Job summary Our level 3 Neonatal Unit has a rare opportunity, for a highly motivated individual who has a passion for community care of the neonate, to Lead our team of specialist community neonatal nurses at Band 7 level. In this role you will work autonomously and will need to have an extensive clinical knowledge guiding your decision making. The community team works on the neonatal unit, transitional care unit and in the community settings. You will be responsible for managing and overseeing the community caseload, escalating any concerns, and prioritising care needs of infants post discharge. This will involve working effectively and efficiently with the integrated multidisciplinary team and outside agencies to develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care. The community team is involved in monitoring, data collection and auditing of the service and as the Lead Nurse you will be responsible for action plans and any quality improvements projects that are required to enhance the service. You will also be expected to present findings and promote the service at senior meetings across the Trust and to the wider neonatal community. The transition from an intensive care setting to home is a process that takes careful planning and preparation. As the Lead Community Nurse, you will manage the team of community nurses who will guide the process in assessment of the infant's and parent/carer's readiness for discharge, working closely with the family and the multidisciplinary team. Main duties of the job The post holder will Lead the team of Registered Nurses and Nursery Nurses in the Outreach Team. Ensure the team has 5/7 a week full rota coverage To be able to provide a high standard of nursing care for neonates and their families preparing for discharge from NICU and following discharge into the community. Ensure community care of neonates follows up to date policies and guidelines. To be able to work within the NICU caring for high dependency special care and transitional care babies. To work effectively and efficiently with the integrated multidisciplinary team and outside agencies to develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care. To develop and maintain a suitable and stimulating learning environment for students and for the on-going development of registered and unregistered staff. About us Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond. Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey. We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care. We are expanding our theatres at Ashford Hospital and moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures. We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition: Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement On-site Nurseries On-site staff cafes On-site parking Support in career development Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. For more information about a career at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org Date posted 21 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £48,270 to £54,931 a year per annum inc. HCAS pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 323-NM0893-RT Job locations St Peters Hospital Guildford Road Chertsey KT16 0PZ Job description Job responsibilities Clinical/ Professional Responsibilities To facilitate discharge of neonates providing initial support in the family home To liaise with the multidisciplinary team in relation to the discharge and follow up of neonates Liaise with Social Services where social circumstances raise concerns Develop and maintain own competence in agreed basic and advanced clinical skills. Act as a source of speciality expertise within the Directorate and across the Trust as appropriate Participate in multi-disciplinary discharge planning meetings Represent Neonatal Unit in Case Conferences Provide resuscitation training for parents Lead the RSV immunisation programme To supervise nursing practice of students and junior staff, and the delivery of patient care in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care needs for allocated infant groups in the Community Act as an advocate for the neonate and their family at all times Act as an effective role model and demonstrate effective organisational and leadership skills Listen appropriately and take into account any sensitive issues and communicate these to the appropriate persons/agencies ensuring that children are protected and that disclosures are acted upon appropriately commence referrals, early health assessment as required Feedback the views and needs of the infant/family to the Community Sister as necessary to enable appropriate interventions to be implemented Participate in planning and implementation of quality initiatives and targets, in conjunction with the Ward Sister / Charge Nurse and Head of Nursing / Matron Be conversant with current emergency resuscitation techniques and fire regulations and procedures both in theory and practice Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection Assist in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and technology To be conversant with Child Protection policies and procedures and ability to recognise those at risk Initiate early discharge planning according to national guidance Actively promote and implement research and evidence-based practice Maintain accurate, legible, and timely records on Badgernet Drive and hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work and to be able to travel efficiently around the local geographical area. Provide evidence on an annual basis that the vehicle is insured for business use Managerial Responsibilities Promote good communication and working relationships and collaborative working with the multi-disciplinary team, both within the Unit and the rest of the Trust In conjunction with the Unit Sister/Charge Nurse, be responsible for effective organisation of the Unit Be aware of and adhere to the Supervisory Responsibilities guidelines as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care Maintaining the ward budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that both self and staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order Be proficient in the use of information technology Be conversant with the corporate goals in relation to service delivery Have responsibility for a number of staff members undertaking Individual Personal Review and enable staff progression Ensure nursing staff under your supervision have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, and of the standards of performance and conduct expected of them Lead on the management of babies that include home oxygen, immunisation clinics or other area identified by the Matron Ensure that complaints and incidents are dealt with proactively in conjunction with Divisional Governance Team To investigate Datix incidents and complaints using Root Cause Analysis as a tool and provide reports as required. