District Nurse Band 6

Role overview

The Specialist Clinical Practitioner (District Nurse) is a band 6 role. They manage a defined community caseload and take responsibility for the development and delivery of programmes of care, being responsible for the comprehensive assessment, planning, provision and evaluation of patient care needs. They often work in Integrated Care Teams within the community setting. Their role is often challenging, as the level of patient acuity and long term health conditions has increased. This reflects a more contemporary community nursing landscape of practice and care provision. 

Qualifications and Experience required

BSc (Hons) Specialist Practitioner Qualification (District Nursing) the Traditional programme. The District Nursing apprenticeship programme leads to a Postgraduate Diploma Specialist Community Practitioner District Nursing (Apprenticeship) 

Two routes to undertaking the District Nursing Programmes (the DN SPQ can also be recorded with the NMC on successful completion of the programme)

Apprentice route

If employed the Trust may fund applications at key points of the year for the DN Apprentice programme. The DN Apprentice programme is an 18 month programme utilising work based placements and University contact time to develop students to become qualified Specialist Community Practitioner (District Nursing).

Non apprentice route

If employed by the Trust, currently Health Education England can provide funding for the course fees this is paid directly to the relevant University by the employing organisation. 

How do I apply for the DN programmes?

If you are thinking of applying you need to have this initial discussion with your line manager as part of your appraisal objectives. They will then consider this from a service need perspective and share further application details with you closer to the application deadline. 

Will I need to be interviewed as part of the application process?

Yes, potential applicants will be interviewed by University academic staff and service leads as part of the selection process.

I`m a band 5 community staff nurse how do I develop, to be ready to apply for the DN programmes?

There are developmental posts advertised with the community nursing Directorate. These are aimed at Community Staff nurses working at a band 5 grade who are “aspiring to be future District Nurses”. You may have undertaken training or modules as a Community Staff Nurse in Tissue Viability, Leadership, and Nurse prescribing for example. These modules or training can help demonstrate your professional development towards undertaking the DN programmes. 

I have post registration credits gained in the last 5 years can I use these towards my District Nursing degree or DN Apprentice Programme?

It may be possible if you have studied level 6 or level  7 modules to APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) these into your District Nursing programmes. This decision is at the discretion of the University APL processes.  If you are successful in gaining a place on the DN programme the Programme Leader would be able to provide information on this.

Who do I contact about my continuing professional development?

Your line manager should be the first person. The workforce team may be able to offer further signposting at the email address below stsft.cpd@nhs.net