Health Care Assistant
Health Care Assistants (HCAs) are often described as the bedrock of the nursing service. They deliver care in every imaginable setting, and are invariably the people who deliver the majority of hands-on nursing care, so are very much part of the nursing team. You don’t need any formal qualifications or training to apply for HCA posts at NNUH however some relevant care experience, such as volunteering, can be really helpful. All HCA’s joining our team receive a full induction and are supported as they achieve the care certificate.
Health Care Assistants (HCAs) are a vital part of the hospital structure.
Although we are always looking for experienced HCA’s and people with care experience, you don’t need any formal qualifications or training to apply for our HCA, in fact a friendly and helpful manner is one of the most important aspects of this role as you will be spending most of your time directly caring for patients and assisting other medical staff in their duties.
We offer a full and comprehensive training course for all Health Care Assistants who join us, this runs for 2 weeks and is a mixture of classroom and ward based learning.
Working as a HCA on our staff bank offers flexibility of shifts and gives you the opportunity to work in many of our ward and outpatient departments offering the chance to experience life across the whole hospital. It is easy to book shifts either online or in person at our dedicated booking desk.
Additionally, we are offering increased supernumerary shifts/support for our bank HCAs. You can also access your bank shift pay instantly with Wagestream either through the App or this link.
What you can learn as a Health Care Assistant.
You can learn many valuable skills working as an HCA, with our internal training team making sure that you are up to speed with all you need to know, as well as regular refresher sessions that are held to get you up to speed with all you need to know to give the best patient care and experience possible.
We have a specialised team who provide a two week induction for all HCA trainers
“We provide all new Health Care Support Workers joining the NNUH with a 2 week induction programme. The aim of the induction is to provide thorough preparation for clinical practice and introduction of the Care Certificate (nationally agreed set of 15 standards that define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific roles within in health and social care sectors). The induction incorporates taught sessions from the Practice Development team as well as Clinical teams from across the Trust, we also include some simulation training, group exercises and discussion. Further parts of the induction include clinical placement in your contracted area, e-learning and feedback/reflection session to discuss potential next steps for career development.” – Judith Ditton, HCA programme lead
Additionally, we also provide a variety of training sessions and refresher courses designed to enhance learning and support additional development.
Key staff.
Jude Ditton – HCA Programme lead.
Natasha Adams – Lead Clinical Educator for Healthcare Assistants in Surgery.
Current available vacancies.
Healthcare Assistant (Adult): Help provide care to surgical patients during their peri-operative period by assisting the multidisciplinary team. To find out more, click here.
Bank Healthcare Assistant (Nursing/Midwife/Medical/Paramedic Students): Gain experience within a wide range of inpatient and outpatient specialties while working with acutely unwell patients and assisting with both care and recording responsibilities. Working flexibly on the Bank is a great way to work extra hours or in different areas in the hospital. To find out more, click here.
Staff Benefits.
As a member of our NNUH team, you are entitled to utilise our wide range of helpful benefits that can be found on our Staff Benefits Page.
We now offer all HCSWs Pastoral Support from bespoke HCSW teams across the Trust, with particular focus on new starters. Our aim is to provide holistic input and focus on well being as well as training and development needs. During the initial few weeks of joining the Trust there will be input from the pastoral support teams to help orientate you into your new role, offering clinical support as well assisting you with your training and development. We aim to offer practical help in achieving the Care Certificate within the initial 12 weeks of practice, then assist with signposting for future career aspirations.
As a part of “Our Hospital for All “campaign we have four different staff groups to encourage a positive experience where staff can voice their experiences and suggestions to help us create the and inclusive work culture that includes a wide range of diverse opinions and lived experiences.
You can find more information about our staff groups on our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion page.
We'd love you to join us!
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is one of the largest employers in Norfolk, our staff work together to provide care for our local population.
We have a huge variety of roles, with opportunity for development and career progression.
Thinking of joining us?
