What NHS career would suit you?

Nursing Assistant

THE WORKING DAY

Nursing Assistants (or healthcare support workers) have a key role in everyday nursing care.

It’s your job to make sure the patient experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, performing roles such as taking and recording temperatures, helping patients with washing, and spending time talking to and reassuring patients.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ME?

You’ll have a caring, friendly and hands-on approach, with the sensitivity and the ability to relate to patients of all ages and backgrounds. You are often the first member of staff a patient meets when they come onto the wards and you may well stay with them throughout their journey back to health.

WHAT'S NEXT?

There are no set entry requirements to become a healthcare assistant. Employers expect good literacy and numeracy and may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths. They may ask for a healthcare qualification, such as BTEC or NVQ.

Employers expect you to have some experience of healthcare or care work. This could be from paid or voluntary work. There are sometimes apprenticeships in healthcare that can give you experience to apply for Nursing Assistant posts.

If you’re applying for a role in the NHS, you’ll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

Welcome to Med Shed.

An interactive resource to help you find your career with us in the local NHS.

There’s a lot to see and lots to explore so come back and visit us regularly…