FAQs
If you’re looking for information on working NHS 24 please have a look below. If the answer isn’t here, go to the Contact us page and you’ll be able to ask any question you like, and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.
Q. To what extent can you fit my hours round me?
A – At present we can offer a variety of contracted hours that you may chose to work, these include 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28 and 30 or more hours a week. Within those contracted hours we offer a variety of standard rotas and working patterns. These can be discussed with you at recruitment stage.
We are piloting a flexible 6 hour week for nurse advisors/nurse practitioners at our new Cardonald site.
Q. Is the pay really better than I would get in a similar job in a hospital?
A – Our roles are graded in line with the Agenda for Change Agreement. We offer nursing positions at both a Band 5 and Band 6 and call handler positions at Band 3. As you will be working mainly in the out-of-hours periods and at weekends and on public holidays, the posts attract enhanced payments on top of your basic salary.
Q. I am a nurse. Would you be happy if I only want to work for a few years with you and then move back into the mainstream NHS?
A – Yes, of course. Many of our nurses do just that. Their CVs benefit from the huge range of knowledge and experiences they gain with NHS 24, and the NHS benefits from this too when they move back to another nursing role. Our central nursing team are currently in discussions with several other Health Boards to formalise arrangements around dual roles and joint posts.
Q. If I join then find I don’t like it, will it harm my career?
A – Definitely not! We are aware that, as with any job, sometimes, people find things don't go to plan, and at that time it’s best for all parties that we make it easy to move on if that’s what’s right. Hopefully the information in this website will help you make a decision about joining us. We also welcome informal visits to our sites, where you can view the facilities and speak to our existing staff. To arrange this, please see the Contact Us page.
Q. Do I have to work weekends?
A – Yes, the weekends are our busiest times outwith public holidays, so we need staff to be available then. Currently our staff work 5 out of 8 week-ends.
Q. Is the training really better than I would get elsewhere in the NHS?
A – Our colleagues in the rest of NHS Scotland get fantastic training. However, at NHS 24 we believe that there are many advantages to be had from the wide range of training we have on offer. Please see our page on training and development for full details.
Q. What is the bursary scheme for training?
A – Basically, we have a ring fenced fund of money that is available to all staff to pursue additional academic or professional qualifications. This is advertised annually and awards made by a multi-disciplinary committee. Many of our staff have taken advantage of this scheme and gone on to gain assistance with courses such as, BSc in Nursing, Masters in Nursing, Management Qualifications, and CIPD.