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate associated action plans based on reflective practice and review of processes Initiate and lead on and projects and instigate improvements in nursing care and / or management of the ward/Department Contribute to the recruitment and selection process. Taking a lead in the retention of nursing staff on the Unit and in the outreach team. Education and Development Support and Educate families as they prepare for discharge Actively promote and implement evidence-based practice as evidenced with up to date policies Support the Clinical Practitioner Educator and Head of Nursing / Matron in relation to programmes and strategies for professional development, education and training Lead on programmes of standard setting and audit Promote and provide health education for parents/carers of the neonate both in the Neonatal Intensive Care and the community Teach and educate families to care for babies with complex needs in their preparation for discharge i.e. home oxygen, oxygen studies and NG policies Ensure an environment conducive to the educational needs of all Staff and Students Understands the educational objectives of all ward staff, acting as preceptor/mentor to appropriate staff and assessing their performance Maintain good communication with internal education support staff and tutors from local higher and further education providers Maintain and enhance own professional development through continuing education and training activities. Attend mandatory training as laid down by the Trust Be innovative, support and help to manage change Maintain at all times a professional attitude including appropriate personal appearance in accordance with the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policies. Clinical Governance In conjunction with the Matron and Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse and their deputies participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, RPST and Controls Assurance requirements Help and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and participate in agreed changes in practice In conjunction with the Matron and Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse and the Practice Development Team, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking Support the Matron Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse in ensuring that staffs acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effective patient care Support and supervise junior staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being Assist the Clinical Practitioner Educator in the orientation and induction of new staff. Ensure appropriate paperwork is completed and processed Understand and be aware of when and how to report untoward incidents, accidents, concerns or near misses and how to deal effectively with patients or relatives complaints Participate in the writing and reviewing of Unit protocols and guidelines To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work Job description Job responsibilities Clinical/ Professional Responsibilities To facilitate discharge of neonates providing initial support in the family home To liaise with the multidisciplinary team in relation to the discharge and follow up of neonates Liaise with Social Services where social circumstances raise concerns Develop and maintain own competence in agreed basic and advanced clinical skills. Act as a source of speciality expertise within the Directorate and across the Trust as appropriate Participate in multi-disciplinary discharge planning meetings Represent Neonatal Unit in Case Conferences Provide resuscitation training for parents Lead the RSV immunisation programme To supervise nursing practice of students and junior staff, and the delivery of patient care in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care needs for allocated infant groups in the Community Act as an advocate for the neonate and their family at all times Act as an effective role model and demonstrate effective organisational and leadership skills Listen appropriately and take into account any sensitive issues and communicate these to the appropriate persons/agencies ensuring that children are protected and that disclosures are acted upon appropriately commence referrals, early health assessment as required Feedback the views and needs of the infant/family to the Community Sister as necessary to enable appropriate interventions to be implemented Participate in planning and implementation of quality initiatives and targets, in conjunction with the Ward Sister / Charge Nurse and Head of Nursing / Matron Be conversant with current emergency resuscitation techniques and fire regulations and procedures both in theory and practice Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection Assist in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and technology To be conversant with Child Protection policies and procedures and ability to recognise those at risk Initiate early discharge planning according to national guidance Actively promote and implement research and evidence-based practice Maintain accurate, legible, and timely records on Badgernet Drive and hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work and to be able to travel efficiently around the local geographical area. Provide evidence on an annual basis that the vehicle is insured for business use Managerial Responsibilities Promote good communication and working relationships and collaborative working with the multi-disciplinary team, both within the Unit and the rest of the Trust In conjunction with the Unit Sister/Charge Nurse, be responsible for effective organisation of the Unit Be aware of and adhere to the Supervisory