Job overview
The successful candidate will support the delivery of high‑quality neonatal care for infants requiring Transitional and Special Care, working under the supervision of a registered nurse and following a holistic, family‑centred approach.
Main duties of the job
Responsible for delivering high‑quality neonatal care to infants requiring Transitional and Special Care, under the supervision of a registered nurse, following a holistic, family‑centred model of practice.
The post holder will carry out delegated tasks involving direct care to support the registered nurse, ensuring the wellbeing, health, and development of babies and children within the unit. They will also contribute to the effective day‑to‑day running of the service and complete nursery nurse competencies to develop neonatal‑specific knowledge and skills.
Working for our organisation
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.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. After completing the required training and assessments, take responsibility for the care of allocated patients under the supervision of a registered nurse.
2. The post holder will undertake the following procedures and activities for babies and families requiring Transitional and/or Special Care:
3. Implement and evaluate the agreed plan of care, reviewing and updating it as needed.
4. Demonstrate understanding of, and contribute to, infant hygiene, nutritional care, thermoregulation, monitoring, and related practical tasks within your scope of responsibility.
5. Carry out daily checks and cleaning of specialised infant‑feeding equipment. Prepare babies’ and children’s feeds accurately, and monitor and record feeding, including gastric tube feeding.
6. Support and assist mothers with breastfeeding and expressing.
7. Maintain cleanliness of the milk kitchen and expressing equipment, and check the temperature and hygiene standards of milk fridges and freezers.
Please refer to the attached JD
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. NVQ 3 or equivalent qualification in early years child care or equivalent demonstrable experience Recent and relevant evidence of practice
Desirable criteria
9. NNEB Diploma/NVQ 4 or equivalent qualification
10. Basic Life Support
communication skills
Essential criteria
11. Good written and oral communication skills
12. Legible, accurate and concise hand writing skills and IT skills
13. Able to work and communicate with multidisciplinary team
Desirable criteria
14. Knowledge of SBAR
Experience
Essential criteria
15. Care of newborn
16. Recognition of the healthy baby and deteriorating baby
Desirable criteria
17. Experience of care of the newborn in hospital setting
18. Newborn blood spot sampling, baby observations, gastric tube feeding, blood sugar monitoring
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.