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Careers resource for Nursing Support Workforce

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Introduction

Welcome to this resource which aims to help you to understand the development and career opportunities available for the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ support workforce across health and social care. 

The Nursing Support Workforce encompasses a myriad of roles which include Healthcare Assistants, Health Care Support Workers, Assistant Practitioners and Nursing Associates (England Only) and many other ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ clinical support worker roles. Whilst the job titles differ, these essential roles play a crucial part in the delivery of health and care services, delivering clinical support and working alongside and collaboratively with registered nurses and as part of wider multidisciplinary team, which is critical to the delivery of high-quality care and excellent outcomes for patients.

Whether you would like to develop your knowledge and skills within a different setting or undertake a formal qualification to take on a role such as a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate (England only), an Assistant Practitioner or Registered Nurse, there are many different opportunities to enable you to provide safe, compassionate care to people.

Moving on


 

Introduction

Name: Dave

Job title: Mental Health Support Worker 

Setting: Mental Health Inpatient Ward

Dave has been a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ mental health support worker working on various wards in a Mental Health NHS Trust and has done this for 6 years. He has been keen to develop his knowledge and skills and has spoken to the Ward Manager and the Practice Development team about this. He has attended in-house study days but has not had the opportunity to develop his skills more formally.  

Goals and Needs: He would like to develop his knowledge and skills to be able to better support service users and the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ team. He feels he has a lot more to offer and has considered training to be a Registered Nurse (RN) in the past, however he is now aware of the new role of a Nursing Associate (NA) in England which bridges the gap between a mental health support worker and an RN. 

Monica Korpal - Nursing Associate case study

What is a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate

The role of Nursing Associate (NA) was introduced in England by the government and developed by Health Education England. The NA is a member of the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ team who is educated and trained to work with people of all ages and across all four fields of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ: adult, children, mental health, and learning disability.

The role is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and therefore there are set education and practice standards which must be achieved to become a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate. 

 

How do you make this change

Find out from your trust if you have any ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associates and go and speak to them about their role. 

To become a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate, you will need to undergo a 2-year apprenticeship programme, during which time you will be employed as a trainee ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate. Some universities will also offer this programme as a direct entry programme.

What do you need to do to become a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate

Having some experience in a health care role, such as health care assistant is essential for most employers, although not all.

The Care Certificate is a set of 15 standards that sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected if you are 'new to care'. It is ideal if you have completed this certificate before applying for a trainee ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate role. 

The admissions criteria for acceptance onto the Nursing Associate programme includes evidence of level 2 Maths and English skills. Evidence of a GCSE result at grade C (4) for Maths and English would be sufficient. If you do not have this, then you will be asked to sit a numeracy and literacy assessment as part of the recruitment process. Preparing for this assessment is recommended; your employer may provide support to help you with this. Most education providers will request that you then achieve a level 2 literacy and numeracy qualification before you start the programme.

For those coming from overseas, a successfully completed language test such as an achieving a minimum overall level of 7 (from 5 December 2018, although, a minimum overall level of 7 is required, a level 6.5 in writing will be accepted alongside a level 7 in reading, listening and speaking), or the Occupational English Test (OET) at level B. 

Education and training

The Nursing Associate programme is currently an apprenticeship, which means that you will be supported to undertake this by a healthcare employer. The programme is two years in length, which includes work-based learning, placements across different settings and a formal academic programme in an approved education institution.

Some universities will also offer this programme as a direct entry programme.

Personal characteristics

  • Ability to adapt to changing settings and situations
  • A strong work ethic
  • Compassion
  • Attention to detail
  • Quick thinking 
  • Strong communication skills
  • Technology savvy.

Where can I find out more


Where the role can lead

While many people wish to continue working in the role, some may wish to progress to be a Registered Nurse. 

Introduction

Pam - District nurse

Name: Davina

Job title: Community Support Worker

Setting: In the community

Davina is a community support worker and has been a community support worker for 18 years. She fell into a care support role when she was very young and has done a number of roles in hospital and community settings. She started working in care homes and then moved to the local NHS Trust.  She worked for two years on the orthopaedic ward before moving to endoscopy as a senior technician and health care assistant. She never wanted to be a Registered Nurse (RN) so looking at the different roles available she has decided to become an Assistant Practitioner (AP) as she is keen to develop her skills.

