Assistant Practitioner​/Nursing Associate- Day Surgery Unit; DSU

An Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate post on the Day Surgery Unit at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. The role gives direct care to patients attending day surgery, working under a Registered Nurse and taking on pre-operative assessment and nurse-led discharge for patients judged suitable. The unit runs Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 21:00 on varying shifts, so late and varied hours are part of the job.

Qualified AP/NA status through a 24-month foundation degree is essential to apply.

• Deliver direct care to patients attending the Day Surgery Unit under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Carry out pre-operative assessment on patients designated suitable for AP/NA work
• Provide nurse-led discharge for patients designated suitable, supporting timely discharge home
• Support registered staff on the ward area to achieve the best patient outcomes
• Support band 3 members of the team
• Work within Trust policy, protocols and standard operating procedures
• Undertake only activities delegated by the Registered Nurse, within demonstrated competence
• Uphold high standards of patient care in a safe, welcoming and compassionate environment

• Qualified AP/NA through a 24-month degree foundation course

• NMC registration as a Nursing Associate

• Customer care experience
• Recent surgical experience, pre-op and post-op, at Band 3 or 4 on a ward area and in pre-assessment

• Knowledge of policies, procedures and health and safety for handling blood and body fluids
• Moving and manual handling skills
• Ability to prioritise workloads
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently with minimal supervision
• Commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with others
• Caring and friendly attitude

• Experience as an AP/NA in day surgery
• Completed ECG training
• Completed venepuncture training
• Experience of performing MRSA screening

• Continuous learning opportunities and further training to develop skills and grow in role