Job Description:

Nursing
w
Associate Band 4(clinical core)
Nursing and Midwifery at Oxford

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHFT) has a rich tradition of developing
nursing and midwifery practice and of delivering excellence in patient care. Whilst proud of our
heritage, our focus is the future and central to our vision is providing evidence-based
individualised care to the people we support

The Trust also has a dedicated education Academy. The Academy team provide:
 specific induction programmes for non-registered clinical staff
 apprenticeship programmes and accredited courses for all staff
 support for staff in literacy and numeracy
 the development of competency frameworks for new and existing staff
 pastoral support within forums
 guidance on the development of progression opportunities and new roles
 recruitment and work based learning assessment for trainee Nursing Associates
 career coaching and support to higher education programmes

Care Certificate

Following Camilla Cavendish’s independent review of support workers in Health and Social care
published in 2013 and the government’s response, ‘Hard Truths’ the Fundamental Care
Certificate was launched in March 2015 and commenced in April 2015.

The Care Certificate consists of 15 standards that set out explicit learning outcomes,
competences and standards of behaviour that are expected of a clinical supporting role. All new
in role, Nursing Assistants, Assistant Practitioners, Theatre Support Workers, Maternity Support
Workers and Nursing Associates will be expected to achieve the Care Certificate within the first
12 weeks of employment. The Academy deliver an enhanced and extended induction
programme to facilitate the training and education required and strive to maintain quality
assurance, support and guidance to ensure timely completion and compliance of the Care
Certificate implementation.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is a world renowned centre of clinical excellence and one of
the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK. We became a Foundation Trust on 1 October 2015
and believe that this will enable us to work more effectively in partnership with our patients and
our local community to provide high quality healthcare. We employ 12,558 staff.

The Trust is made up of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital (which includes the Children's
Hospital, West Wing, Eye Hospital, Heart Centre and Women's Centre), the Churchill Hospital
and the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, all located in Oxford, and the Horton General Hospital in
Banbury, north Oxfordshire.

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Trust Values and Expected Behaviours.

Over a thousand patients and colleagues assisted us in developing a set of values that will help
us achieve our ambition of delivering compassionate excellence.

To help us live out those values in our work, we have defined the types of behaviours that will
either ensure we met the high standards we have set, or will mean we miss the mark.

These are the values that should characterise all that we do and our behaviours with our patients
and families and each other. Our values and expected behaviours are,

 Compassion. Putting patients at the heart of what we do and recognising different needs.
 Respect. Encouraging a spirit of support, integrity, respect and teamwork.
 Excellence. Taking pride in the quality of care we provide for our patients and customers.
 Learning. Learning from successes and setbacks.
 Delivery. Delivering high standards of health care for our patients and customers
 Improvement. Striving to improve what we do through change and innovation.

These values and behaviours are extremely important to us and we expect everyone who works
with us in any capacity, including employees, bank staff, contractors, agency staff, people who
hold honorary contracts, students and volunteers to share and uphold these values and
behaviours.

Job title Nursing Associate

Responsible to Sister/Charge Nurse

Accountable to Matron
Contract Permanent

Hours per week Full Time 37.5 hours

Overview:

The nursing associate role is a new role which was introduced into the health and care workforce
in England in 2019. It is a generic role (not defined by a field of nursing) but which sits within the
discipline of nursing. Nursing associates are intended to bridge the gap between nursing
assistants and registered nurses. Nursing associates will provide care for people of all ages,
from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. The nursing associate will provide care for
people who have mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural care needs; those living with
dementia, the elderly and for people at the end of their life. The nursing associate will work in the
context of continual change, challenging environments, different models of care delivery, shifting
demographics, innovation and rapidly evolving technologies. Increasing integration of health and
social care services will require nursing associates to play a proactive role in multidisciplinary
teams.

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1. Job purpose

The nursing associate will provide support to the registered nurse by caring for patients and
enhance the quality of hands on care offered by nursing assistants. Nursing associates will be
accountable for their own practice. Their key purpose is to demonstrate a level of analysis,
judgement and implement care that is in the majority non-routine requiring a significant
theoretical knowledge under the supervision of registered practitioners in a range of settings.

