Overview
If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales offers the support you need. As the largest health organisation in Wales we provide primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services to a population of around 700,000 across North Wales. Our work is guided by the Organisational Values and the ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.
This trainee post is a variable‑term position, dependent on the acquisition of the required competencies for the Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner role. The term will not exceed five years from the commencement of academic training and is expected to be completed within 6 to 18 months of awarding the MSc Advanced Practice. Upon demonstrating consolidation in line with the four pillars of advanced practice, progress to Band 8a will follow.
Responsibilities
* Use specialist knowledge and training to assess, plan and implement a comprehensive management plan under the direction of a supervising consultant.
* Recognise deteriorating infants and take appropriate actions.
* Communicate highly complex and sensitive information with patients, families and the healthcare team.
* Be responsible for the safe use of patient monitoring and support equipment in the work area.
* Interpret laboratory and radiological results and initiate appropriate patient management under the direction of a supervising consultant.
* Improve the quality of the patient experience by identifying and meeting the individual clinical needs of patients.
* Maintain effective communication with patients, carers and members of the MDT to ensure seamless service delivery.
* Develop good working relationships with relevant staff within the hospital setting.
* Address any issues regarding care or concerns raised by patients and families as they occur and, where necessary, escalated to the most appropriate person.
* Behave in a professional manner, respecting the differing needs and cultures of patients and staff.
* Ensure all documentation and record keeping is accurate, legible and completed in a timely manner, in accordance with the NMC Code and local policy.
* Provide accurate and effective clinical handovers.
* Demonstrate a proactive attitude toward developing own and others’ practice, providing both formal and informal teaching.
* Effectively deal with staff, patients and the public, including those who may be upset, aggressive or challenge explanations given.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge in the specialist field, using information to effect change in practice and ensuring effective dissemination of new knowledge.
* Obtain the theoretical and practical knowledge required to deliver the job responsibilities to a high standard.
* Maintain a professional portfolio and participate in continuing professional development.
* Develop and organise study days and training sessions.
* Use expertise to recommend adjustments or amendments to treatment plans, in consultation with patients and the MDT.
* Formulate a differential diagnosis and monitor patients’ compliance against treatment plans, interpreting test results and clinical findings.
* Take remedial action when appropriate based on knowledge and skills to adjust treatment plans.
* In collaboration with the clinical team, consider a range of options and appraise each one when making decisions about commencing or changing treatment plans.
* Be responsible and accountable for the leadership, development, improvement and management of the service area to ensure the highest standards of patient care and services are delivered efficiently.
* Work under pressure while delivering high‑quality care.
* Respond appropriately in emergency situations and take a lead role in coordinating the response.
* Act as a role model for staff within defined clinical areas, promoting and demonstrating the required standards of care.
* Promote evidence‑based clinical practice and continuous performance improvement within the area.
* Ensure development and implementation of high‑quality care, benchmarking against recognised best practice and facilitating continuous review and improvement.
* Participate in and contribute to the business planning processes and the overall management and strategic development of the service.
* Demonstrate effective time‑management skills to efficiently manage workload, recognising and responding to changing priorities and pressures as they present.
* Organise and prioritise own workload and direct the workload of others to meet clinical needs.
* Perform specialist interventions; specifically, perform the procedures listed below.
o Examination of the newborn.
o Non‑medical prescribing (any prescriptions in this role must be checked and countersigned by an ANNP or medical prescriber).
o Peripheral venous and arterial cannulation.
o Percutaneous long‑line (PICC) insertion.
o Umbilical venous and arterial cannulation.
o Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA).
o Intubation of term and preterm infants and use of supraglottic airway (iGel) insertion.
o Chest drain insertion.
o Exchange transfusion.
o 12‑lead ECG.
o X‑ray ordering and interpretation (chest and abdomen) with IRMER training as part of the academic course.
o Blood gas interpretation and effective management decisions.
o Cranial ultrasound performance and interpretation.
o Neonatal transport competencies and training (to be undertaken during the post).
o Assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
o Expert hand‑eye coordination to facilitate and complete clinical procedures.
o Use electronic resources to input, save and provide data, making full use of the electronic record system.
o Use of medical devices.
* Following completion of the MSc Advanced Practice, provide direct clinical care to infants and families requiring emergency and elective transfers under the supervision of a Neonatal Consultant or established ANNP.
* Collaborate with referring units to stabilise the baby for transfer and participate in transfers to access ongoing care.
Qualifications and Experience
A minimum of an MSc in Advanced Practice is required, with evidence of academic achievement and the acquisition of specialist competencies. The post holder must demonstrate knowledge and competence in the areas listed above and to progress to Band 8a must achieve consolidation under the HEIW advanced practice framework.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Expertise in neonatal care, complex decision‑making, and the operation of neonatal equipment and procedures is essential. The post holder should possess strong communication, leadership, and documentation skills, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Additional Information
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable but not required; Welsh and English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
To work in the UK, candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or a Skilled Worker visa unless they have permission to work via another route. Non‑UK/ RoI candidates should self‑assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship. Eligibility for the Health and Care visa may reduce application costs and avoid the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.
Location and Work Environment
Our SuRNICC at Glan Clwyd Hospital is the largest neonatal unit in North Wales and a focal point for newborn care across the region. The unit comprises 5 intensive care cots, 5 high‑dependency cots and 9 special care cots, serving infants above 26 weeks’ gestation from across North Wales and beyond. The post holder will study full‑time at Salford University (MSc Advanced Practice) and work clinically within the SuRNICC at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, receiving training in neonatal transport services and supervised transfers once the MSc is completed.
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