Responsibilities guidelines as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care Maintaining the ward budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that both self and staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order Be proficient in the use of information technology Be conversant with the corporate goals in relation to service delivery Have responsibility for a number of staff members undertaking Individual Personal Review and enable staff progression Ensure nursing staff under your supervision have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities, and of the standards of performance and conduct expected of them Lead on the management of babies that include home oxygen, immunisation clinics or other area identified by the Matron Ensure that complaints and incidents are dealt with proactively in conjunction with Divisional Governance Team To investigate Datix incidents and complaints using Root Cause Analysis as a tool and provide reports as required. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate associated action plans based on reflective practice and review of processes Initiate and lead on and projects and instigate improvements in nursing care and / or management of the ward/Department Contribute to the recruitment and selection process. Taking a lead in the retention of nursing staff on the Unit and in the outreach team. Education and Development Support and Educate families as they prepare for discharge Actively promote and implement evidence-based practice as evidenced with up to date policies Support the Clinical Practitioner Educator and Head of Nursing / Matron in relation to programmes and strategies for professional development, education and training Lead on programmes of standard setting and audit Promote and provide health education for parents/carers of the neonate both in the Neonatal Intensive Care and the community Teach and educate families to care for babies with complex needs in their preparation for discharge i.e. home oxygen, oxygen studies and NG policies Ensure an environment conducive to the educational needs of all Staff and Students Understands the educational objectives of all ward staff, acting as preceptor/mentor to appropriate staff and assessing their performance Maintain good communication with internal education support staff and tutors from local higher and further education providers Maintain and enhance own professional development through continuing education and training activities. Attend mandatory training as laid down by the Trust Be innovative, support and help to manage change Maintain at all times a professional attitude including appropriate personal appearance in accordance with the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policies. Clinical Governance In conjunction with the Matron and Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse and their deputies participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, RPST and Controls Assurance requirements Help and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and participate in agreed changes in practice In conjunction with the Matron and Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse and the Practice Development Team, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking Support the Matron Unit Sisters/Charge Nurse in ensuring that staffs acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effective patient care Support and supervise junior staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being Assist the Clinical Practitioner Educator in the orientation and induction of new staff. Ensure appropriate paperwork is completed and processed Understand and be aware of when and how to report untoward incidents, accidents, concerns or near misses and how to deal effectively with patients or relatives complaints Participate in the writing and reviewing of Unit protocols and guidelines To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work Person Specification Qualifications Essential RSCN / RN Child / RN Adult/NMC Registration Mentorship module/ Practice Assessor QIS Specialist Neonatal qualification NLS Knowledge Essential Trust vision, values, strategic objectives and key work programmes NMC Code of Conduct Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures Baby Friendly Initiative Care of and discharge preparation for the infant with complex health needs Experience Essential Substantial experience at Band 6 in a NICU/SCU/Community Outreach Team Managing a team Changes in nursing practice to improve patient care Experience of preparing infants with complex health needs for discharge Skills Essential Able to communicate effectively with the families and with other staff to ensure that the infant's care, treatment and support are not compromised. Work in partnership with parents/carers Ability to facilitate change Enhanced interpersonal and communication skills Other Requirements Essential Commitment to own personal development Good time management Commitment to own personal development Person Specification Qualifications Essential RSCN / RN Child / RN Adult/NMC Registration Mentorship module/ Practice Assessor QIS Specialist Neonatal qualification NLS Knowledge Essential Trust vision, values, strategic objectives and key work programmes NMC Code of Conduct Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures Baby Friendly Initiative Care of and discharge preparation for the infant with complex health needs Experience Essential Substantial experience at Band 6 in a NICU/SCU/Community Outreach Team Managing a team Changes in nursing practice to improve patient care Experience of preparing infants with complex health needs for discharge Skills Essential Able to communicate effectively with the families and with other staff to ensure that the infant's care, treatment and support are not compromised. Work in partnership with parents/carers Ability to facilitate change Enhanced interpersonal and communication skills Other Requirements Essential Commitment to own personal development Good time management Commitment to own personal 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 Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address St Peters Hospital Guildford Road Chertsey KT16 0PZ Employer's website https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)