Goals and Needs: Davina feels she has a wealth of experience and expertise and a very good knowledge base to build on. She enjoys responsibility and knows that in the community setting she will have an opportunity to work more independently, albeit with registered nurses. Davina likes working in a team.

What is an assistant practitioner

Assistant practitioners are a growing part of the health care workforce. Sometimes known as associate practitioners, they take on more responsibilities than healthcare assistants, under the delegation of registered colleagues in a range of different settings.

Assistant practitioners are a highly valued and skilled support role that 'bridges the gap' in many different specialties and may work in a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ or a therapy role.

All assistant practitioners work within defined local policies and parameters and are accountable for their practice, to their employer, patients and the law.

How do you make this change

Taking on opportunities to develop and courses to undertake. For example, NVQ level 3 in Health, NVQ Assessor award; level 3 PTLLS teaching qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). Any continuous professional development (CPD) that enhances the role and builds knowledge and understanding.

What do you need to do to become an assistant practitioner

Speak to other assistant practitioners and to your line manager about development opportunities. Don’t be frightened to ask employers to support further training and education as it benefits the patients.

Education and training

Maths and English at either GCSE grade C and above or at Level 2 and a minimum of NVQ Level 3 in a health related subject to be accepted on to practice.

Now education and training is through completion of one of the following routes:

  • a BTEC Higher National Diploma or Higher Education Diploma, gained through part-time study
  • a foundation degree (SCQF Level 8), gained through part-time study delivered by Higher Education Institutions or Further Education Colleges

Assistant practitioners usually follow a therapy or ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ training pathway and undertake a level 5 two-year foundation degree in health or social care, which may be available as an apprenticeship programme.

Assistant practitioners maintain a portfolio, complete competencies, written exams, referenced essays and presentations as part of their education and training.

Personal characteristics

Empathy, patience, understanding, strength to commit to studying and working fulltime and passion for the role and patient care.

Where the role can lead

Assistant practitioners may be able to use their previous academic and experiential learning (a process called accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL)) from any of the above level 5 academic qualifications into the 2nd year of a Registered Nurse BSc programme.

In practice progression can lead to roles in education, governance, research or different clinical areas.

Introduction

Woman 10

Name: Kulwhinder

Job title: Nursing Associate (NA) - England only

Setting: St. Bartholomew’s Nursing and Residential Home

Kulwhinder is enjoying her new role as a Nursing Associate (NA) in a care home. She moved from a health care assistant role into the NA role by completing the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate foundation degree through her local university, sponsored by her care home employer.

The ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate is an England only role at the moment. This role was introduced by the government and developed by Health Education England. The NA is a member of the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ team who is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and is educated and trained to a set of education and practice standards. They can work with people of all ages and across all four fields of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ: adult, children, mental health, and learning disability.

Kulwhinder has gradually taken on more of a leadership role. She works permanent nights and, since becoming a registered NA, has been taking charge of the whole floor, with the registered nurse on another floor that she is working under the responsibility of.

Goals and Needs: Kulwhinder would really like to complete her registered nurse degree taking the apprenticeship route. Her employers are supportive of this.

Jenny Hiorns - Registered Nurse (RN) case study

What is a registered nurse

Registered Nurses work as part of a team and provide care for adults and children with physical or mental ill health. The RN can work in a multitude of settings – hospital, general practice, a range of community settings and care homes, to name a few.

The job can vary from helping someone learn basic daily tasks to administering life-saving drugs. Whichever area of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ you work in, you’ll be assessing, diagnosing, planning and evaluating treatment.

How do you make this change

  • Speak to local colleges and education providers, schools, universities. Speak to your employer and ask what support they may be able to offer you.
  • Read about the differences between doing a full-time ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ degree and completing the degree via an apprenticeship route. Use the to get a list of universities approved to run degree programmes in ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ.
  • Have a look at the . 

What do you need to do to become a registered nurse

  • The traditional route is to take an approved full-time university pre-registration degree in ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ. Additional routes are being developed in England, including ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ degree apprenticeships.
  • In England the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ associate role would enable you to gain experience and then complete the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ degree apprenticeship over a shorter period.
  • Once you have completed the Nursing degree programme or degree apprenticeship, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council before you can practise.

