We are seeking qualified midwives with substantial, proven midwifery experience with successful completion of midwifery preceptorship, who are interested in working within the hospital.
The maternity service currently undertakes approximately 5,000 deliveries a year serving women living in the areas of Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Bexley and is currently in the process of exciting new expansion developments including the Maternity Apprenticeship programme.
In hospital, midwives have the opportunity to rotate throughout the different clinical areas, which include the co-located Birthing Unit, Triage as well as the wards and Delivery suite. Delivery suite undertakes water births for VBAC's. We have designated theatre staff, but midwives are given the opportunity to undertake theatre scrubbing.
We are affiliated to the University of Greenwich where midwives can undertake courses at Level 6 and 7. The Maternity services run an excellent in-house training programme, including an advanced fetal monitoring workshop, simulated learning, NLS and PROMPT based intensive emergency skills drills workshop.
The successful candidate will have:
* Competencies in epidurals, suturing, venepuncture.
* Experience of coordinating a ward area.
* Experience of project development.
* Mentorship course or equivalent.
Main duties of the job
To provide care for women/mothers and babies. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care without direct supervision, within the hospital and/or community setting. To maintain Health and Safety of clients and colleagues at all times by complying with all relevant Trust policies and protocols. To take charge of a ward or equivalent sphere of midwifery care in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility. To be an active member of the multidisciplinary team leading/liaising/communicating as necessary and supporting junior staff. To take a leading role in ensuring all students/novice practitioners receive appropriate practice facilitation/preceptorship.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. Due to the government regulations for mandatory vaccinations for COVID-19 for NHS employees, it has been necessary to take significant steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. In order to comply with our duty of care, we require all of our staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Your vaccination status will be a condition of your employment and evidence of vaccination will be obtained during the recruitment process, unless you are medically exempt.
Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Specific Responsibilities
1. Clinical responsibilities:
1. Maintains personal contact with patients and meets their needs on an individual basis, using the process of listening, assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care. Can deal with the anxieties of relatives and arranges the support they may need. Reports any untoward incidents. Maintains security.
2. Carries out Midwifery care to the highest possible standard according to agreed policies and procedures, and the Midwives, Rules and Code of Practice. Ensures that the appropriate practitioner is informed promptly of any complication in the mothers or baby's condition.
3. Is prepared to work in areas of the midwifery service other than the ward/department/community in which based, if required to do so to meet the needs of the service. Participates in internal rotation to day and night duty throughout the maternity unit.
4. Maintains the supply and custody of drugs, medicines etc., including keeping of agreed register. Ensures that measuring, administration and recording of all drugs and medicines is carried out in accordance with the rules of the NMC, and as laid down in Trust policy.
5. Ensures accurate and contemporaneous records of all care given and audit same. Complete and monitor other records as required by statute and local policy.
6. Liaise with all other personnel regarding access to the department, promoting relationships to enhance the quality of care to the consumer and ensuring effective communication with health care professionals.
7. To ensure that evidence-based practice is implemented and audited on a regular basis, to encourage and promote innovative practice.
2. Managerial responsibilities:
1. Participates in regular meetings of ward/unit staff, attends as a representative at other meetings e.g. procedure, policy, education, specialist committees, etc.
2. Deploys staff in the ward/department/community to meet the needs of the unit, supplying the appropriate skill mix. Ensures that all staff receive and give reports on the changes occurring in treatment and client needs during their time on duty. Aims to give staff maximum possible job satisfaction, by involving and listening to them.
3. Maintains ward supplies and participates in clinical trials and evaluation. Ensures that all equipment is maintained in safe working order and returned to the appropriate departments when no longer required. Ensures the economical use of resources through example and by teaching.
4. Maintain a safe working environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, etc., and local policies. Comply with the departments fire regulations. Ensure the proper reporting of all accidents/incidents. Participate in investigations of any complaints. Understands and carries out NHS Trust Policies as contained in Ward/Unit.
3. Professional responsibilities:
1. Ensures all necessary records are kept correctly. Is responsible for relevant statutory notifications connected to midwifery.
2. Updates knowledge and skills in order to develop professionally. Incorporates research into everyday practice.
3. To act as a resource for the support and guidance of staff.
4. To contribute to practice, education and development.
5. Work within the professional role governed by The Code of Practice/Rules of the NMC, as well as locally agreed policies and procedures.
6. Participate in the development of Clinical Governance initiatives in conjunction with the Line Manager and monitor implementation and performance. To be involved in the process of clinical audit.
7. To work within the philosophies/guidelines of current professional documents/reports, plus any future initiatives.
8. To identify and disseminate research findings related to midwifery practice.
9. To assess continuing professional developments to support changing practice.
4. Education and development responsibilities:
1. Contributes to an active and effective learning environment for junior staff leading by example. Updates knowledge and skills in order to develop professionally. Incorporates research findings into practice. Ensures all staff participate in raising and maintaining standards of care and obtaining an understanding of the reasons for change. Acts as a practice supervisor/assessor for student midwives and participates in the clinical teaching of all learners, ensuring adequate supervision at all times. Acts as a preceptor for newly qualified/appointed midwives.
2. Maintain clinical competence and accept responsibility for own professional development and updating, including annual mandatory updating. Facilitate the development of other midwives to achieve and maintain competencies. Participate with enthusiasm in research projects and be aware of current issues.
3. To teach in the clinical setting and participate in the in-service training programmes, study days and conferences.
Person Specification
PERSONAL
Essential
* The Directorate is in the process of ongoing change and the candidate must be able to implement and evaluate the changes introduced.
* Must have a history of good health and be capable of carrying out physical activities required for the job.
* Knowledge of current lifting and handling techniques.
EDUCATIONAL /
Essential
* Registered Midwife with extensive midwifery experience.
* Mentorship course/practice assessor.
Desirable
* Documented evidence of continued appropriate studies.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
* Has all round midwifery experience and be experienced in intravenous cannulation and administration.
* Able to perform perineal suturing without supervision.
Desirable
* Have experience of midwifery process.
* Competence in water births.
SKILLS / ABILITIES
Essential
* Well-developed interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively at all levels, verbally and in writing.
* Able to function as a practitioner, as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* To fulfil and be able to expand the role of the midwife. Have an interest in and the ability to teach students.
* Able to lead and organise.
Desirable
* Have an understanding of the Maternity Transformation Programme.
Employer details
Employer name
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
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