Sister/Charge Nurse - Neonatal Unit

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking to appoint Sister/Charge Nurses to join our friendly, senior neonatal nursing team. The unit has 15 cots, 2 of which are high dependency and provides short term ventilation to sick or premature neonates prior to transfer to neighbouring neonatal intensive care units.

Our unit has recently been awarded FiCare accreditation and we are committed to support parents and carers to work in partnership with us to care for their babies.

We are also committed to supporting junior nurses to develop into neonatal intensive care nurses and support staff to complete Foundation in Neonates and Intensive and High Dependency Care of the Neonate courses.

In addition to our nursing and medical teams we have a Neonatal Nurse Educator and Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner supporting our busy department.

We would welcome applications from experienced neonatal intensive care nurses who are qualified in speciality and committed to ongoing learning and development of themselves and others.

The post holders will be required to work closely with the existing nursing and medical workforce including our Consultant team and Ward Manager.

Interview Date: TBC

Main duties of the job

  • To deputise for the ward manager with continuing responsibility for providing a seamless, safe service.
  • To be a competent and caring Neonatal Nurse able to look after sick and/or preterm babies and their families that require special care, high dependency care and intensive care that is of the highest standard and evidence- based.
  • To support the ward manager, have shift management responsibility as required. Through effective leadership ensure the continuing provision of a seamless, safe and optimum service.
  • To ensure that patients receive an effective episode of care during their stay on the neonatal ward that is holistic and caters for all their needs
  • To assist in ensuring all record keeping on the unit is relevant, legible and comprehensive and audited regularly.
  • To participate in and encourage effective clinical developments/improvements that will enhance practice.
  • To participate in ensuring all information given to parents, whether written or verbal, is at all times professional, up to date and legible.

About us

The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.

From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.

The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.

Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:

  • CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
  • SAFETY that is of the highest standards
  • COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
  • SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
  • PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients

Our achievements include:

  • Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
  • Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
  • Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme

Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available upon request.

Date posted

09 May 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

409-5885070-A

Job locations

Whiston Hospital

Warrington Road

Prescot

L35 5DR


Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY DUTIES

  • To deputise for the ward manager with continuing responsibility for providing a seamless, safe service.
  • To be a competent and caring Neonatal Nurse able to look after sick and/or preterm babies and their families that require special care, high dependency care and intensive care that is of the highest standard and evidence- based.
  • To support the ward manager, have shift management responsibility as required. Through effective leadership ensure the continuing provision of a seamless, safe and optimum service.
  • To ensure that patients receive an effective episode of care during their stay on the neonatal ward that is holistic and caters for all their needs
  • To assist in ensuring all record keeping on the unit is relevant, legible and comprehensive and audited regularly.
  • To participate in and encourage effective clinical developments/improvements that will enhance practice.
  • To participate in ensuring all information given to parents, whether written or verbal, is at all times professional, up to date and legible.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To use clinical leadership skills to assist in supporting and empowering the Units team to provide optimum care at all times, fostering an environment that welcomes planned, effective change to enhance patient care.
  • To collaborate with the Unit Manager to establish effective networks locally and nationally to ensure all components of the service provided are of the highest standard and in line with the most recent, robust evidence, standards and guidance.
  • To maintain clinical credibility and to act as a role model to junior colleagues
  • To facilitate and encourage effective clinical developments that will enhance practice
  • To ensure the ward environment is clean, welcoming and family-friendly at all times.
  • To ensure infection control policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to at all times
  • To ensure fortnightly hand hygiene audits and other infection control initiatives and audits are completed and findings actioned as required
  • To maintain professional registration.
  • To adhere to the NMC code of conduct.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIEs

  • Responsible for ensuring that all patient records are updated contemporaneously, including electronic records.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES

