Deputy Sister Neonatal Community Team

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Neonatal Nurse to join our Community Outreach Team, supporting babies and families transitioning from our Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit into the community.

As a Neonatal Community Outreach Nurse, you will play a vital role in providing high-quality, family-centred care to infants and their families following discharge from the neonatal unit. Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, you will support safe and timely discharge, reduce hospital stay where appropriate, and promote positive outcomes for babies with ongoing healthcare needs.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced neonatal nurse who is passionate about continuity of care and empowering families through education, support and partnership working and wishes to continue their career pathway in the neonatal outreach service.

This role is full time/ part job/ minimal 34.5 hrs.

Main duties of the job

• To facilitate discharge of neonates providing initial support in the family home
• To liaise with the multidisciplinary team in relation to the discharge and follow up of neonates.
• Liaise with Social Services where social circumstances raise concerns
• Participate in multi-disciplinary discharge planning meetings
• Represent Neonatal Unit in Case Conferences
• Provide resuscitation training for parents
• Assist and participate in the RSV immunisation programme
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care needs for allocated infant groups in the Community
• Initiate early discharge planning, working in the Neonatal Community Outreach team
• Ensure nursing staff under your supervision have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, and of the standards of performance and conduct expected of them.
• Following appropriate training contribute to an allocated area of responsibility which may include home oxygen, immunisation clinics or other area identified by the community sister.
• Support and Educate families as they prepare for discharge
• Actively promote and implement evidence-based practice.
• Participate in the writing and reviewing of Unit protocols and guidelines
• Role model organisational values, showing leadership and a behavioural approach which will promote the principles of dignity, respect, and inclusion for all.

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.

Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter’s, Chertsey, Surrey.

We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.

This is an exciting time to join our Trust, as we work on the expansion of our theatres at Ashford Hospital and move towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures; with care delivered by dedicated, specialist teams in a modern and well-equipped environment.

We hope to use this centre to create an environment of learning and to facilitate training of the next generation of our skilled NHS workforce. Our plans are ambitious – why not, come and be a part of our journey.

Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

Job responsibilities

Clinical/ Professional Responsibilities

• To facilitate discharge of neonates providing initial support in the family home
• To liaise with the multidisciplinary team in relation to the discharge and follow up of neonates.
• Liaise with Social Services where social circumstances raise concerns
• Participate in multi-disciplinary discharge planning meetings
• Represent Neonatal Unit in Case Conferences
• Provide resuscitation training for parents
• Assist and participate in the RSV immunisation programme
• To supervise nursing practice of students and junior staff, and the delivery of patient care in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care needs for allocated infant groups in the Community.
• Act as an advocate for the neonate and their family at all times.
• Act as an effective role model and demonstrate effective organisational and leadership skills.
• Listen appropriately and take into account any sensitive issues and communicate these to the appropriate persons/agencies ensuring that children are protected and that disclosures are acted upon appropriately
• commence referrals, early health assessment as required.
• Feedback the views and needs of the infant/family to the Community Sister as necessary to enable appropriate interventions to be implemented
• Participate in planning and implementation of quality initiatives and targets, in conjunction with the Ward Sister / Charge Nurse and Head of Nursing / Matron.
• Be conversant with current emergency resuscitation techniques and fire regulations and procedures both in theory and practice.
• Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs.
• With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and their deputies ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.
• Assist in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and technology.
• To have an understanding of the Child Protection policies and procedures and ability to recognise those at risk.
• Initiate early discharge planning, working in the Neonatal Community Outreach team.
• Maintain accurate, legible and timely records
• Drive and hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work and to be able to travel efficiently around the local geographical area.
• Provide evidence on an annual basis that the vehicle is insured for business use

People Management and Leadership

• Promote good communication and working relationships and collaborative working with the multidisciplinary team, both within the Unit and the rest of the Trust.
• In conjunction with the Unit Sister/Charge Nurse, be responsible for effective organisation of the Unit
• Be aware of and adhere to the Supervisory Responsibilities guidelines as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care
• Understand the need for and assist the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse and their deputies in maintaining the ward budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources.
• Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that both self and staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.
• Be proficient in the use of information technology
• Be conversant with the corporate goals in relation to service delivery.
• Have responsibility for a number of staff members undertaking Individual Personal Review and enable staff progression
• Ensure nursing staff under your supervision have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, and of the standards of performance and conduct expected of them.
• Following appropriate training contribute to an allocated area of responsibility which may include home oxygen, immunisation clinics or other area identified by the community sister.

