Specialist Nursery Nurse

The Methodist Church in Britain; Nacton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Specialist Nursery Nurse to provide 24/7 short-break care in family homes for children with complex health needs within the Integrated Community Paediatric Services. The role covers the county and requires occasional nights and weekends, with travel across the region.

The post requires a Level 3 childcare/early years qualification or equivalent, plus GCSEs and post-qualification experience.

Qualifications

• Must have post-qualification experience with children, young people and families
• Experience in acute or community settings
• Awareness of community services and partnership working
• Safeguarding and mobility requirements are essential

Responsibilities

• Deliver all care a child needs during each shift
• Provide short-break care in family homes for children with complex needs
• Work without direct supervision, seek guidance as needed
• Complete competency-based training
• Travel across the county and adapt to rota changes
• Liaise with community services and other professionals
• Follow safeguarding policies
• Build trust with families and the Complex Care team
• Ensure child’s voice is heard in care planning
• Report to Team lead and care co-ordinators for supervision and shifts

Skills

Health & safety

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Level 3 childcare/early years qualification

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

BA/BSc in Early Childhood Studies

Job description

This Specialist Nursery Nurse post sits in the Community Complex Care Team within Integrated Community Paediatric Services at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. The work is 24/7 short-break care in family homes for children with complex health needs, some of whom depend on technology, with each shift shaped by the child. The role covers the whole county, the rota can change daily, and nights and weekends are expected. Fit depends on a Nursery Nurse or early years qualification and either a full driving licence with personal transport or meeting the role's mobility requirements.

What the job involves

• Deliver all the care a child needs during each shift
• Provide short-break care in family homes for children with complex health needs, including those dependent on technology
• Work without direct supervision from senior nurses, knowing when to seek additional support
• Complete competency-based training specific to the team and caseload, updated as needs change
• Travel across the county and adapt to daily changes on the rota
• Liaise with community services and other professionals, handing over important information
• Follow safeguarding policies
• Build trust and open, honest communication with families and the Complex Care team
• Link with the Management Team so care is holistic and the child's voice is heard
• Use knowledge of childhood development to plan play and stimulation for the child
• Report to the Team lead and care co-ordinators, who arrange shifts and provide clinical supervision and guidance

What’s required

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (formerly NNEB or Diploma in Nursery Nursing), NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, or BA/BSc in Early Childhood Studies
• GCSE Maths and English

Experience

• Post-qualification experience working with children, young people and parents or carers
• Evidence of working in an acute or community setting
• Awareness of community services
• Partnership working

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding of health and safety legislation for self and others
• Excellent verbal and written communication

Checks & eligibility

• Full, current driving licence and access to personal transport, or meeting the role's mobility requirements

Other

• Team player who can also work independently
• Flexible approach to hours and duties, including nights and weekends

Nice to have

• Safeguarding Level 1
• Care Certificate
• Other post-qualification training and experience
• Previous experience in a relevant clinical area
• Ability to deliver nursing care safely under the direction and supervision of senior staff
• Nursing care of children with complex health or palliative care needs
• Nursing care of technology-dependent children
• Clinical skills such as enteral feeding, tracheostomy, seizure management, venepuncture, skin care, medication administration, sleep studies and continence assessments