Job summary
The NHS is changing. More emphasis on community-based care means there's never been a better time to join us.
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the condition.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable Community Nurse to join our caring and progressive team in Tonbridge.
You will work as part of a close-knit team who are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of people in Tonbridge. Tonbridge is made up of a diverse patient group with complex needs.
District nurses make a difference by making sure our services are proactive and patient-focused, helping to keep people at home and independent for longer.
Our community nursing teams are closely aligned with local Primary Care Networks, to make sure patient care is holistic and joined up. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the condition, so we take time to get to know our patients.
Main duties of the job
Community nurses provide complex nursing care to people at home and in residential care homes.
As a community nurse, you'll
1. assess the healthcare needs of patients and families
2. monitor the quality of care they're receiving
3. be professionally accountable for its delivery
Your patients could be any age, but they'll often be elderly, while others may have been recently discharged from hospital, be terminally ill or have physical disabilities.
As a Community Nurse you will work as part of a team to keep people safe and well at home. You will use your clinical judgment to support evidence-based care planning for people living at home, in care homes or other settings and make sure that people who use our services have a good experience.
"I have an amazing, rewarding job and my aim is to continue to provide skilled and compassionate care for my patients in their homes for as long as I am able." Jenny, community nurse.
About us
Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we've got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values compassionate Aspirational Responsive Excellent
We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves in being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences
We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn't visible to anyone involved with shortlisting or interviewing you, except when you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks alongside your application to ensure they apply the principles of the scheme to your submission
The data we collect helps us to ensure we are attracting diversity in our applicants, that all our colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities and supports us on our journey to being a Great Place to Work
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won't involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We'll support you to work flexibly in a way that will suits us both
See where you can go with KCHFTcareer pathways
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job description and person specification gives you all the information you need about this role. Please look carefully at the criteria in the person specification and tell us what you have done that shows you meet this in your application. If you need an application form in an alternative format please let our recruitment team know. All information you supply on your application should, to the best of your knowledge, be true and accurate.
Still have questions? The recruiting manager would love to hear from you, their contact details can be found in the job advert.
We can get a lot of applications for some roles so to be in with the best chance of being shortlisted please make sure you apply as soon as possible. A vacancy may close early if there is a lot of interest in the job.
At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues in clinical and non-clinical roles who have direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated. In this way we will be doing all we can to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues and the patients we serve.
Find out more about the community difference here.
Good luck! We cant wait to meet you and welcome you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
4. Registered Healthcare Professional with relevant Professional body (1st Level Nurse/ NMC) Degree in a health relevant subject or willingness to complete a degree (within 3 years of appointment)
Desirable
5. Mentoring qualification
Experience
Essential
6. Experience of recent community/acute healthcare gained through education or work experience placement or previous employment
Knowledge
Essential
7. Awareness of professional issues and recent developments in the NHS Knowledge of up to date clinical practice
Skills & abilities
Essential
8. Sound communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written) Ability to organise own work Ability to cope with change Ability to use own initiative
Personal attributes
Essential
9. Ability to motivate and organise others to ensure best practice. Ability to work under pressure Flexible and adaptable Valid driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.
Ability to manage
Essential
10. Able to support the implementation of local and national agenda for health under the guidance of the team lead / ward manager. Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, taking into account Trust policies and procedures.