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Job summary

Main area
Renal Medicine
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
405-25-CS419DIA
Employer
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Dorset County Hospital
Town
Dorchester
Salary
£27,485 - £30,162 Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
25/09/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Assistant Practitioner - Dialysis Unit

NHS AfC: Band 4

Outstanding Care, Outstanding Careers

For more information on our wonderful Trust search Join DCHFT and for more information on the benefits of working at DCHFT search DCHFT Staff Benefits

For help with completing an application search DCHFT Our Recruitment Process

 

Job overview

An exciting position has become available for an aspiring Band 3 HCSW  to be trained to become a B4 Assistant Dialysis Practitioner.  

You will be working in an environment were you get to know your patients and provide truly holistic care.

Previous experience as B3 HCSW is essential, experience in dialysis desirable but candidates will be supported to obtain all knowledge, skills  and competencies required of the Assistant Dialysis Practitioner role.

Care certificate as well as Maths and English GCSE grade 4 and above essential, HCSW level 3 apprenticeship desirable -  but we have support in place to train the right candidate to obtain the necessary qualifications and skills to fulfil this role, earning whilst you learn at B3 -  and once completed level 3 HCSW apprentice whilst working in the unit- you can then proceed to training in Band 4 competencies.

For candidates who have already passed HCSW level 3, they can start work on Band 4 competencies once in post.

We have a proven track record in the unit for training novices to experts in this field through apprenticeships and competency based learning  programmes.

Applicants are very welcome to contact the unit or come for a visit before completing application.

Main duties of the job

  • Providing a warm, friendly welcome to patients, ensuring their needs and comfort are met during their stay in the unit, so excellent communication skills are essential to the role.
  • Demonstrating aspirations and a passion for gaining knowledge and skills, through completing competencies to develop into an excellent practitioner.
  • The role involves setting up the unit, stock control, ordering,  programming dialysis machines.
  • Managing dialysis access, both needling of fistulas, and grafts plus dialysis catheters in order to deliver effective dialysis. 
  • Needling of complex access under ultrasound guidance, for which full training will be given.
  • Link role/ area of specialist interest that enhances care in the unit and an enthusiasm to share knowledge with the team.
  • Be passionate about acting as a role model and mentor to junior staff, and be confident in ability to escalate concerns and discuss patients care with MDT, external agencies and significant others.

 

Working for our organisation

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.    

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you are unable to view or download the attachment. 

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online

Person specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of literacy and numeracy skills to GCSE or equivalent
  • Foundation degree in Health and Social care or equivalent
  • Committed to own personal development and evidence of regular attendance at training days
  • Evidence of care certificate

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous working as a Band 3
  • Previous experience working on an acute medical ward or haemodialysis area.
  • Experience and competency in cannulation and venepuncture

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of ability to practice as an assistant practitioner
  • Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
  • Evidence of ability to develop leadership skills
Desirable criteria
  • Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively
  • Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements
  • Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality
  • Evidence of an area of special interest
  • Knowledge of clinical audit

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoArmed Forces CovenantArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Claire Thompson
Job title
Senior Sister
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01305 255345
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