Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Nursery Nurse

The closing date is 26 February 2026

Job summary

To work as part of the Perinatal Mental Health Service, whose purpose is to provide care for women with a moderate to severe degree of mental health problems during pregnancy and up to a maximum of one year postnatally. The post is based within the inpatient unit.

The Nursery Nurses role will predominately be to take the lead in assessing the emotional, practical and developmental needs of the babies and liaise closely with other disciplines working within the team to develop, deliver and evaluate care packages under the indirect supervision of a registered professional.

Main duties of the job

To support mothers in the general management of baby care, demonstrating an understanding of how this maybe hindered by the presence of a mental illness. To assist in assessing baby's health, well being and related needs and contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of care Offer practical support and demonstration, in respect of all aspects of child development to promote a healthy lifestyle and the wellbeing of the baby. To use therapeutic activities to achieve goals, to promote bonding and encourage interaction, and to enable mums to develop their skills to provide care for their babies. Undertake play sessions and illustrate by example, appropriate handling and play activities according to age group and encouraging mums to understand the importance of play in a child's development. To advise and support mothers around a number of issues such as interaction skills, nutrition, safety, accident prevention, sleep problems, play skills and breast-feeding. To provide information and guidance for mums regarding issues such as smoking, postnatal exercise and diet and other public health issues. To assist in setting up and running support groups, sessions and education programmes for mothers, partners, carers and other family members. To be involved in training and development of colleagues in all areas of baby care. Contribute to child protection proceedings, such as writing information that will help form a report for the conference or review meeting.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

12 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£21,988 to £24,129 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M502.25

Job locations

Florence House

Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Person Specification

Job specific experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working with babies
  • Experience of working within a team
  • Experience of training and developing other team members
  • Ability to assess needs of a baby and to implement and evaluate programmes of care
  • Ability to teach mums on a one to one basis on areas connected to childcare
  • Awareness and understanding of child protection policies and procedures and The Children Act
  • Understanding of normal child development and developmental assessments
  • Ability to prioritise workload
  • Understanding of the role of multi-disciplinary team members in the provision of care
  • Evidence of managing own continuing personal development and being proactive

Information Technology

Essential

  • Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential

  • Excellent communication, time management and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to use own initiative Highly motivated and self reliant
  • Highly motivated and self reliant
  • Ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a busy working environment
  • Ability to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of team working and ability to work autonomously without supervision
  • Empathy to understand and work with women who may demonstrate abnormal, negative responses to their babies, in a non-judgemental manner
  • Ability to work within what can be an emotive area and demonstrate a self awareness and regulation of own emotional responses

Desirable criteria

Desirable

  • Infant First Aid certificate

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • Evidence of recent post basic training
  • NNEB Diploma/ NVQ 3 in Childcare or equivalent/B Tech Diploma/HND

Desirable

  • Baby Massage
  • Child Protection

Additional requirements

Essential

  • Ability to undertake Physical Intervention training
  • Ability to work flexible hours including weekend, evening and night work.
Person Specification

Job specific experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working with babies
  • Experience of working within a team
  • Experience of training and developing other team members
  • Ability to assess needs of a baby and to implement and evaluate programmes of care
  • Ability to teach mums on a one to one basis on areas connected to childcare
  • Awareness and understanding of child protection policies and procedures and The Children Act
  • Understanding of normal child development and developmental assessments
  • Ability to prioritise workload
  • Understanding of the role of multi-disciplinary team members in the provision of care
  • Evidence of managing own continuing personal development and being proactive

Information Technology

Essential

  • Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential

  • Excellent communication, time management and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to use own initiative Highly motivated and self reliant
  • Highly motivated and self reliant
  • Ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a busy working environment
  • Ability to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of team working and ability to work autonomously without supervision
  • Empathy to understand and work with women who may demonstrate abnormal, negative responses to their babies, in a non-judgemental manner
  • Ability to work within what can be an emotive area and demonstrate a self awareness and regulation of own emotional responses

Desirable criteria

Desirable

  • Infant First Aid certificate

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • Evidence of recent post basic training
  • NNEB Diploma/ NVQ 3 in Childcare or equivalent/B Tech Diploma/HND

Desirable

  • Baby Massage
  • Child Protection

Additional requirements

Essential

  • Ability to undertake Physical Intervention training
  • Ability to work flexible hours including weekend, evening and night work.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Florence House

Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Florence House

Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward managers

Verity Eleftheriou and/or Hannah Maxwell-Harrison

verity.eleftheriou@nhs.net

01202584320

Details

Date posted

12 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£21,988 to £24,129 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M502.25

Job locations

Florence House

Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Supporting documents

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