Band 5 nurse opportunities with NHS Direct
09 Nov 2011
NHS Direct is looking to recruit a significant number of band 5 nurses after a positive response to the introduction of this group alongside its existing band 6 nursing workforce.
The new starters will play a crucial role in helping to handle winter demand on the 0845 46 47 service and delivering the NHS 111 service as it is rolled out further. They will be recruited through the organisation’s HR function and professionally appointed agencies. NHS Direct currently employs around 40 substantive band 5 nurses and is training a further 190 band 5s, appointed through professional agencies.
The band 5 nurse advisor role provides more entry level and career opportunities within NHS Direct for those nurses who want to try something new in a supportive environment, with comprehensive role preparation, guidance and access to ongoing mentorship. It also gives band 5 nurses the chance to develop remote clinical assessment skills which will enhance their practice in future positions.
Support and mentoring
In addition it increases the development opportunities for existing band 6 nurses, who continue to offer clinical assessments to patients whilst providing professional support and mentoring to band 5 nurses.
Jennifer Rainbow, 55, is a band 5 nurse who has been working at NHS Direct since April. She said:
"The best thing about working for NHS Direct is the support I get from colleagues. It’s the only place I have ever worked where I feel completely comfortable asking for help whatever the issue, big or small. I would recommend the role to other band 5 nurses. It is very different from face-to-face nursing, and therefore not for everyone, but I’ve met lots of nurses who have been here for over 10 years. It really is a great, supportive place to work”
Tricia Hamilton, NHS Direct Chief Nurse said:
“We are committed to providing opportunities for nurses from different clinical backgrounds and at different stages of their career. Band 5 nurses have really valued the opportunity to develop their skills within NHS Direct and band 6 nurses have loved sharing their experience and providing support to their peers. I look forward to welcoming many more band 5 nurses to the team.”
Band 5 nurses work alongside existing band 6 nurses, providing clinical assessments to patients in need of healthcare advice and assistance. The additional nursing roles will enhance the service available to more than 12,000 people who contact NHS Direct’s 0845 46 47 helpline each day and the growing number of people using the new NHS 111 service, which NHS Direct is piloting with other organisations.
Further information
Recruitment for band 5 nurse advisors is underway now. For further information about this or other roles within the organisation please email National Recruitment or call 0845 600 1855. Nurses can also contact the agencies that have been appointed by NHS Direct to recruit band 5 nurses:
Hays - contact Alex Dawson or Gurjit Riyat, tel: 0113 242 6500
Reed - contact Jordan Ali, tel: 0207 220 4775