Education and training

All ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ degrees consist of academic study and practice learning placements relevant to the chosen field. There are four fields of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ (adult, Child, Mental health and learning disability). If, for example, you choose to go into mental health ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ, the practice learning placements will be mainly be concentrated in that environment and will focus on patients with mental health problems.

However, certain aspects of training will be common to all fields of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ, and there will often be opportunities to study alongside students on other healthcare courses.

All applicants must be numerate, of good character and health and, above all, be passionate about providing compassionate care to patients. Undergraduate degrees are available on a full-time and part-time basis.

Personal characteristics

  • Able to and enjoy working in teams
  • Recognising and acknowledging others views
  • Communicating effectively
  • Listening
  • Networking
  • Influencing and persuading
  • Personal awareness
  • Professionalism
  • Confidentiality
  • Accountability
  • Honesty and trust
  • Compassion
  • Acting as an ambassador

Where can I find out more


Where the role can lead

Nursing is a wonderful career. You can work in any of the pillars of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ: clinical, education, research and leading and managing.

Introduction

Gerald - ANPName: Philip

Job title: Health Care Assistant

Setting: Long stay forensic unit

Philip has loved working as a support worker and enjoys getting to know the patients. He is always driven to make things work for them and for team. He has gradually taken on more additional duties and is feeling that there is more that he can do if he trains to become a registered nurse.

Goals and Needs: Philip wants more opportunity for leadership and planning his patients care pathways. He feels ready to make the step to become a registered nurse. His employers are supportive of this.

What is a registered nurse

Registered Nurses work as part of a team and provide care for adults and children with physical or mental ill health. Nurses work in a multitude of settings – hospital, general practice, a range of community settings and care homes, to name a few.

The main role of a Registered Nurse in Mental Health is to build therapeutic relationships with patients/service users, develop care plans with them and support them through a difficult time by empowering them and enabling them to take control over their health.

How do you make this change

Follow your passion for your work by undertaking opportunities to take on other aspects of work (for example audits) and take as much initiative as it is possible. You may be fortunate enough to be sponsored by your employer to study via the apprenticeship route.

For the duration of the training as an apprentice you will receive pay and time counting towards continuous service.

What do you need to do to become a registered mental health nurse

There are academic requirements. The ability to analyse complex information, bring together multiple sources, make a coherent argument and develop a plan in collaboration with nurses and other health care professionals and with service users and carers.

There are many important technical and softer communication skills to develop such as assessment and understanding technology; developing the human aspect, listening, empathy and compassion. These are skills that are learnt from behaviour modelled by mentors and peers.

Education and training

Universities are really good at supporting students in how to study at degree level; there are many resources available to support all students no matter how long ago people undertook formal learning.

Nursing students spend time both in university and in practice, the academic work and learning on placement both bring challenge. You will be supported and learn from mentors and supervisors.

Training doesn’t end on graduation; it is an ongoing part of professional development.

Personal characteristics

Listening is one of the most important personal characteristics, followed and supported by natural curiosity. There’s a real need for advocacy in mental health as well; nurses need to advocate for those who are vulnerable, in crisis, have complex health and social needs.

Where can I find out more


Where the role can lead

Nursing is a wonderful career. You can work in any of the pillars of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ: clinical, education, research and leading and managing.

Introduction

Woman 1Name: Tracey

Job title: Healthcare Support Worker

Setting: CAMHS Learning Disability Service

During Tracey's time as a health care support worker, she studied part time to complete a Post Graduate diploma in Learning Disabilities. This really increased her awareness of the inequality, stigma and discrimination that people with learning disabilities experienced and her determination to address those inequalities.

Goals and Needs: Now that Tracey's two children are now both of school age, she is planning to go back of university as a widening access student to train as a Registered Nurse Learning Disability (RNLD).

Ian Unitt - Registered Learning Disability Nurse case study

What is a RNLD

The role of the RNLD involves responding to the needs of individuals with learning disabilities, their families and carers with evidence based interventions necessitating creativity, flexibility, and a commitment to promote the empowerment of people with learning disabilities.

While the work of a Learning Disability Nurse can vary greatly depending on the role it is always based on strong values; human rights; equality and inclusion; person centredness; partnership and respect. And of course the 6 Cs; care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment.

How do you make this change

By working at 3 levels;

  • Specialist individualised interventions to effectively identify and meet health needs;
  • Reducing health inequalities through multi-disciplinary working to ensure the implementation of reasonable adjustments
  • Engaging strategically to promote improved health outcomes for people with learning disabilities, address inequalities and improve access to general health services.

