Job Description

We are looking for Apprentice Nursing Associate apprentices who are interested progressing into a career in Nursing. Successful applicants will be offered a full time salary and the opportunity to work within our acute healthcare setting, whilst combining training with academic learning to achieve a Foundation Degree Qualification and NMC registration as a Nursing Associate.
The apprenticeship programme is structured and it will give apprentices experience in a wide variety of placements across the breadth of health and social care and various organisations.
The academic aspect of the course will be provided by the University of Suffolk. The university tuition costs for the programme are fully funded by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Trainees will be employed on a 2 year fixed term contract to complete the apprenticeship programme.
Following successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, the post holder might be offered a full time Band 4 position at Bedfordshire Hospitals, subject to available positions at the time.
We will be offering Health Care Assistant (Band 3) posts in the first instance to applicants who do not have care, acute, or hospital experience as this will provide the suitable applicant relevant experience prior to the apprenticeship start date.
The Trust reserve the right to determine when successful applicants are ready to join the apprenticeship programme.
Main duties of the job
The training programme emphasises the role that apprentices can play in life course (pre-conception to end of life). Some of the duties will include:
o Proving personal care for patientso Undertaking clinical tasks including venepuncture and ECGso supporting individuals and their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoseso Performing and recording clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulseo Discussing and sharing information with registered nurses on a patients' condition, behaviour, activity and responses o Ensuring the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all timeso Recognising issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.
Details
Date posted
24 May 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
xc2xa324,071 to xc2xa325,674 a year pa
Contract
Apprenticeship
Duration
24 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
418-PET-044-HC
Job locations
Bedford & Luton
Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ
Job description
Job responsibilities

• Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management and evaluation of care
• Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing person-centred care and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate
• Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse
• Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs
• Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake
• Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
• Report back and share information with the registered nurses 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
• 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
• Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities
• Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff
• Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security
• Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activity

Requirements:

• Level 2 Functional/Key Skills in English and Maths or GCSE English Language & Maths at Grade A-C /4-9 (Proof of qualifications will be required if shortlisted for interview)
• The ability to study at Diploma level and a commitment to complete a Foundation Degree Apprenticeship
• The applicant will have a Care certificate or be expected to obtain one prior to the apprenticeship start date
• 3-month first review during probationary period will need to be successfully completed and signed off by the ward manage

Under the supporting information section on the application form, please ensure that you provide a detailed summary on how you meet the above criteria.
Minimum 3 years UK eligibility Essential
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this post
Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be expected to attend our recruitment event on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Job description
Job responsibilities

• Develop understanding of all elements of the nursing process and be able to assist the registered nurse in the on-going assessment, planning, management and evaluation of care
• Support individuals with all aspects of care including daily living, providing person-centred care and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate
• Perform and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations, pulse
• Undertake clinical tasks including cannulation, venepuncture, ECGs
• Accurately record nutritional and fluid intake
• Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
• Report back and share information with the registered nurses 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
• 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
• Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities
• Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff
• Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security
• Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activity

Requirements:

• Level 2 Functional/Key Skills in English and Maths or GCSE English Language & Maths at Grade A-C /4-9 (Proof of qualifications will be required if shortlisted for interview)
• The ability to study at Diploma level and a commitment to complete a Foundation Degree Apprenticeship
• The applicant will have a Care certificate or be expected to obtain one prior to the apprenticeship start date
• 3-month first review during probationary period will need to be successfully completed and signed off by the ward manage

Under the supporting information section on the application form, please ensure that you provide a detailed summary on how you meet the above criteria.
Minimum 3 years UK eligibility Essential
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this post
Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be expected to attend our recruitment event on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Level 2 Functional/Key Skills in English and Maths or GCSE English Language & Maths at Grade A-C /4-9 and relevant recent care experience working within healthcare

Knowledge
Desirable

• Relevant, recent care experience working within healthcare

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Level 2 Functional/Key Skills in English and Maths or GCSE English Language & Maths at Grade A-C /4-9 and relevant recent care experience working within healthcare

Knowledge
Desirable

• Relevant, recent care experience working within healthcare

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of the scope of the role of the Nursing Associate in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development