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SMASH Care Community has a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and dynamic Nurse Associate or Assistant Practitioner to join our forward-thinking community care team at Alsager. The post requires effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be adaptable, reliable and approachable.

In this role you will be responsible for the assessment, delivery and evaluation of nursing care (under the guidance and delegation of a case manager/District Nurse) caring for patients with a wide range of complex health conditions. You will be supported to develop existing and new clinical skills which will allow you to effectively care for the patients on the care community caseload.

You will work with our patients and families to empower them, enabling them to live their optimum life, being self-caring and independent with their health needs where possible. Work collaboratively, efficiently and creatively with multi-professional colleagues and partners with a focus on helping patients to avoid hospital admissions.

You will be given an allocated mentor and be supported to complete competencies in line with your scope of practice. By the completion of regular Motiv8 (1:1) sessions, you will have the opportunity to identify any further learning opportunities to support you in your career development.

The Assistant Practitioner (Nurse)/Nurse Associate will assist in the identification of health needs and participate in the delivery and evaluation of care interventions developed to meet those needs under the leadership of a senior registered Nurse. Supervision may be direct/indirect depending upon competency/complexity of work.

The post holder will continue to develop and undertake a range of delegated tasks and will report to a Registered Nurse. The Assistant Practitioner (Nurse)/Nurse Associate will provide general/specific care as specified below for a client group and will be proficient and competent to work across professional disciplines, referring clients for assessment and treatment or to other agencies as required.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its ‘Be Safe Be EquiPPEd’ campaign, which aimed to make the Trust as safe as possible for staff and patients, through supporting the correct use of PPE.

As a qualified AP or NA (foundation degree or equivalent), you will work as part of an integrated community team. To follow plans of care prescribed by the Registered Nurse/Practitioner to patients whose needs are best met in the community, including the patient’s own home, clinics or other care settings, which may be unpredictable. To work independently under the leadership of Registered Nurses/Practitioners.

To work within the CCICP Care Community Teams scope of practice for Band 4 Assistant Practitioners (Nurse)/Nursing Associates. To work in partnership to reduce hospital admission and facilitate discharge. To promote optimal levels of independence and wellbeing for patients. Teaching and support for formal and informal carers. To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

To take responsibility for accepting and implementing patient care as delegated by the Registered Nurse/Practitioner, that is within the CCICP Care Community Team’s scope of Practice for Band 4 Assistant Practitioners (Nurse)/Nursing Associates and where you are signed off as competent in that task. In collaboration with the Registered Nurse/Practitioner, deliver individual programmes of care in partnership with patients, carers and other health and social care professionals in response to planned needs.

To be responsible for patients with continence needs, assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating care when delegated by Registered Nurse/Practitioners. To communicate effectively with clients, carers and colleagues to ensure understanding of conditions and treatment. To manage patient expectations regarding the service, how it operates and the potential for patients to be transferred or discharged.

To deliver a range of clinical skills within your competence from the Care Community team scope of practice for Band 4 Assistant Practitioner (Nurse)/Nursing Associates. Administering medication in accordance with policies and guidelines, and the Care Community Team scope of practice for Band 4 Assistant Practitioner (Nurse)/Nursing Associates. Identify the early signs of deterioration to ensure acute and chronic phases or changes in condition are responded to appropriately - this may include referral to an alternative care pathway or service. Ensure discharge dates are met wherever possible.

To manage the competing clinical priorities of the caseload, following escalation procedures including seeking appropriate clinical or managerial support. Must have an understanding of the concept of risk and be aware of how risk is assessed and managed within patients’ homes and other settings and ensure any change in risk status is reported promptly according to agreed policies and protocols.

To be accountable for reporting and relaying information to the Registered Nurse, or other Health Care Professionals (HCP) concerns or changes in a patient’s condition. To support team members, formal and informal carers in the delivery of clinical care. To support the learning of students and other team members as required.

To promote the service countywide within the Trust and external agencies including: secondary care, social and community services, primary care, ambulance services, private and voluntary agencies, patients and public. Must have knowledge of a broad range of resources available in the community along with an understanding of the other agencies and professionals that support patients at home to ensure that these services are accessed and utilised appropriately.

To contribute to ongoing service development. To attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager. To participate in Care Quality Commission audits and inspections. To participate in relevant local clinical audit and research to inform service delivery and development.

To actively participate in a clinical supervision programme that supports reflective practice. Be open and honest, act with integrity and uphold the reputation of your role and Mid Cheshire Hospital Foundation Trust. To maintain professional relationships for those in your care. To present a personal professional image at all times.

To have the knowledge and skills for safe and effective practice without direct supervision and work within the limits of your competence. To keep your knowledge and skills up to date and participate in educational activities that maintain and develop your performance. Be accountable for the prioritisation of your own workload and seek support where necessary. Maintain clear, concise and legible documentation adhering to prescribed standards and protocols.

Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, by taking action/alerting the senior management team if practice appears to contravene policy, or if concerned about any aspect of patient care. Maintain the work environment in line with Infection Control Policies. To report and record any concerns regarding patient care. Identify risk issues which could affect patient care. Undertake risk assessments where appropriate.

To participate in patient and public involvement activities appropriate to the role. Support and promote people’s equality, diversity and rights. To participate in audit, benchmarking and other initiatives as required. Conform to safe and lone working practices and policies.

Ensure a healthy, safe and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting concerns. To maintain health, safety and security and report any concern. To maintain patient confidentiality at all times. To contribute to effective communications with patients, relatives and members of the MDT team.

To acknowledge own limitations and to work within the confines of the remit of the assistant practitioner and the knowledge and skills framework. To supervise others relevant to grade and participate in their education and development. To ensure effective and efficient use of physical resources. To contribute to the development of services.

Take responsibility for your own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in Motiv8/appraisal, supervision, action learning and by maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning. To develop and maintain your own clinical skills and knowledge using a competency framework to ensure effective care delivery.

To ensure compliance with mandatory training and personal development plans. To adopt a lifelong learning approach to developments and maintain a portfolio of practice and development. To contribute to the assessment and development of others where appropriate. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, students and cadets to the team. To assist in and promote evidence-based care.