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Original poster

Been offered a job in the NHS today..

26 replies

Pebbledashery · 31/03/2021 20:04

Hi all, following on from my previous thread just wanted some advice. Had an interview for a Band 5 EA role today, I come from a private sector background and have worked as an EA for several years now.. I was offered the job after 2 interviews today. It's more money, less of a commute and seems like it will be a really intense and full on job..
I feel really anxious, its going to be a massive change and moving industry.. I don't want to fail and want to do well. Can anyone shed any light on training and support in the NHS for new joiners? They seemed like there was lots of training opportunities, i.e. Minutes classes, excel training etc.. Just feel really anxious. I haven't accepted yet as I wanted to receive a written offer and contract first to review.
Help!

OP posts:

GoWalkabout · 31/03/2021 20:08

What's an EA? Don't worry they will tell you not to give in your notice until your references and dbs (if applicable) is back. If its NHS admin these are usually fairly sought after jobs because of the job security and potential flexibility? So if its better paid that should be a win win?

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 31/03/2021 20:10

It's Executive Assistant. It's being the Executive Assistant to one of the senior leaders of the Trust.
I just think I lack the confidence a bit. It's going to be really fast paced which I'm used to in my current industry, but just wondering how much is expected in the first couple of months when you're getting up to speed. I was amazed I got the job but I usually perform well in interviews because I work in recruitment 😁

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GoWalkabout · 31/03/2021 20:17

Ooh, posh job, well done. Well, it obviously depends on the people in your department but you should have a good induction programme. Are you someone who will be confident once you know what you are doing? Just ask lots of questions, write everything down so you remember it, and build a good network of 'who to ask' - in some trusts its all 'oh so and so can answer that'. Do you have a probation period (I did for my NHS job). Don't stress about that, it's only in case of very poor performance.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 31/03/2021 20:21

I guess they must think I'm good to offer me 😂. Its just having that self confidence I think. Its a 3 month probation period. It sounds like such a fab role.

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Mumof1andacat · 31/03/2021 20:24

There is mandatory training to be completed which generally needs updating yearly or 3 yearly. Things like safeguarding, information governance. I will say if you want extra training, you need to ask to go on the courses. No one will look in to it for you. Most trusts have a learning and development team and an online portal to locate the courses but lots are on hold due to covid or over zoom/teams.

GoWalkabout · 31/03/2021 20:41

You'll be grand. You'll be given a login to a learning and development program and a list of courses you have to do and courses you can do optionally (fit these around other parts of your induction). Any other training will follow after probation I expect. Don't be afraid to ask the person you report to what the expectations of your role are, and for feedback now and again.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 31/03/2021 20:55

@gowalkabout thank you that's helpful. I think it's just the transition I'm afraid of. Literally a completely new sector. But I started off in my industry with zero experience and now have 10 years experience.

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GoWalkabout · 31/03/2021 21:23

Will probably seem very institutionalised and frustrating to you sometimes! Wishing you well.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 31/03/2021 21:28

The person I had the informal with was really lovely, there is a high expectation in this role and I just want to do well. I've developed as an EA in my role now the past few years so I hope I can do well.

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Fiddlersgreen · 31/03/2021 21:36

I remember your other thread.
Mine is a Band 2 receptionist role so haven’t got any advice but wanted to say Congratulations!

Trumplosttheelection · 31/03/2021 21:38

Ooh great! I saw your thread about the interviews. So pleased for you.
Generally the NHS is very supportive. You will be fine.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 31/03/2021 22:06

Ah thank you so much 😍😍
I'm surprised how quickly they moved.. I didn't expect a second meeting this afternoon.. They said it was more about the team fit and that they liked my answer regarding the values and equality and diversity.
I feel like it's a big step being a band 5 role and having no NHS experience whatsoever..
How long does the induction process and training go on for? Xx

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Original poster

Pebbledashery · 01/04/2021 10:24

EEEK I got my conditional offer through this morning!!!
God - so much can change in a week haha

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GoWalkabout · 01/04/2021 11:16

Great well done

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 01/04/2021 16:42

Thank you x

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Original poster

Pebbledashery · 08/04/2021 10:06

Hey all.. Just wondering if anyone can help answer a question. My references have been obtained today and they've obviously asked for sickness records. I had zero absences in my previous employment.. But in my current in 2 years I had 6 days across 2 episodes.. One was 2 days in February where I came into the office and got sent home because I had a really bad cold and then end of march I had 4 days because I had severe tonsillitis. I'm worried that they will retract the offer because that is considered a lot of sick days. I think my previous employer mentioned the maximum that would be considered as acceptable is 3 episodes of sickness over 1 year.. And I have 2 over 2 years.. Do you think that's ok?..

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CovidCorvid · 08/04/2021 10:08

I think thAts fine, especially in the current covid era.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 08/04/2021 10:10

That's true I guess. To be fair in 6 years in my previous employment I had zero sick days which I was so proud of! But I just thought 6 days is a lot.

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lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 08/04/2021 10:12

That's fine, unlimited amounts of sickness seems to be a thing in the NHS anyway no q asked a lot of the time. I'm a B4 PA to senior non clinical management and it's not bad at all. Tips would be to think on your feet, look out for stuff before your senior has to ask you to do it.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 08/04/2021 10:18

It was 2 days then 4 days so it's not like it was random days across 6 episodes.. Will they question it at all? @lockdownwithwhoresdrawers I've met the person I will be EA to and he's really lovely. I just hope everything goes OK with the pre employment checks..

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lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 08/04/2021 10:19

I really doubt it. I've seen some seriously crazy stuff in recruitment and it just goes through fine.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 08/04/2021 10:33

I guess it's not double figures!! Fingers crossed it's all OK.

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CovidCorvid · 08/04/2021 11:05

NHS work on a rolling 12 month period, 3 and above episodes in 12 months triggers a Occy health referral. You’ve had nothing in the last 12 months. It’s fine.

Ariela · 08/04/2021 11:17

I think they'd be expecting you to be taking time off/sent home for potential covid reasons in the last year whereas previously normally a minor snivel or cough you'd soldier on does up on lemsip.

Original poster

Pebbledashery · 08/04/2021 11:19

Yes.. The absences were from the previous year and last year but nothing this year.

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