2. Scope of the role

The nursing associate will:
 Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values and those of the
OUHFT
 Work as part of a designated nursing team delivering care that focuses on the direct
needs of the individual, supporting registered nurses and non registered practitioners
 Be able to appropriately delegate tasks to non registered practitioners
 Carry out specific delegated health care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and
competency.
 Take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective
practice skills within the workplace.
 Have the ability to deliver care independently in line with the individual’s defined plan of
care, within the parameters of practice of the nursing associate role, accessing clinical
and care advice when needed.
 Provide, promote and where appropriate advocate for non-discriminatory, person-centred
and sensitive care at all times that is high quality, compassionate and safe with a focus on
promoting health and independence.
 Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective provision
of care and know when and how to escalate any concerns when required.
 Be accountable for their own actions, working within the limitations of their role
 Take responsibility for their own learning and continued professional development

3. Clinical responsibilities

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting
the nursing associate is working in.

The nursing associate will:

 Be able to assist the registered nurse contributing to the on-going assessment, planning,
management and evaluation of care and if appropriate be allocated and responsible for a
caseload of patients
 Support individuals with all aspects of care in a range of care settings including activities
of daily living, providing person-centred care and promoting health and independence
through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate
 Perform, record and interpret clinical observations including neurological observations,
blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse in order to identify signs of improvement,
deterioration or concern
 Undertake a full range of agreed clinical skills including venepuncture, routine ECG
recording and measure and interpret blood glucose levels.
 Accurately use contemporary nutritional assessment tools and record fluid intake and
output to identify signs of dehydration or fluid retention and escalate as necessary.

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 Support the delivery of artificial nutrition and hydration using oral and enteral routes in line
with Trust policies.
 Care for and manage urinary catheters for all genders ( to include where appropriate and
following training and competence, removal and insertion of a urinary catheter)
 Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
 Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities and when to escalate to the
appropriate professional for expert help and advice
 Report back and share information with the registered nurses and other appropriate
professionals on the condition, behaviour, activity and responses of individuals
 Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any
problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals and to be
able to recognise and escalate signs of all forms of abuse.
 Assist in the assessment of and contribute to the management of risk across several
areas within the environment where care is being administered to determine the ongoing
need for support and intervention, the level of independence and self-care that an
individual can manage.
 Prevent and manage skin breakdown, monitor wounds and undertake wound care using
appropriate evidence based techniques within scope of their role. This may include
removal of identified wound drains, clips and sutures.
 Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional
and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers
 Assist in the delivery of complex care as prescribed by the registered nurse and
contribute to the evaluation of care
 Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example
dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities
 Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes
 Develop a working knowledge of other providers’ resources and referral systems to
ensure individuals’ needs are met, within parameters of practice
 Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own
reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given
 Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is
obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures
 Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties
and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the registered
nurse or registered care professional as required.
 Prepare and administer medications within limitations of role e.g. oxygen and via oral,
topical, inhalation route, subcutaneous, intramuscular injection, enterally and rectally
safely in accordance with local and national policies.
 Demonstrate the ability to recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity,
side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions.
 Manage medical devices to meet people’s need for safe, effective and person centred
care.
 Use appropriate nasal and oral suctioning techniques.
 Record all care delivered appropriately and in accordance with Trust policy and NMC
standards.
 Perform, understand and report patient risk assessments, e.g. nutritional assessment
scores, falls assessment, moving and handling, pressure scoring tool assessment and
bedside rails assessment as appropriate in line with Trust policy and timescales which
would be reviewed and signed by a registered.

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4. Communication and relationships

The nursing associate will:

 Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a diverse range of
individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of
communication on delivering and improving health and care services.
 Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people
at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health
challenges.
 Refer patients to the relevant professional/agency in response to the identified need in
consultation with the registered nurse.
 Demonstrate inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and
trust
 Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively
 Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful
manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding
 Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the
individuals, carers and members of the team
 Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of
confidentiality at all times. Provide information to patients, their families and carers both
informally and formally to enable them to make informed choices about current and future
care needs.
 Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy that
may adversely impact safe and effective care provision
 Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records that are timely and all communication
is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance
 Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect
access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)

5. Management, Planning and Organisational Skills

The nursing associate will:

 Identify and plan preventative measures, anticipating care needs in discussion with
registered nursing staff.
 Plan and manage competing demands of job role and further study as required in order to
maintain competence in designated work area.
 Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management
and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group
of individuals
 Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the Registered Nurse or
registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans

6. Education and Training:

The nursing associate will:

 Support and teach patients to self-manage their condition where possible and empower
patients
 If appointed and trained as a mentor/practice supervisor/practice assessor then
appropriately participate in competency assessment.
 Develop knowledge of the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different
care settings

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  Continue to consolidate practical and theoretical knowledge and competence and
maintain all evidence required for continuous professional and practice development.
 Contribute towards developing a culture of learning and innovation, developing high
quality learning environments
 Support and supervise the learning and development of other members of the team;
student nurse, nursing associate trainees, apprentices, nursing assistants and volunteers.

