THE REQUIRED SKILLS, VALUES AND COMPETENCIES FOR NHS APPLICANTS
As previously explained, having the desired experience will simply not be enough to be successful in getting to the next stage. You will need to include the required skills & competencies from the job description, plus the organisation’s values.
You can find out the values of an organisation by checking their website, or if the organisation is large, you are likely to be able to search for these online. As an example of what to include, we will look at the NHS Values as these tend to match (almost identically) to the biggest healthcare providers worldwide. So, if you were applying for a role within the NHS as a nurse, you would be required to be able to demonstrate the following values on your CV:
WHAT ARE THE NHS VALUES?
Working together for patients
Patients must always come first in everything you do when working in the NHS.
Everyone counts
Working in the NHS means maximising resources to make sure they benefit everyone. It will be your duty to ensure no person is discriminated against, excluded, or left behind. Inclusive working is very much at the heart of the NHS.
Respect and dignity
Without respect and dignity, the NHS would not be able to provide outstanding service and care. Respect and dignity apply to everyone, including patients, their family, contractors, suppliers, and work colleagues.
Improving lives
Every contact you have with a patient in the NHS should be used to improve their health and wellbeing. Working in the NHS is not limited to assessment, treatment, and care; it is about advice and education too.
Commitment to quality of care
The highest standards of care must be maintained at all times in your NHS duties. You must seek to improve, learn, provide the right quality and standards of care, and work to earn the trust that has been placed in you by the patients.
Compassion
The NHS would not be the service it is today without compassion and empathy. NHS staff ensure that compassion, kindness, and understanding are central to everything they do.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES COMPETENCIES
Now we have a better understanding of an example of values, we will look at some of the skills and competencies you will also have to demonstrate on your CV to be successful. Again, we have used the NHS as an example, but these skills and competencies match the vast majority of healthcare providers (private and government-funded) worldwide:
Communication
Any NHS applicant must have excellent communication and listening skills when dealing with patients, colleagues, and relatives.
Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is paramount and must be adhered to at all times.
Accuracy & Attention to Detail
As a safety-critical position with the patient’s welfare in your hands, you must have excellent concentration and attention to detail skills.
Follow rules and Procedures
It is vital that all healthcare workers are able to strictly follow rules and operational procedures.
Remain Calm Under Pressure
Working for the NHS is a high-pressure job, and at times you will be required to perform your duties under high levels of pressure, such as in the event of an emergency.
The above list is just a few of the competencies and values you will need to include on your CV as standard. You can find out the rest within the pages of our exclusive and comprehensive guide and templates. Download the 8 pre-loaded CV templates for NHS applicants below and quickly craft a successful CV to make you the standout candidate!