  • To take an active role in facilitating the units staff to complete annual mandatory training, including child protection training, in accordance with Trust and departmental policy.
  • To participate fully in ensuring a structured and individualised orientation programme for new staff is operational.
  • To be responsible for the annual performance reviews of a team of band 5 nurses and other relevant personnel in agreement with the unit manager and that their agreed personal development plans (PDPs) are operational.
  • To participate fully in organising and actively participating in the units in-house education program.
  • To participate actively in ensuring nursing/midwifery students allocated to the unit receive appropriate experience and education, including an effective orientation and mentorship.
  • To facilitate a culture of life-long learning for both self and all staff.
  • To ensure realistic and measurable learning objectives are part of the staffs PDPs.
  • To participate in facilitating attendance both nationally and locally at appropriate conferences, study days to ensure the unit stays abreast and is a pioneer of developments in neonatal services.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

To have appropriate skills and knowledge relating to the process of safeguarding children and child protection including:

  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of the current safeguarding agenda, legislation and statutory guidance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the safeguarding framework, including Early Help, Child in Need and Child Protection procedures.
  • Have an awareness of the impact of parental factors on a child including mental health, domestic abuse and drug substance misuse.
  • Have an awareness of the increased vulnerabilities of looked after children and the risk of further maltreatment.
  • Have an awareness of normal child development and the factors which could indicate abuse or neglect.
  • Be able to recognise possible signs of maltreatment or abuse.
  • Be able to document safeguarding / child protection concerns, and maintain appropriate record keeping, differentiating between fact and opinion
  • Be able to share appropriate and relevant information between multi agency teams in writing, via telephone and electronically.
  • Be able to identify where further support is needed, when to take action, and when to refer to managers, supervisors or other professionals including social services.
  • Be able to contribute to multi agency safeguarding / child protection procedures including risk assessments.
  • Be able to work with children and families where there are child protection concerns,
  • Be able to ensure that children are listened to, and have the opportunity to contribute in decision making as appropriate for their age and development.
  • Be able to challenge other professional when required and provide supporting evidence.
  • Understand the purpose of and guidance in relation to conducting serious case reviews, serious incident reviews and management reviews and be able to demonstrate learning from such cases.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To be active in ensuring all types of communication are effective for staff and users of the service.
  • To assist as required the Unit Manager in recruiting, retaining and developing all relevant staff.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • To ensure optimum use of resources and assist the department as appropriate in achieving financial goals and delivering quality care that is value for money,
  • To ensure the effective (including cost-effective) use of staff and resources to maintain and develop standards of care and safety as appropriate.
  • To actively participate in looking for ways to cost improve the service to benefit the patient journey

RESEARCH & AUDIT

  • To participate in appropriate regional research and audit as directed by network lead.
  • To have an active involvement in the National Neonatal Audit Program (NNAP).

Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY DUTIES

  • To deputise for the ward manager with continuing responsibility for providing a seamless, safe service.
  • To be a competent and caring Neonatal Nurse able to look after sick and/or preterm babies and their families that require special care, high dependency care and intensive care that is of the highest standard and evidence- based.
  • To support the ward manager, have shift management responsibility as required. Through effective leadership ensure the continuing provision of a seamless, safe and optimum service.
  • To ensure that patients receive an effective episode of care during their stay on the neonatal ward that is holistic and caters for all their needs
  • To assist in ensuring all record keeping on the unit is relevant, legible and comprehensive and audited regularly.
  • To participate in and encourage effective clinical developments/improvements that will enhance practice.
  • To participate in ensuring all information given to parents, whether written or verbal, is at all times professional, up to date and legible.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To use clinical leadership skills to assist in supporting and empowering the Units team to provide optimum care at all times, fostering an environment that welcomes planned, effective change to enhance patient care.
  • To collaborate with the Unit Manager to establish effective networks locally and nationally to ensure all components of the service provided are of the highest standard and in line with the most recent, robust evidence, standards and guidance.
  • To maintain clinical credibility and to act as a role model to junior colleagues
  • To facilitate and encourage effective clinical developments that will enhance practice
  • To ensure the ward environment is clean, welcoming and family-friendly at all times.
  • To ensure infection control policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to at all times
  • To ensure fortnightly hand hygiene audits and other infection control initiatives and audits are completed and findings actioned as required
  • To maintain professional registration.
  • To adhere to the NMC code of conduct.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIEs

