and friendly attitude

Nice to have

• Experience as an AP/NA in day surgery
• Completed ECG training
• Completed venepuncture training
• Experience of performing MRSA screening

What’s offered

• Continuous learning opportunities and further training to develop skills and grow in role