Trainee Assistant Practitioner - Critical care

If you are looking for a challenge and are eager to provide a high-quality service to patients, relatives and carers then this is the opportunity for you.

As a Trainee Band 3 Assistant Practitioner in Intensive Care (AP-IC) you will join an 18 month apprenticeship programme, whilst based on Penrose (General ICU), or Pencarrow (Neurosurgical ICU). Here you will work in conjunction and alongside experienced ICU nurses to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and qualification to become a band 4 Assistant Practitioner in ICU,providing high quality care to patients, which is co-ordinated by the Registered Nurse , and working as a team to ensure the best patient experience.

You will be enrolled at Plymouth Marjon University to achieve your Foundation Degree for Assistant Practitioner. The Foundation degree course consists of taught modules, e-learning and national competency frameworks which you will work towards on the unit.

Full and part time applicants are welcome but please be aware that you will need to work a minimum of 30hrs/week as part of the apprenticeship agreement.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification***

Under the direct and indirect supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse

• Responsible for delivering effective, specialised, high quality healthcare, ensuring the area of work runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Works under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner.
• Works within the boundaries of existing competence, adhering to local and national protocols / standard operating procedures / policies.
• Delivers high standards of compassionate, dignified care, managing their time, tasks and resources effectively.
• Undertakes training, assessment and facilitation of peers and other staff as required.
• To support Registered Practitioners in their duties and contribute to the holistic care of patients as part of a Multi – Disciplinary Team.
• To ensure that the environment is clean, safe, tidy and welcoming for patients and visitors.
• To undertake rotational work within the department as / if required.

We are now in a position within our ICU to expand our assistant practitioner team and we are looking for highly motivated and caring individuals to join us. Our ICU is both exciting and supportive and you will have the opportunity to work as part of a highly skilled, dynamic and friendly team. If you are looking for a challenge and are eager to provide a high-quality service to patients, relatives and carers then this is the opportunity for you.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Primary Duties & Areas of Responsibility

Under the direct and indirect supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse you are responsible for:
Clinical

• Delivering a high standard of safe, compassionate healthcare, recognising and incorporating the specific needs of patients;
• Undertaking assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care, under indirect supervision of a Registered Practitioner;
• Utilising a problem solving approach to patient care;
• Promoting and delivering health education within the clinical area for patients and significant others;
• Engaging and interacting with patients and significant others to include them in decision making and care planning;
• Implementing and sharing good infection prevention and control practices;
• Adhering to Trust infection control, decontamination and cleanliness policies;
• Adhering to COSHH regulations;
• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of patients, significant others and visitors;
• Under the direct and indirect supervision and working in partnership with a Registered Practitioner and the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care to Level 0-3 patients within Intensive Care.
• To use computer and paper based systems to maintain accurate and timely records of care using appropriate documentation according to local, Trust and national standards.
• Under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Practitioner and in accordance with national, Trust and local policies operate highly complex, specialist medical equipment, to provide treatment to Intensive Care patients.
• Under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Practitioner prepare and administer selected medication as per local and Trust Policy to Support Administration of Selected Medications by Assistant Practitioners
• Under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Practitioner undertake point of care testing e.g. blood and urine tests.
• Adhere to national, Trust and local service guidelines regarding the moving, handling and positioning of patients as demonstrated in mandatory training sessions, to ensure the safety of self, patients, carers and colleagues. This will include the use of specialist equipment.
• Under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Practitioner refer relative’s and visitors’ enquiries to the appropriate members of the MDT so that information given is up to date, timely and consistent.
• Under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Practitioner engage and interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patient’s care planning as outlined in the unit philosophy.
• Under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Practitioner to provide advice and mentorship to HCSW’s, new registered nurses or any students or visitors to Intensive Care.
• Seeks assistance and reports problems promptly to ensure patient safety.
• Demonstrates recognition of his/her own limitations in the Intensive Care environment such that patient safety is maintained.