7. Improving Quality and Developing Practice

The nursing associate will:

 Comply with post-registration education and practice requirements for NMC Revalidation,
identifying own learning needs and ensuring own professional development is maintained
by keeping up to date with practice developments.
 Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security
 Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation
 Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice
 Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting
that of others
 Keep up to date and reflect upon professional issues that influence nursing practice
relating to the area of clinical practice, management, education and research.
 Promote and practice, evidence based nursing care, embracing new ideas and changes
for the benefit of patient care.
 Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national.
 Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to
discussions about the improvement of care.
 Report incidents using DATIX following Trust procedures and support others to report and
escalate concerns.
 Ensure clinical equipment is satisfactory maintained in good working order and removed
from service if found to be faulty and reported as necessary.

8. Analytical and Judgmental skills

The nursing associate will:

 Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of

practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical
skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a Nursing
Associate
 Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of
a range of possible factors
 Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken
without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of
practising outside capability

9. Physical Skills Requirement

The nursing associate will:

 Use frequent moderate effort when undertaking and carrying out the manual handling of
individuals and equipment in line with organisational guidelines
 Use skills of manual dexterity and manipulation of clinical instruments and equipment
 Use a combination of standing, walking bending and stretching throughout the shift

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10. Financial and Physical Resources

The nursing associate will:

 Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment
 Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy

11. Freedom to Act

The nursing associate will:

 Work to standard operating procedures with other registered care professionals available
for reference
 Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines
 Work within the nursing associate parameters of practice
 Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and
within professional boundaries
 Raises any concerns to the appropriate registered care professional or appropriate
person

12. Mental and Emotional Effort

The nursing associate will:

 Frequently use concentration and experience work patterns which are unpredictable with
regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response
 Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or
dealing with challenging behaviour
 Support individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life
changing diagnosis
 Have exposure to VDU screen

13. Teaching and Training

The nursing associate will:

 Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable,

Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and
personal development planning meeting
 Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in
accordance with organisational requirements
 Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the
workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to challenge any
poor practice observed

14. Respect, Equality and Diversity

 Adhere to Trust, Directorate and unit policies, protocols and guidelines taking action to
address behaviour that undermines equality and diversity.
 Recognised and respect people at all times with regard to age, disability, gender, position,
race, religion and sexual orientation through professionalism and courtesy, treating all
patients, colleagues, visitors, carers, communities and others as they would wish to be
treated.

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 Ensure the privacy and dignity of patients and challenge colleagues should this not be
practiced consistently.
 Respect the patients right to choice and act as the patients advocate whenever
necessary.
 Chaperone and act as an advocate for patients during examination by clinical staff.
 Act in a non-discriminatory manner at all times being mindful of the requirements of each
individual patient and colleague.
 Escalates concerns regarding discriminatory practises.
 Take account of own behaviour and its effect on others. Challenge the behaviour of
others that is non-aligned with Trust values.

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Trust Statements

Information Technology

 Comply with all OUH electronic systems, including email, E-Learning, incident reporting,
E- learning

Risk Management

 The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a
progressive, honest and open environment.
 Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them
to meet this responsibility.

Staff should be familiar with the:

 Major Incident Policy

 Fire Policy

And should make themselves familiar with the local “response plan” and their role within that
response

Responsibility for Health and Safety

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are
carried out in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Statutory
Regulations and Trust Policies and procedures. This will be supported by the provision of
training and specialist advice where required.

Infection Control

Infection Control is everyone's responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are
required to adhere to the Trusts' Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every
effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of
Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.

All staff employed by the OUH Trust has the following key responsibilities:

 Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and
between each patient contact.
 Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for
them by the Trust.
 Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may
be transmissible to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.

Children’s Rights

The post holder will endeavour at all times to uphold the rights of children and young people in
accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the
organisation. As a member of the Trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their
families from any form of harm when they are vulnerable.

Information Governance

All staff must complete annual information governance training. If you have a Trust email
account this can be done online, otherwise you must attend a classroom session. For further
details, go to the Information Governance intranet site.

Confidentiality

The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other
health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 1984.

