Job overview
* To work as a skilled member of a nursing team.
* To assist in the provision of high standards of holistic family-centred care to neonates and their families.
* To assist in the creation of a welcoming, caring and safe environment for neonates and their families.
* To learn management skills under supervision.
* To work in partnership with the medical staff and multidisciplinary team.
* To provide high-quality, compassionate, family-centred care to premature and/or sick new-borns requiring special, high dependency, or intensive care. The role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for neonates and their families
Fixed tern end date: 31/01/2027
Main duties of the job
Clinical: Responsibilities
* Ensure practice is in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and work within limits of competence.
* Ensure standards of nursing practice are maintained.
* To assist in the assessment, planning and evaluation of care plans for the babies on the SCBU/HDU/ITU, ensuring that the personal belief, identity and preferences of parents are acknowledged.
* To assist with the neonatal resuscitation and maintain yearly neonatal
resuscitation updates
* Carry out and advise/supervise junior staff in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluating of nursing care.
* To take charge of the clinical area if required.
* To ensure the patient administration systems e.g. Alex health are up-dated to ensure real time data collection and confidentiality.
* To ensure the effective use of information technology for the benefit of patient care in accordance with the Trust’s Code of Conduct.
* To ensure the confidentiality of information (written, verbal, electronic) whilst being aware of the Freedom for Information Act.
* To co-ordinate and monitor the progress of patients within their plan of care and to promptly and effectively communicate relevant changes in patient status to the multi-disciplinary team.
* Effectively communicate complex, sensitive or contentious information to the multi-disciplinary team gaining their co-operation.
* Ensure Infection prevention and control guidelines and procedures are followed and high standards are maintained.
* