You’re supported you to find a pathway to help you expand into new roles…
What it means to be a Teaching Trust…
We’re a renowned teaching hospital Trust at the forefront of research, education and development, with a state-of-the-art simulation and skills training centre on site.
In short, we can help you lift your career to the next level. We’ve received huge investment to improve patient care which means we have truly world-class facilities including a brand new neonatal suite, state-of-the-art intensive care unit, a newly refurbished A&E department, new children’s unit and a welcoming, modern atrium and reception area for staff and visitors. Not to mention our new day case unit currently in development.
The Trust has a reputation for high-quality multi-professional education led by a team of award-winning educators. Specialised clinical education teams who work alongside practising clinicians to help them keep their skills up-to-date. Boasts modern and well-equipped teaching facilities, including a Simulation Centre and Technical Skills Lab.
Apprenticeships
Apprentices are increasingly key to the NHS workforce and provide an excellent way to earn whilst you learn. At Bradford, we are trailblazers when it comes to apprenticeships! Did you know we were one of the first NHS Trust’s in the country to employ apprentice Operating Department Practitioners?
We are committed to ‘growing our own’. That’s why we have established pathways to help our workforce learn and grow to become qualified professionals. This includes apprenticeships such as Operating Department Practitioner, Nurse Associate and Registered Nurse Degree. The Trust provides a variety of apprenticeship opportunities, including clinical and non-clinical. Have a look at our vacancies page to view our latest apprenticeship opportunities.
“Throughout my degree level apprenticeship, I was supported by the Trust and my colleagues. I’m now a qualified Operating Department Practitioner. The Trust has supported me on my journey into Theatres… we’re a cohesive and supportive team”
– Charlotte Cashman, ODP
Return to Practice
We value the experience gained from years of caring for others.That’s why we welcome and support nurses who have taken a break and feel it’s time to come back.
At Bradford, returning nurses have options to work full or part-time and the option to retrain. For those who’ve taken an extended break and need to refresh their learning, our ‘Return to Nursing’ programme offers support and financial incentives.
We can offer a placement to help you settle back into practice. What’s more, our close links with local colleges and universities ensure that your journey back to nursing is a smooth one.
Opportunities to return to nursing are advertised throughout the year in preparation for twice-yearly university intakes. You will be supported to complete your training in our state of the art learning facilities. This usually takes between three and six months to complete.
New to Care
As a new Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) we ensure you are fully supported in your role. We do this by providing an extensive induction and training package.
All our HCSWs are provided role essential training as part of their induction. You will be fully trained on the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system. Don’t worry, no previous computer technicality needed! You will also be taught how to safely move and handle patients by our manual handling team. All training provided is highly practical and helps ensure you feel ready and supported to step onto our wards!
All HCSWs undertake a comprehensive two day induction programme. This helps to develop your understanding of the role and your responsibilities. Training includes how to take observations, meeting patients hygiene needs, personal care needs, falls prevention and equality, diversity and inclusion. Upon completion, you are prepared to complete your first shift on the ward with an experienced HCSW as a buddy for additional support.
All our HCSWs are supported to complete the Nationally recognised Care Certificate. The Care Certificate provides a framework to ensure all support workers have the necessary skills knowledge and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe and high quality care. This is another way we support our HCSWs to thrive!
Preceptorship
We are proud to have an established and well received Preceptorship programme – a multi-professional year long programme, which aids the transition from new registrant to confident, autonomous practitioner.
Our programme includes four clinical practice focus days which will be protected time out of clinical practice. These days are facilitated by our Practice Educator team and cover a range of discussions including transition shock theory, developing skills around delegation, gaining confidence to have difficult conversations, strategies to maintain own and colleagues’ well-being, alongside training to support students.
Your preceptor is an experienced clinician working in the same area who can provide advice, coaching and guidance. Regular meet-ups with the preceptee throughout the duration of preceptorship will assist in identifying and overcoming development needs and providing ongoing support.
We also welcome the addition of Legacy Mentors, to support newly qualified nurses and midwives. Legacy Mentors are experienced nurses, or colleagues in other regulated professions, who provide coaching, mentoring and pastoral support to those at the start of their careers or newly appointed into the NHS. Legacy Mentors provide essential professional advice, education and guidance and pass on a ‘legacy’ to the next generation. They play a crucial role in supporting staff health and wellbeing and career progression.
Band 5 Development Day
Upon completion of your preceptorship, our Nurses are offered further development in the form of Band 5 development days. The education team facilitate a whole day dedicated to development, covering complaints management, civility in the workplace, quality improvement, shared governance and much more. This day together subject matter experts and is highly interactive. We encourage staff to self-reflect and consider the next steps in their career. The day can be used towards CPD hours for revalidation. This is just another way we support or staff to get in and go far!
Leadership and Development Training
At Bradford, we support those with ambitions to grow into managers and leaders. That’s why we have tailored training and development pathways, to help our staff grow into competent and confident leaders. This is part of the Trust’s commitment to be a great place to work, be compassionate and inclusive in its culture and deliver on the NHS People Plan.
Our organisational development team deliver virtual and in-person sessions, designed for individuals at various levels of their development journey. All our leadership and development training is designed to build on learning over time. We have created the following four pathways for leaders or aspiring leaders:
- Aspiring Leaders Pathway – suitable for those looking to upskill in their current non-leadership role or planning to move into a leadership or supervisory capacity
- Developing Leaders Pathway – designed for those new to role who haven’t yet undertaken leadership development training
- Progressing Leaders Pathway – for experienced leaders and managers to enhance and further develop their skills to support strategic leadership
- Advancing Leaders Pathway – for senior leaders and managers to invest and enhance their knowledge and skills
No matter your starting point, if you have a desire to lead others, Bradford can help ensure you’re on the right path!