What do you need to do to become a RNLD

Have courage, determination, compassion, empathy and joie de vivre!

Education and training

It keeps on going… qualifying as a Learning Disability Nurse is the beginning of life long education and learning. What a privilege!

Personal characteristics

Tracey met so many Learning Disability Nurses, all individuals, with different personality traits and characteristics. But they all have in common their strong value base, dedication and passion to work alongside people with learning disabilities to improve outcomes and address inequalities.

Where the role can lead

Learning disability nurses are found in many positions, with many opportunities available to them. The best is the opportunity to make a real and positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.

Introduction

Man 5Name: Jonathon 

Job title: Health Care Assistant

Setting: Acute care

After serving 8 years in the Armed Forces in various operations overseas and in the UK, I started struggling with both PTSD and depression. I had just left a job I loved, working in a community care setting specialising in Dementia and Alzheimer's. I wanted to get back on my feet, increase my self-confidence, social skills and simply give something back to the NHS at the same time. Volunteering gave me this fantastic opportunity that was to turn my life around.


How do you make this change

As a volunteer on a Trauma/Orthopaedic ward, I was able to work closely alongside the clinical staff. This gave me a fantastic insight into life on the wards and a great deal of admiration of the hard work and commitment I saw on a daily basis. Over time my confidence grew along with my will to be a part of the team. I then set out to accumulate the minimum of 6 months and 50 hours of volunteering that guarantees an interview for bank nurse HCA.

 

What do you need to do to become a health care assistant

After being successful at interview, I started working on many of the different wards to gain more experience and a better understanding of the Trust. I had the pleasure of working on Orthopaedics, Stroke, Frailty, Cardiology and surgical wards. Eventually, I decided to try A&E and instantly bonded with this department. I've honestly never worked as hard in my life, but everyone was so helpful and kind. I knew then this was the place for me, finally after such a long time I felt like I finally belonged, and I had found my place in the NHS. After 6 months I was offered a full-time position and I have now been there nearly 3 years.

Education and training

During my time on A&E, I have gained my Care Certificate which is now mandatory. I have also been extensively trained in many different areas such as:

  • cannulation and venepuncture, equality and diversity
  • VBG (variable blood gases), ANTT (aseptic non touch)
  • sepsis screening, information governance
  • BSL (basic life support), resuscitation quality improvement
  • bladder scanning, infection prevention and control.

Personal characteristics

Since working for the trust, I have had the privilege of looking after many vulnerable people in their hour of need. Sometimes just a friendly smile, a respectful approach and simply holding their hand can put them at ease. Listening to a patient can expel any anxieties they may have and help them feel valued and cared about. A lot of these characteristics are very basic but go a long way to providing person centred care. Most importantly, the trust's 5 star patient care and values have become the foundation of this award winning trust - that we as health care professionals strive to model ourselves on and ensure we remain the hospital of choice in the North West for many years to come.

Where can I find out more

You can find out more simply by visiting your local trust website, NHS jobs, or by contacting them directly.

Where the role can lead

Working within the trust has led me to so many opportunities. The sky is truly the limit if you have the vision, drive, determination and love for the job. Many of the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ staff and seniors I work with have started their NHS journey as volunteers, cleaners, caterers, porters, receptionists. My journey I feel has only just begun. Recently through the support of my managers I have secured a place to study my Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker. On completion I will be able to apply to study Adult Nursing. After that I wish to re-join my A&E family in blue scrubs, rather than grey. The rest, who knows?

Change care setting

Introduction

Woman 9

Name: Kaitia

Job title: Clinical Support Worker

Setting: In a hospital

Kaitia is a Clinical Support Worker in the Oncology department at her local hospital. She has been working in this role for a number of years in different departments. She has experienced caring for a relative with cancer and found the experience very harrowing. It has prompted her to think carefully about what she wants from work. She saw the way services worked for her relative and felt it could improve. She read about the role of care navigator and feels this would be an interesting role and a role that would help patients and their relatives.

Goals and Needs: Kaitia recognises the benefits of working in a team. She enjoys being part of a multi-professional team and feels she is a good team player.  She would like a role that she and other people regard as valuable. She doesn’t want to train to be in another role or be a Registered Nurse.