Education and Development

• Support and Educate families as they prepare for discharge
• Actively promote and implement evidence-based practice.
• Support the Clinical Practitioner Educator and Head of Nursing / Matron in relation to programmes and strategies for professional development, education and training.
• Actively participate in the programme of standard setting and audit.
• Promote and provide health education for parents/carers of the neonate both in the Neonatal Intensive Care and the community
• Teach and educate families to care for babies with complex needs in their preparation for discharge i.e. home oxygen, oxygen studies and NG policies
• Ensure an environment conducive to the educational needs of all Staff and Students.
• Understands the educational objectives of all ward staff, acting as preceptor/mentor to appropriate staff and assessing their performance.
• Maintain good communication with internal education support staff and tutors from local higher and further education providers.
• Maintain and enhance own professional development through continuing education and training activities.
• Attend mandatory training as laid down by the Trust.
• Be innovative, support and help to manage change.
• Maintain at all times a professional attitude including appropriate personal appearance in accordance with the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policies.

Clinical Governance

• In conjunction with the Matron and Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse and their deputies participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, RPST and Controls Assurance requirements.
• Help and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and participate in agreed changes in practice
• In conjunction with the Matron and Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse and the Practice Development Team, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.
• Support the Matron Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse in ensuring that staffs acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effective patient care.
• Support and supervise junior staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being.
• Assist the Clinical Practitioner Educator in the orientation and induction of new staff.
• Ensure appropriate paperwork is completed and processed.
• Understand and be aware of when and how to report untoward incidents, accidents, concerns or near misses and how to deal effectively with patients or relatives complaints.
• Participate in the writing and reviewing of Unit protocols and guidelines
• To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work.

Information and reporting

• Undertake research in unfamiliar areas when undertaking an investigation, to develop own knowledge and ensure that appropriate references are made within the investigation report.
• Undertake, participate in, and develop appropriate audits and quality assurance programme and research as required.
• Ensure that appropriate HR logs/databases are kept up to date with the data relevant to case work and alternative dispute resolution process.
• Work closely with the ER Manager to assist in utilising workforce data, presenting and reporting on this regularly.
• Analysing and identifying trends in data, to identify/anticipate workforce issues and appropriate plans for the service area / HR service developments that may be required and take this forward.
• Actively contribute to the development and review of workforce information and productivity measures and ensure their use in all aspects of HR management.

General Duties and Responsibilities of the post holder

• Role model organisational values, showing leadership and a behavioural approach which will promote the principles of dignity, respect, and inclusion for all.
• The post holder is required to comply with the organisations standing order and standing financial instructions and at all times, deal honestly with the organisation, colleagues and all those who have dealing with the organisation including patients, relative and suppliers.
• The post holder must ensure that their behaviour and interests inside and outside work do not conflict with their Trust position, duties and/or responsibilities.
• Ensure that the Trusts funds are properly used, represent value for money and can withstand public and media scrutiny.
• The post holder supports the organisation to act safely and responsibly in relation to patients and staff, and the communities in which they work.
• Ensure that the law in key areas such as health and safety, employment, and finance is complied with.
• Work within specific regulations such as governance arrangements and ethical frameworks for the NHS.
• Monitor quality of own work to ensure that the required standards of performance are met.
• To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work.
• To be familiar with and comply with all Trust and departmental policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines.
• To be aware of and work towards the Trusts strategic goals.
• To fully participate in one-to-one meetings and own PDR/appraisal process.
• Ensure continuing personal and professional development, taking ownership and accountability for staying up to date.
• Support the implementation of the Trust diversity and inclusion strategy.
• Any other duties commensurate with band and status.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to RN Child/RN Adult/Midwife
• Mentorship or other relevant teaching qualification
• Neonatal Critical Care Course
• NLS qualified

Desirable

• Evidence of further professional development at a minimum of diploma level

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience at Band 5 in a NICU/SCU
• Managing a team alongside senior nurse
• Experience of preparing infants with complex health needs for discharge

Desirable

• Previous experience at Band 6 in NICU/SCU

Knowledge

Essential

• Trust vision, values, and strategic objectives
• Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures
• Baby Friendly Initiative

Skills

Essential

• Strong IT and digital skills including Microsoft Office suite (excel, word, PowerPoint, MS Teams)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to effectively interact with and influence a diverse range of people

Other Requirements

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

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