Serious Incidents

All staff must report incidents and near misses so that the Trust can reduce the risk of harm by
investigating and incorporating risk reducing measures to safe guard patients, visitors and
staff, in accordance with the Trust Incident Reporting Policy

Equal Opportunities

The post holder must at all times carry-out his/her responsibilities with regard to the Trust’s
Equal Opportunities Policy.

Smoking Policy

It is the policy of the Trust to promote health. Smoking therefore, is actively discouraged and
is prohibited in the majority of the Hospital, including offices. However, there are designated
smoking areas on both sites.

Data Protection Act

All employees of The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust must not, without
prior permission, disclose any information regarding patients or staff. In circumstances where
it is known that a member of staff has communicated to an unauthorised person those staff
will be liable to dismissal. Moreover, the Data Protection Act 1984 also renders an individual
liable for prosecution in the event of unauthorised disclosure of information.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and this means that any
criminal conviction must be made known at the time of application.

The above will be reviewed on an annual basis, in consultation with the post holder. It is
offered as a guide to the key responsibilities and duties, but does not preclude other issues
that may arise between reviews of performance and review of the job description.

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 Person Specification

Evidence for suitability in the role will be measured via a mixture of application form, testing and interview
Essential: E Desirable: D

Values and Behaviours Education, Knowledge, Training and Experience

Able to demonstrate the ability to put patients at the heart of E Registered Nursing Associate on Nursing and Midwifery register
E what you do and recognising different needs by encouraging a
spirit of support, integrity, respect and teamwork.
E Evidence of the nursing associate qualification (higher
Shows pride in the quality of care they provide for patients and
E apprenticeship and /or a relevant Foundation Degree
learning from successes and setbacks.
programme)
E Evidence of commitment to the Oxford University Hospitals E GCSEs Grade A-C (9 – 4) in Maths and English or equivalent
vision and values
E Understanding of the importance of following procedures and
treatment plans
E Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the
appropriate professional for expert support and guidance
E The care certificate
E Understand requirements for NMC revalidation and shows
evidence of ongoing professional development through
maintenance of NMC revalidation
E Committed to the advancement of nursing
E Engage in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities

Planning and Organisation

Clinical Practice
E Evidence of working in multi-disciplinary teams under E Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the
appropriate supervision workload and individual patient contact.
E Able to deliver a high standard of care for patients and always E Acts as a role model and are able to lead by example to ensure
striving to improve on what to do through change and the Trust’s values and behaviours are reinforced throughout their

Page 11 of 13
 innovation. area of practice.
Able to communicate effectively with patients/relatives and E Able to organise self and others to achieve delegated task
E
carers and all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
Appreciates and accepts individual team members bring a Able to effectively and appropriately escalate concerns to reduce
E E
range of different skills and experience risk and promote patient safety.
Able to undertake specific procedures involving physical skills
E E Able to use initiative within the boundaries of the role
commensurate with practice area.
D Proficient IT skills Appreciates the need for changes in the organisation or job
E requirements and makes a positive contribution to change
management.
E Deliver high quality compassionate care under the direction of Adapts personal approach and operates effectively within a
E
a registered nurse with a focus on health and independence variety of situations
E Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health Ability to support, supervise, assess and act as a role model to
and well-being (Making Every Contact Count). D nursing associate students, other healthcare learners and new
starters as required within the clinical setting
E Understanding of evidence based practice. Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive
E
information.
E Is accountable for own practice Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise own
E
workload

Improving Quality and Developing Practice Personal Qualities and Physical Attributes
E Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, E Demonstrates energy, motivation and enthusiasm for work
safety and security
E Demonstrates understanding of the scope of the role of the E Courteous, respectful and helpful at all times.
Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation
and how the role may contribute to service development.
E Demonstrates ability to keep up to date with professional E Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development
issues that influence nursing practice relating to the area of needs, seeking advice where appropriate.
clinical practice.
E Understands and acts in line with NMC professional standards E Demonstrates a positive approach to problem solving and ability
for practice contained within the code. to use own initiative.
E Able to contribute to the development, implementation, E Resilient under pressure

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 monitoring and evaluation of policies/protocols/guidelines
relevant to area of practice.
E Demonstrates ability to question and challenge nursing E Smart professional appearance
practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care
are continually evaluated and improved.
E Ability to develop effective and appropriate relationships with
people, their families, carers and colleagues
E Is sensitive to the impact and implications of decisions and
activities on other professionals and the organisation

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