Sharon Cox - Cancer navigator case study

What is a cancer navigator

The role varies depending on who employs them but here are a few things a care navigator does to make the difference in the experience of care that patients received:

  • Explaining and demystifying the jargon to patients
  • Making sure that care and support is appropriate
  • Personalised advice can save time and anxiety
  • Ensuring the right care is being accessed. This includes for someone who is due to be discharged from hospital or living at home and just needs a little support and advice.
  • Help to plan ahead and use help to stay as independent as possible.  Not wanting or needing care just now but would like to know what services there are available to help you stay at home and independent for as long as possible.
  • Following the loss of a love one. It can come as a shock to family following a bereavement just how much the person who has passed was doing for their partner or spouse and it is clear that some help needs to be put into place.

How do you make this change

There are many ways you can get experience of working within a particular team focusing and the best way would be to talk to the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) teams and shadow them in their role for valuable work experience.   Find out if there is a Care Navigator in post and speak to them about their role and arrange time to shadow them.  Care Navigators are a really friendly bunch who are only too willing to share their knowledge and experience.

Gain an understanding of the role of the CNS as Care Navigators work very closely with them and it is useful to know how you to best support them.  Identify any transferable skills you can bring to the role. Take a look at the Macmillan websites which has some valuable information on different cancer types.

 

What do you need to do to become a Care Navigator

Seek courses or modules that cover the essential knowledge and skills to work as a Care Navigator such as The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) Introduction to Medical Terminology and/or Health Service Administration. Once in post, offer some excellent courses such as Advanced Communication courses and the Recovery Package and Motivational Interviewing.

Education and training

  • The Care Certificate
  • RCN Introduction to leadership programme
  • GCSE A-C grade in English or equivalent
  • RSA III is helpful as is The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) or equivalent secretarial experience and European Computer Driving License (ECDL) or proven equivalent experience in Microsoft Office (MS) Package, email and internet browsers

Personal characteristics

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with an effective and courteous telephone manner
  • Able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy
  • Ability to contribute to team and be a part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
  • Ability to deal with people who are distressed but work within own scope of practice.
  • Able to negotiate with other teams to ensure an effective journey for patients throughout the organisation.
  • Analytical skills & problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and exercise judgement when dealing with inquiries.
  • Flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the service.
  • Ability to work without supervision and use own initiative.
  • Ability to concentrate even with frequent interruptions and unpredictable working pattern
  • Effective in managing own time
  • Ability to prioritise; to be organised and flexible.
  • Able to effectively accommodate adhoc demands to existing workload
  • Neat, tidy and able to portray a professional image

Where the role can lead

A ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ career or possibly operational management or an education role.

Introduction

Woman 5

Name: Lowri

Job title: Health Care Support Worker

Setting: Community - Special Needs School

Lowri is a band 3 healthcare support worker who has worked with children and adults of all abilities and health needs over the last 12 years. She started working in a private nursery and then moved onto domiciliary care with children and adults with additional health needs. This led to a move into the Children’s Community Nursing Team with children and young people who have learning disabilities and complex health needs. Lowri wants to work in a special needs school as she feels the skills and knowledge developed will stand her in good stead.  

Goals and Needs: Lowri wants to work in the school fulltime in order to use her skills on a daily basis and with a more diverse range of children than experienced on a one to one basis in the child’s home. She feels she has a lot of experience and knowledge and wants to build on this learning new skills and gain more experience. She also wants the opportunity to increasing levels of responsibility.

What is a special needs health care support worker?

HCSW’s (Health Care Support Workers)  are the biggest part of the workforce within the Community Children’s Nursing Team and take on a lot of responsibility that is directed by the Registered Nurses and management. On occasions the more senior HCSW’s take on the role of delegation to junior staff and also student nurses.

All HCSW's work under the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and are accountable for their actions. Within this specialist area they may provide enteral feeding, daily medication to named children, suctioning, oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, recognising and monitoring the signs of seizures, changing ileostomy bags, venepuncture, Electrocardiogram’s (E.C.G’s) along with the daily monitoring of the children’s health.

HCSW’s in this specialised area are also responsible for multiagency working with other health professionals and the staff in the schools to ensure high standard of care and that everyone is kept informed of changes.  

How do you make this change

Completing the NVQ level 3 in health and social care or childcare.

Previous experience in healthcare.

