Vascular Access Nurse Band 6 Training role in Harlow

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job overview

The post holder will assist in the overall implementation and evaluation of care of the patient as part of the multi professional team. The post holder will be expected to work independently within the Vascular Access Specialist service involving all aspects of vascular access insertion procedure and will ensure equipment is prepared for the placement of PICC lines. The post holder will already be skilled in phlebotomy and cannulation and placing Mid lines. Further training will be given regarding insertion of PICC lines assessment will be undertaken by external assessors.

Main duties of the job

• The role is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care in association with a registered practitioner during a training period of 6 months.
• Provide and deliver a high standard of compassionate care recognising and meeting with specific needs of the patients within set protocols and within the scope of the practitioner role.
• Acknowledge any limitations of competence in accepting care activities outside agreed limitations and inform a registered practitioner.
• Seek supervision to ensure that personal clinical practice is continuing to develop.
• Participate in appropriate training to ensure safe, competent clinical practice.
• Ensure that all documentation is clear and in accordance with the NMC and Trust guidance.
• Act at all times in the best interest of the patient.
• Carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting any adverse signs to registered practitioner.
• Undertake and perform clinical skills within specific competency boundaries e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, Mid line and PICC line insertion.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients utilising appropriate equipment.
• Work with vascular access trained nurses to gain the knowledge and skills required to practice independently within a six-month period.
• Pass external assessments as recognition that the required standard has been met.
• Utilise early warning score indicators (e.g. NEWS2) to recognise any patient deterioration/sudden change in condition, reporting immediately to registered practitioner.
• Prepare patient for and assist with specific clinical procedures appropriate to clinical area within agreed competency boundaries.
• Assist in the induction, training and assessment of learners and other staff and supporting band 3 HCA and Band 5 RN to practice competently with the Vascular Access Nurse.
• Coordinate and supervise clinical support workers and other learners in care delivery.
• Promote and participate in audit process for monitoring and reviewing quality.
• Be alert to issues of risk and concern about care provided raising any concerns observed via the trusts whistleblowing policy and supporting processes.
• The post holder will be familiar with the trust IT systems.
• The post holder will contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care.
• The postholder will work with Vascular access trained Nurses to develop practical skills and knowledge in order to practice independently in the placement of PICC Lines.
• The post holder will have the knowledge to interpret information and be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) to achieve the planned outcome.
• The post holder will contribute to the maintenance of a safe clinical environment.
• The post holder may be expected to work within a wide variety of clinical environments.
• The post holder will be expected to practice in accordance with PAH NHS Trust policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries.
• Communicate effectively with patients and all members of the clinical teams to ensure information is shared in a timely and appropriate manner where appropriate.
• Participate in the Trust Appraisal process to ensure that you receive and give constructive feedback to enhance personal skill set.
• Take all reasonable precautions to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or others by act or omission.
• Assist Registered Nurses and clerical staff in administrative duties, such as conveying information from telephone or personal enquiries, maintaining a courteous manner at all times.
• Ensure the essential information on the patient’s condition and progress is recorded in accordance with trust guidelines.
• Understand the need to maintain and respect patient confidentiality.
• Promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people ensuring religious and cultural needs are addressed.
• All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the PAH NHS trust policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the trust incident reporting system.