Band 6 Neonatal Community Sister / Charge Nurse

The post holder will deliver care in line with the Bedfordshire Hospitals FT vision: to provide the best patient care, supported by the highest level of clinical knowledge and expertise, using the best available technology, and delivered with kindness and understanding from all staff. This includes putting the patient first, maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement in the pursuit of excellence, recognising the diversity of our people as a strength, valuing the contribution of staff, volunteers, members, governors and other partners, managing resources in a coordinated way, and accepting responsibility for actions both individually and collectively.

The post holder will participate in a seven-day rota and will hold responsibility for the ward or department in relation to staffing arrangements, policies and procedures, the management of a defined caseload, liaison with other agencies, and the supervision, deployment and teaching of staff and students. They are responsible for managing their own time and working flexibly to fulfil the roles of clinical co-ordinator and ward manager, which may include periods where they roster themselves as supernumerary.

They will ensure the delivery of a high-quality service through effective leadership and the efficient deployment of staff within available resources, and in accordance with their responsibilities under the NMC Code of Conduct., Clinical

Clinically experienced neonatal care nurse

Act as an expert healthcare practitioner demonstrating advanced clinical skills, knowledge and decision making beyond those associated with the general multidisciplinary team

Maintain and further develop own expert nursing practice skills, abilities and through effective role modelling ensure that the professional practice of colleagues is continually developed and enhanced.

Work closely alongside neonatal, midwifery and obstetric teams to provide specialist nursing advice and leadership using expert knowledge, practice and critical judgement skills continually seek to identify areas of care where current practices could be changed or modified to improve patient/parent outcomes.

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, maintain and promote robust bereavement pathways, ensuring all parents are offered choice/equitable access to bereavement support.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.