Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job summary

The North Thames Cleft service require a band 6 clinical nurse specialist for a maternity cover

This is an exciting opportunity to obtain an insight into this highly specialised role . the role is rewarding where the successful applicant will be privileged to be part of the cleft journey from antenatal diagnosis to adulthood as well as working with stakeholders such as the Cleft Lip and Palate Association.

Cleft experience is not a a requirement but the role requires an autonomous and resilient nurse and to be able to lone work with resilience. Experience in areas such as neonatal or community maybe an advantage as well as independent prescribing.

The role would benefit nurses working towards the advance nurse practitioner qualification.

Main duties of the job

o To work within the multi disciplinary team which includes surgeons, paediatricians, Speech therapists, dental team, audiology, genetics and psychology.

o To provide antenatal support for new referrals and counselling under the supervision of the band 7 and 8a nurse

o To provide ongoing feeding support including breast feeding for new births following diagnosis of a cleft.

o To manage the breast pump loan service includes ensuring regular servicing and liasing with the medial device team.

o To support the MDT clinic including arranging clinic appointments and liaising with the cleft admin tea,

o To provide peri operative support for all stage of cleft surgery including primary and secondary surgery

o To be a visible presence on Panther ward and this will include 2 days per month in a clinical capacity.

o Support Nightingale staff where a child/ baby is identified as suitable fro day care surgery.

o To provide counselling, support and information to parents, children and families, throughout their treatment in the hospital and clinic for primary surgery.

o To arrange post-operative checks under the direction of the band 7 and band 8a CNS.

o To visit patients in outlying wards (eg: Leopard, Squirrel , Neonatal ) and support whilst in hospital as well as providing feeding assessments, airway management and supporting the paediatrician.

About us

We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we'll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.

Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women's networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.

We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.