Whenever you’re joining a new organisation, we know you’ll have lots of questions. As such, we’ve selected some popular ones for you to help you decide if MFT is right for you.
How much will I get paid?
A Band 2 Nursing Assistant/Maternity Support Worker is paid at £22,383 on Agenda for Change terms and conditions (AfC).
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, you’ll be on probation for six months as per our Trust policy and meet with your line manager regularly to support you on the start of your MFT journey, with a view to helping you to achieve meeting a successful probationary period.
How does my day start on shift?
You’ll get a handover from the previous shift with your manager and other colleagues such as the Nurse in charge, Staff Nurses/Midwives, and other Nursing Assistants/Maternity Support Workers.
How many patients will I look after at any one time?
This depends on where you are working. You’ll work closely with the Staff Nurse/Midwife assigned to your cohort/group of patients.
What breaks do I get on top of my lunch break? And how long is my lunch break?
During a 12-hour shift, you’ll have two short breaks of 15 minutes each and one long break of an hour.
Do I get provided with a uniform? Do I pay for this?
Yes, we provide you with, and pay for your uniform.
How much annual leave will I get?
You’ll get 27 days of annual leave, not including Bank Holidays. You can request and plan your leave in advance with your line manager. After ten years’ service, your entitlement jumps to 33 days so it’s a great incentive to stay with us in a job you’ll love!
What’s the best part of this job?
This varies from person to person, but you’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds, get an insight into different cultures and learn new skills. Patient gratitude can be very rewarding, and you’ll get satisfaction, making a difference for other people.
How many hours is full time working?
37.5 hours per week.
Can I work part-time?
We have lots of colleagues who work part-time. This can include weekdays, weekends, and nights depending on the service needs and the location of the role. The minimum number of hours you’ll be able to work as a Nursing Assistant/Maternity Support Worker is 22.5 hours.
If I work part-time, can I just work Monday to Friday 9-5 or will it include weekends and nights?
Our patients need care 24/7 so that means we need our Nursing Assistants/Maternity Support Workers to carry out shifts both days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays. We’re happy to answer any questions about working part-time in your interview.
Do I have to work nights?
Yes. Our patients need caring for 24/7, so nights will form a key part of your shift pattern.
Is working a day shift different to working a night shift? If so, why?
Day shifts can be busier. You’ll find more staff on the wards, including Doctors, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, and Dieticians.
Can I pick the ward I want to work on? I have friends who work at MFT - I’d like to work with them.
We can’t accommodate specific ward requests. Ward allocation will be based on where we have vacancies at each individual site.
What training will I get if I have never worked in a care setting before?
You’ll be enrolled on either a Nursing Assistant or Maternity Support Worker Development Programme depending on the area you work in. We’ll provide training to upskill you on the core competencies relevant to your role and your line manager will identify and arrange relevant further training if it’s required.
What do I need to be prepared for if I have never worked in a care environment before? What support do I get to help me deal with some of the challenges?
If you’re a compassionate person with the right values and attitude, you’ll thrive in our caring environment. Our friendly Clinical and Education Teams will support you with any challenges you may face in your role.
I have no experience working with patients with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. How will you prepare me for this?
We’ll provide training to help you care for patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. The Education team will support you in your development.
Can you tell me more about what I’ll be expected to learn in the development programmes?
You’ll complete a programme of study over six months in two phases which includes: fundamentals of care and specific skills training. You’ll be allocated an assessor in practice to help you.
What development opportunities are on offer should I want to progress to a Band 3 or even a Nurse Associate, or progress to become an RGN?
Once you successfully complete the Nursing Assistant or Maternity Support Worker Development Programme, there are opportunities to progress to Band 3. There are also opportunities to become a Nursing Associate or a Registered Nurse or Midwife.