Taking on any courses and opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the job.

Gaining experience of working with children. 

What do you need to do to work as a HCSW in a Special School

Seek opportunities to work with children and young people and if possible, those with additional needs. Speak with other HCSW’s who may work within a continuing healthcare environment to see what experience may be needed. If not able to, then other HCSW’s or registered nurses who work within health and care will be able to give you some information or answer questions.

Reading up on the role is very important and researching different diagnosis and health conditions. Speak to colleges to see what courses they have and to see if they would be beneficial to the job role.

Education and training

Maths and English at GCSE C and above and NVQ level 3 in health and social care or childcare.

In Wales, there may be the opportunity to complete the Certificate of Higher Education in Health Care Nursing Support Worker. 

All other training is then done within the job. HCSW’s have their individual training records with mandatory and statutory training needed on an annual basis and is their responsibility to maintain this. HCSW’s in this specialised area have annual training for Enteral feeding, medication, suctioning, oxygen, tracheostomy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Following this a registered nurse  must sign them off as competent to undertake these skills in practice. 

Personal characteristics

Patient, empathetic, understanding, sympathetic, team worker but also have the ability to work on your own, good communications skills, ability to adapt in situations, passion for the job and to provide the highest standard of acre to the children and their parents, good record keeping.

Where can I find out more

Where the role can lead

Can use the caring experience to do the Certificate of Higher Education in Health Care Nursing Support Worker Education. It can lead to the BSc (Hons) Nursing degree.

The experience from this role can be transferred to adult continuing healthcare or onto the adult wards and the Assistant Practitioner (AP) role.

Man 3Name: Kevin

Job title: Associate Practitioner

Setting: Community and ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ homes

Kevin decided that he wanted to change from his previous role as a chef to work in a ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ field after caring for both of his parents who were poorly. He worked as a Health Care Support Worker in Mental Health initially, then moved to gain experience with older people with long term conditions. Kevin now works in a community setting as an Associate Practitioner. Having gained a great deal of experience over many years, he wanted to use his knowledge to benefit his patients in every possible way, providing the right care at the right time in the right place.


He enjoys the variety that his work offers and feels valued by his colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team.

Kevin Morely - Associate practitioner case study

What is an Associate Practitioner

An Associate Practitioner, also known as an Assistant Practitioner, is a role with more responsibility than that of a health care assistant or support worker, but also has work often delegated and overseen by a registered nurse or other registered practitioner.

Associate practitioners work within defined local policies and parameters and are accountable for their practice, to their employer, their patients and the law.

Kevin’s role involves working with the community ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ team and the community specialist nurse practitioners (CSNP) within the community and ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ homes. He provides care to people where they live, including supporting them to wash and dress, doing wound dressings and helping them to manage their diabetes. He also liaises with hospital teams to support the prevention of hospital admissions wherever possible.

How do you make this change

Kevin knew that he would have to undertake additional education and training to achieve his goal to become an Associate Practitioner. He successfully completed NVQ level 2 and 3 in health and social care. Kevin is always keen to undertake courses offered by his employer over and above the mandatory training.

Kevin undertook the RCN First Steps programme which he found to be a very useful grounding to the further education that he undertook

To become an Associate Practitioner Kevin undertook a foundation degree at a higher education institution which took 2 years to complete.

What do you need to do to become an Associate Practitioner

Kevin spent time talking to colleagues already in the role and his managers about his prospects of moving into this particular role within the organisation. He spoke to the education team about the education he would need to help him to achieve this role. He researched the role on the  and also spoke to human resources in his organisation.

By doing this, he learned what opportunities were available to him and what additional education he would need to compliment his experience and meet the essential criteria for a future position.

From there, he was able to make a plan and set goals to achieve his ambition.

What does leadership mean to you?

As an Associate Practitioner, Kevin leads the delivery of care for some of his patients. He has the knowledge, experience and confidence to mentor new and junior staff, supporting and guiding them in their roles. Kevin has grown in confidence and feels able to share ideas with the whole team, and to put them into practice within the scope of his role.

Education and training

Maths and English at either GCSE grade C/4 and above and a minimum of NVQ Level 3 in a health related subject to be accepted on to practice.

There are 2 education routes to becoming an Associate Practitioner:

  • a foundation degree (SCQF Level 8), delivered by higher education institutions or further education colleges
  • a foundation degree apprenticeship (in England), gained by working and learning at the same time.

