NHS Direct has introduced Band 5 nurses to the service, creating more entry level and career opportunities for those nurses who want to try something new in a supportive environment.
We currently have eight Band 5 nurses in post and are in the process of recruiting more to join our team. The role is open to Band 5 nurses with 12-18 months’ experience; however, in time we will be looking to open this opportunity out to newly qualified nurses.
The move not only gives Band 5 nurses the chance to gain wider clinical experience in remote telephone assessment, but also provides an exciting opportunity for our clinical support staff to enter Registered Nurse Training and subsequently remain within the service, similar to Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) progression in other NHS services.
Initially, each Band 5 Nurse Advisor works alongside a Band 6 Nurse Advisor who acts as a mentor. Band 5 Nurse Advisors are able to assess and take calls with the support of an experienced Band 6 Nurse Advisor close at hand to guide them through more complex calls. Each Band 5 nurse is required to keep a work diary which forms part of our qualitative evaluation of the scheme.
The introduction of Band 5 nurses to NHS Direct also strengthens our Band 6 Nurse Advisor role, giving it a greater emphasis on coaching, mentoring and enhanced critical thinking in complex clinical situations.
