Nursing Assistant interview but I'm under qualified

[Tallulahbel]

Hi, I have a nursing assistant interview next week; on the job advert the 'essential criteria' stated that you need Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English as a minimum.

The problem is, I've never taken any GCSEs due to my family moving house (cross country) in the November of my final year and at the time, the only secondary school in our new area wanted me to resit Year 11 due to the difference in curriculum from my previous school; being young and stupid I decided not to do that, left school and got a job instead (with my mum's encouragement).

I did state this on the application form and just before applying for the nursing assistant position, I signed up with Learn Direct for Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English, which I've also mentioned on the application.

I was expecting not to get an interview so was pleased when I did, however on the email invite it asks me to bring Maths and English qualification certificates, as without then I won't be interviewed.

What do I do?
I'm unsure whether to just go and risk not being interview as I don't have the 'essential qualifications' or withdraw my application?

I figured there was no harm in applying as they'd read through my application to decide whether they wanted to see me but apparently this hasn't happened?

Why don’t you email back saying you have enrolled on the Level 2 courses, should you attend or defer your interview?

Because I'm scared they will think I've been wasting their time 😶

But I will try and find an email contact, I suppose its the most sensible thing to do.

Email.
Also, someone on the panel shortlisted you, so they might accept that you're getting those quals and be willing to appoint you at a lower grade? Don't worry about it, just ask! Way way better than lying/pretending. Integrity is a core nhs value!

Email, definitely. They won't think that.

Well, this is what confused me; why have I been shortlisted? I haven't worked since the birth of my children, apart from running my own small business from home and volunteering for a charity for a year, I haven't got any care experience and I have no qualifications.

I worry that I've somehow slipped through the net.

Anyway, I've emailed and will await a reply...whilst not holding my breath for a positive outcome 😆

They obviously like your CV and want to meet you. You aren’t going under false pretences. My DH always used to encourage me to apply for posts - he would say that probably no one would meet all the criteria. Perhaps they are willing to give you a trial and train you? Go for it and good luck.

I would just take along the proof that you are enrolled on the courses - I expect that is what they will ask you to do. Change your attitude and believe you have real life experience (having own children, own children), are caring enough (having volunteered for a charity) and willing to work to get qualifications. Stop talking yourself down!

Sometimes they ask for certain qualifications or relevant experience.
I'd say that if you have an interview they're not worried you don't have those qualifications.
That would usually be looked at on the application form and if you don't meet criteria you wouldn't get an interview.
Maybe your experience is enough to meet their requirements.

I'm an NHS team leader and recruit staff. At present we are so short staffed that we will interview anyone who has a very good application form and experience in a caring role.
The only concern we would have is whether you can document any interventions with patients into a computer. Probably viewing your application form will have assured them that you are able to string a sentence together coherently! I have staff who function perfectly well without an English and Maths qualification. The only real aptitudes are being caring and being able to speak to anyone.
Go for it and good luck!

To be an NA (I was one once) you need to be caring, trustworthy, hardworking, a good communicator, and to be able to work as part of a team. You sound lovely, I would have you on my ward!! Explain that you are working towards those things and fingers crossed. It’s really about finding the right person. You very well may be that! Good luck.

At our trust there’s a literacy and numeracy test you can take instead as an equivalent if you are hired.

Thank you all for the advice, I'll attend the interview on Tuesday and try my best, it's all you can do I suppose :)

I was just wondering if you did get the job or not, I am in the same boat my interview is in 3 weeks time, I have no gcse, only experiences I have is working with sen children in college and primary school