Trainee Associate Practitioners maintain a portfolio, complete competencies, written exams, academic essays and give presentations as part of their education and training.

Personal characteristics

Kevin prides himself on being professional at all times and a bit of a perfectionist. He likes meeting and engaging with lots of different people and considers himself to be a real team player. He also loves to sing and have a laugh with his patients. He finds this to be beneficial to those he works with.

Where the role can lead

Associate Practitioners can undertake further study to become a Registered Nurse. Using their previous academic and experiential learning (a process called accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL)) from any of the above level 5 academic qualifications to undertake a shortened Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.

Associate Practitioners can work roles related to education, governance, research or different clinical areas.

Education

Introduction

Woman 8Name: Agnieszka

Job title: Assistant Practitioner (AP) and Health Care Support Workers (HCSW) training lead

Setting: General practice setting

Agnieszka is a part time assistant practitioner (AP) in general practice. She is also the Health Care Support Workers (HCSW) training lead a group of GP Practices and delivers the regional Health Care Assistant course which incorporates the Care Certificate. The STEP programme is a blended learning programme, which is a combination of learning at a distance and in a classroom. Students have a timetable where they will attend workshops and for the remaining learning requirements, can complete the e-learning outcomes within the agreed time span.

Goals and Needs: Agnieszka feels she has a wealth of experience and expertise and a very good knowledge base to build on. She enjoys responsibility and knows that in the general practice setting and in her teaching role she can work more independently. She likes working in a team. 

Tracey Hartley-Smith - Clinical education case study

What is an Assistant Practitioner (AP) teacher

The main responsibilities for an AP or NSW in a teaching role is to ensure that Health Care Support Workers achieve outstanding progress throughout the course. This is accomplished by careful planning, teaching and class management. They will be involved in the designing and delivering of teaching materials and use of appropriate teaching and assessment methods. They are also responsible for making sure that teaching plans are regularly reviewed and refreshed.

The teaching consists of independent learning and taught workshop sessions that are devised to challenge thinking, foster debate and develop the ability of students to engage in critical discussion and rationale thinking and of course, to be fun!

Teachers need to be aware of and make provision for Health Care Support Workers who have different learning styles and needs. All students need support as and when needed via face to face meeting, telephone or emails. Throughout the course students will undertake workplace activities and competencies which need to be signed off by their workplace mentor. They will liaise with the mentors to ensure understanding of their responsibilities.

Teachers contribute to setting assignments, marking all activities and ensuring all students are given feedback every step of the way. Once the portfolios have been completed, they will check that the student has achieved the learning outcomes, aims and objectives of the course and award before the portfolios are submitted for internal and external verification. During this period, teachers will liaise with examination bodies to arrange inspection dates, and once the students have their achievement confirmed by the awarding body it is their responsibility to ensure the certificates are sent to the students.

How do you make this change

To move into this role, you could make contact with the local Human Resources (HR) department or your line manager to express an interest. If you do not currently have a teaching post in your setting, then identify where there is a training need that you feel would be an appropriate topic for you to teach. Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.  Most people interested in teaching and learning come upon this role by chance.

Speak to registered nurse colleagues who lead, for example the Practice Nurse Advisor as they will need the support of an AP or HCSW advisor. Find opportunities to contribute and look for the support and encouragement from colleagues.

You will need a passion for teaching!   

What do you need to do to become an AP teacher

To become an AP teacher, you will need the capability to work independently, be able to multitask and to work under pressure. You will have to prioritise and meet deadlines. You will need the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new structures and procedures.  Passion for innovation and continuous improvement with a willingness to embrace change is essential.

Your ability to develop practical solutions to problems and a commitment to take a hands-on approach is vital. You should be able to demonstrate assertiveness resilience, accountability. and have a good knowledge of tutors’ professional duties and legal responsibilities.

Education and training

For this level of practice, you will certainly need one of the following:

  • a BTEC Higher National Diploma or Higher Education Diploma
  • a foundation degree (SCQF Level 8)   

It is also useful to have or be prepared to undertake one of the following:

  • a nationally recognised award in education and training
  • NVQ level 3 Assessor award
  • Level 3 Award in Education and Training

Several organisations you may do some teaching for run Train the Trainer courses that help to familiarise you with the programme you will be delivering. It is very important to understand the fundamentals of training and develop knowledge of the key concepts in practical training. Successfully completing one of these qualifications will provide a fundamental understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a teacher/trainer in relation to legislation, equality, diversity, inclusivity and meeting the needs of learners.

