Nurse Associate / Assistant Practitioner | Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Preston

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Assistant Practitioner to join our multidisciplinary team within the Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre - part of the Division of Surgery (Trauma/Rehabilitation services). This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Healthcare Assistant or equivalent to take the next step in their career, supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.

As an Assistant Practitioner, you will work under the supervision of registered practitioners and be involved in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care, while developing advanced clinical skills within your scope of practice. This role involves working across several services within the SMRC. An essential requirement is the provision of support to the Orthotic service, undertaking hoisery assessments and delivery of care for Orthotic patients referred into the centre.

• Deliver a high standard of direct patient care, including personal care, monitoring observations, and supporting nutrition and hydration.
• Undertake clinical duties such as vital signs monitoring, wound care, and rehabilitation activities.
• Undertake hoisery clinics for referred Orthotic patients.
• Contribute to patient assessment and risk management (e.g. falls, infection control, nutrition).
• Recognise and escalate deteriorating patients appropriately.
• Support health promotion and patient education.
• Assist in coordinating care across the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
• Supervise and support Healthcare Assistants and students.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and effective environment of care.

We are seeking someone who is:

• Compassionate and patient-focused.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive with strong organisational skills.
• Committed to delivering high-quality care.
• Willing to develop and expand clinical skills.

At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, we are committed to delivering excellent care with compassion. Our values are at the heart of everything we do: Caring and Compassionate, Recognising Individuality, Seeking to Involve, Building Team Spirit, Taking Personal Responsibility.

We support staff development, well-being, and continuous learning, providing opportunities to grow and progress within the NHS. The Assistant Practitioner provides a higher level of delegated clinical care and support, bridging the gap between healthcare assistants and fully registered professionals.

You will work closely with nurses, AHPs, and doctors, communicating clearly with patients and families, escalating concerns or deterioration promptly. You will promote patient independence by:

• Encouraging patients to maintain or regain independence.
• Supporting rehabilitation programmes.
• Providing basic health advice and education.

You will deliver direct patient care including:

• Undertaking delegated clinical tasks (e.g. observations, wound care, mobility support).
• Supporting patients with activities of daily living (washing, dressing, eating).
• Monitoring and reporting changes in a patient’s condition.
• Assisting with treatment plans set by registered professionals.

You will support assessment & care planning by:

• Contributing to care plans (but not independently responsible for them).
• Feeding back observations to the multidisciplinary team (MDT).

You will undertake clinical/technical procedures such as:

• Performing basic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures (e.g. ECGs, rehab exercises).
• Use of clinical equipment safely and effectively.
• Ensuring infection prevention and control standards are followed.
• Compression therapy.

You will supervise & support junior staff and support with the training of new staff and students, acting as a role model for safe, compassionate care.