Nursing Associate

Nursing Associate – Elective Surgical Ward 11 - Supporting safe, compassionate post-op recovery within a skilled surgical team.

The Nursing Associate will work as an integral member of the Ward 11 multidisciplinary team, supporting the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care to patients undergoing elective major surgical procedures.

Ward 11 is a specialist elective surgical ward caring for patients across Upper GI, Urology, Colorectal and Vascular surgery, including patients requiring complex post-operative care. They will work closely with experienced Registered Nurses, Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants, Clinical Nurse Specialists, medical teams and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care throughout their post-operative journey.

The role requires the Nursing Associate to take responsibility for an identified group of patients , and must hold a valid NMC registration. They will work within their scope of practice , They will contribute to assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care, recognising changes in a patient's condition and escalating concerns promptly and appropriately.

They will provide high-quality post-operative nursing care, supporting patients following major elective surgery and helping them progress safely through their recovery to discharge. The Nursing Associate will actively support the principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, helping patients achieve safe and timely recovery while maintaining individualised care.

We are a 22 bed surgical ward in Royal Preston Hospital. We embed team working from all grades on the ward and we work collaboratively with our ward doctors and our allied health professionals on the ward (physio, OT, SLT etc). Patient safety is central to the role. The Nursing Associate will contribute proactively to Ward 11's established culture of safe, high-quality care.

The Nursing Associate will work as an integral member of the Ward 11 nursing team supporting Night duties and occasional Day shift cover, providing safe, compassionate and evidence-based care to patients undergoing major elective surgery across Upper GI, Urology, Colorectal and Vascular specialties.

Working alongside experienced Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants, the Nursing Associate will take responsibility for an allocated group of patients within their scope of practice, supporting assessment, care delivery, monitoring and evaluation.

Key responsibilities include providing high-quality post-operative care, undertaking observations, monitoring fluid balance, wounds, drains, catheters, nutrition, pain and mobility, and recognising and escalating deterioration or post-operative complications promptly.

The role will actively support Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles, including early mobilisation, nutrition and hydration, effective symptom management, independence and timely recovery.

The Nursing Associate will identify and manage patient safety risks including falls, pressure damage, VTE, infection, deterioration and safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate escalation and documentation.

They will contribute to safe patient flow, discharge planning, infection prevention, accurate clinical documentation, MDT communication and quality improvement.

The postholder will demonstrate professionalism, accountability, excellent communication and a commitment to maintaining Ward 11's strong reputation for safe, high-quality, patient-centred elective surgical care.