Also being able to structure learning, plan and deliver sessions, using appropriate resources and teaching methods. You should also be able to identify the characteristics of effective assessment and feedback. 

Personal characteristics

You will need some essential personal skills to become an AP or NSW teacher/trainer. You must have a passion for learning and teaching and strive for high quality safe and effective patient care.  You should be enthusiastic about the course you are teaching and encourage students to share the same passion.

Leadership is important. A good teacher leads by example and has the ability to lead and guide the students and manage a number of personalities as well as being sensitive to different points of views.

You will need exceptional organisational skills and must have remarkable communication abilities and a good sense of humour too!

Where can I find out more

Start by researching what happens with HCA teaching provision in your setting. Contact your HR department and ask about possible opportunities and express an interest that you would like to develop your career as a teacher. Ask other teachers for their help and advice and see if they can signpost you in the right direction. Be prepared-find out where you can access a train the trainer course.

Where the role can lead

Further develop your teaching role by undertaking a level 4 award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.

This award provides the knowledge and skills to effectively quality assure vocational based qualifications. It means that as the teaching team grows, the principles and practices of internal quality assurance techniques and criteria for the monitoring the quality of assessment of other teachers in our team are enhanced.

Research

Introduction

Man 1Name: Cammile

Job title: Health care assistant 

Setting: In a hospital

Cammile is a support worker on a colorectal ward of the local university hospital trust. He started this work to get an idea of working in the NHS and see what he would like to do in terms of his career.

Goals and Needs: Cammile likes to be organised. He is interested in why diseases happen and the best ways of treating them as well as preventing them. He is really keen to work in an environment where he has time to read and act on what is good practice.

What is a research practitioner

A research practitioner is a highly skilled individual who works in clinical research delivery in a patient facing setting. This individual will undertake a number of roles to facilitate clinical research including but not limited to recruitment of study participants, patient observations, venepuncture, data capture as well as liaising with external stakeholders to deliver clinical research both safely and effectively.

Currently, it is an unregistered role however, the National Institute of Health Research and Academy for Healthcare Science are collaborating for clinical research practitioners to be a professionally accredited role.

How do you make this change

Email the local research team at your local NHS trust and ask for an insight day. Speak with your line manager and ask for support to do this. Speak to research staff who come into the ward  area. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What do you need to do to become a research practitioner

Experience:

  • Camille worked as a Health Care Assistant for ten months in a colorectal ward in Nottingham University Hospitals to get an insight in working in the NHS.
  • He is currently a Research Practitioner in Oncology. He has been in the role for 2 years.
  • Camille is a member of the Research Practitioners forum/network in Nottingham, working in collaboration with National Institute for Health Research looking to get an accredited qualification for research practitioners. This involves meeting every other month, mapping skills and competencies to be standardised.

Education and training

  • Good level of education is required although diploma/degree isn’t always necessary.
  • Most of the training is done on the job, such as good clinical practice and informed consent.
  • It does help if you have some basic laboratory experience although training be done on the job for this.

The following once in role:

  • Informed consent training
  • Good clinical practice training (1 day training – online/classroom, run by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), updated every 2 years)
  • Future Learn Course (online) on Improving Health Care through Research
  • Multi-professional education meetings in oncology – learning about different treatments, clinical updates
  • Developing skills in leadership and project management through the Research Practitioner Forum/Network

Personal characteristics

  • Friendly, confident and approachable.
  • In-depth understanding of the research processes (through higher education and experience)
  • Good communication skills
  • A range of clinical skills (vital signs, venepuncture & cannulation – can be learned on the job, ECGs – can be learned on the job, depending on the need of service)
  • Keeping in touch with others in the same role. This can involve meetings every other month, mapping skills and competencies to be standardised.
  • You need to have good organisation and time management skills as you will be expected to manage your own workload.
  • You need to be good with computers as you will be have to use a number of different computer systems.

Where the role can lead

This role can lead to higher level posts within clinical research. As the accredited registration comes into force, hopefully this will lead to better standardisation and clearer routes for progression.

Page last updated - 25/03/2023