  • Responsible for ensuring that all patient records are updated contemporaneously, including electronic records.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES

  • To take an active role in facilitating the units staff to complete annual mandatory training, including child protection training, in accordance with Trust and departmental policy.
  • To participate fully in ensuring a structured and individualised orientation programme for new staff is operational.
  • To be responsible for the annual performance reviews of a team of band 5 nurses and other relevant personnel in agreement with the unit manager and that their agreed personal development plans (PDPs) are operational.
  • To participate fully in organising and actively participating in the units in-house education program.
  • To participate actively in ensuring nursing/midwifery students allocated to the unit receive appropriate experience and education, including an effective orientation and mentorship.
  • To facilitate a culture of life-long learning for both self and all staff.
  • To ensure realistic and measurable learning objectives are part of the staffs PDPs.
  • To participate in facilitating attendance both nationally and locally at appropriate conferences, study days to ensure the unit stays abreast and is a pioneer of developments in neonatal services.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

To have appropriate skills and knowledge relating to the process of safeguarding children and child protection including:

  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of the current safeguarding agenda, legislation and statutory guidance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the safeguarding framework, including Early Help, Child in Need and Child Protection procedures.
  • Have an awareness of the impact of parental factors on a child including mental health, domestic abuse and drug substance misuse.
  • Have an awareness of the increased vulnerabilities of looked after children and the risk of further maltreatment.
  • Have an awareness of normal child development and the factors which could indicate abuse or neglect.
  • Be able to recognise possible signs of maltreatment or abuse.
  • Be able to document safeguarding / child protection concerns, and maintain appropriate record keeping, differentiating between fact and opinion
  • Be able to share appropriate and relevant information between multi agency teams in writing, via telephone and electronically.
  • Be able to identify where further support is needed, when to take action, and when to refer to managers, supervisors or other professionals including social services.
  • Be able to contribute to multi agency safeguarding / child protection procedures including risk assessments.
  • Be able to work with children and families where there are child protection concerns,
  • Be able to ensure that children are listened to, and have the opportunity to contribute in decision making as appropriate for their age and development.
  • Be able to challenge other professional when required and provide supporting evidence.
  • Understand the purpose of and guidance in relation to conducting serious case reviews, serious incident reviews and management reviews and be able to demonstrate learning from such cases.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To be active in ensuring all types of communication are effective for staff and users of the service.
  • To assist as required the Unit Manager in recruiting, retaining and developing all relevant staff.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • To ensure optimum use of resources and assist the department as appropriate in achieving financial goals and delivering quality care that is value for money,
  • To ensure the effective (including cost-effective) use of staff and resources to maintain and develop standards of care and safety as appropriate.
  • To actively participate in looking for ways to cost improve the service to benefit the patient journey

RESEARCH & AUDIT

  • To participate in appropriate regional research and audit as directed by network lead.
  • To have an active involvement in the National Neonatal Audit Program (NNAP).

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • RN (Child) / RSCN / RM / RN (adult) Current NMC Registration
  • Student Mentorship course or equivalent experience
  • Evidence of a commitment to relevant continuing education at degree level or equivalent
  • Neonatal Critical Care Qualification (ENB 405 or equivalent)
  • Neonatal Life Support provider
  • IV Drug Administration Certificate or Competencies

Desirable

  • Management Diploma or equivalent
  • Child Protection module at degree level or masters level
  • Advanced Neonatal Life Support course
  • Neonatal transport training
  • Post graduate Certificate of Education
  • Enhanced Neonatal Nursing Practice
  • Examination of the New-born

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Recent relevant clinical experience as a senior neonatal nurse.
  • Evidence of clinical expertise in Neonatal nursing
  • Evidence of ability to lead and develop nursing practice and promote excellence in clinical practice.
  • Safeguarding Children / Child Protection experience
  • Evidence of mentoring students and supporting staff development
  • Evidence of a sound specialist knowledge base of caring for neonates including critically ill and premature neonates and the impact on the child and their family
  • Knowledge of effective shift management and ability to prioritise
  • Knowledge of interagency working to ensure optimum service to the infant and family
  • Knowledge of infection control management, policy and procedures
  • Demonstrates knowledge of clinical governance (CG) at paediatric level

Desirable

  • Shift management experience of a small neonatal unit or an area in a larger regional unit
  • Experience of transporting infants including critically ill infants
  • Experience of critical incident management
  • Risk management experience
  • Clinical audit experience
  • Experience of supporting junior medics
  • Experience of assisting with the development of clinical protocols and policies
  • Experience of undertaking appraisals and developing Personal Development Plans

Skills

Essential

  • Evidence of being an effective communicator with good leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Teaching, mentoring, supervisory skills
  • Clinical leadership skills inclusive of change management.
  • Delivers nursing care in line with Trust policies and protocols.
  • Demonstrates good IT skills

Desirable

  • Complaints handling skills
  • Experience of writing and implementing protocols/policies/clinical guidelines.

Other

Essential

  • Demonstrates excellent communication / listening skills
  • Can evidence the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to manage self and others
  • Able to accept advice / constructive criticism.
  • Adheres to the NMC Code oof Professional Conduct
  • Able to identify learning objectives
  • Honest, reliable, flexible, positive attitude, supportive, realistic, caring, non-judgemental
  • Keen to further own professional development
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • RN (Child) / RSCN / RM / RN (adult) Current NMC Registration
  • Student Mentorship course or equivalent experience
  • Evidence of a commitment to relevant continuing education at degree level or equivalent
  • Neonatal Critical Care Qualification (ENB 405 or equivalent)
  • Neonatal Life Support provider
  • IV Drug Administration Certificate or Competencies

Desirable

  • Management Diploma or equivalent
  • Child Protection module at degree level or masters level
  • Advanced Neonatal Life Support course
  • Neonatal transport training
  • Post graduate Certificate of Education
  • Enhanced Neonatal Nursing Practice
  • Examination of the New-born

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Recent relevant clinical experience as a senior neonatal nurse.
  • Evidence of clinical expertise in Neonatal nursing
  • Evidence of ability to lead and develop nursing practice and promote excellence in clinical practice.
  • Safeguarding Children / Child Protection experience
  • Evidence of mentoring students and supporting staff development
  • Evidence of a sound specialist knowledge base of caring for neonates including critically ill and premature neonates and the impact on the child and their family
  • Knowledge of effective shift management and ability to prioritise
  • Knowledge of interagency working to ensure optimum service to the infant and family
  • Knowledge of infection control management, policy and procedures
  • Demonstrates knowledge of clinical governance (CG) at paediatric level

Desirable

  • Shift management experience of a small neonatal unit or an area in a larger regional unit
  • Experience of transporting infants including critically ill infants
  • Experience of critical incident management
  • Risk management experience
  • Clinical audit experience
  • Experience of supporting junior medics
  • Experience of assisting with the development of clinical protocols and policies
  • Experience of undertaking appraisals and developing Personal Development Plans

Skills

Essential

  • Evidence of being an effective communicator with good leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Teaching, mentoring, supervisory skills
  • Clinical leadership skills inclusive of change management.
  • Delivers nursing care in line with Trust policies and protocols.
  • Demonstrates good IT skills

Desirable

  • Complaints handling skills
  • Experience of writing and implementing protocols/policies/clinical guidelines.

Other

Essential

  • Demonstrates excellent communication / listening skills
  • Can evidence the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to manage self and others
  • Able to accept advice / constructive criticism.
  • Adheres to the NMC Code oof Professional Conduct
  • Able to identify learning objectives
  • Honest, reliable, flexible, positive attitude, supportive, realistic, caring, non-judgemental
  • Keen to further own professional development

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

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Whiston Hospital

Warrington Road

Prescot

L35 5DR


Employer's website

https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Whiston Hospital

Warrington Road

Prescot

L35 5DR


Employer's website

https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Matron

Janet Bentham

janet.bentham@sthk.nhs.uk

01514301809

Date posted

09 May 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

409-5885070-A

Job locations

Whiston Hospital

Warrington Road

Prescot

L35 5DR


Supporting documents

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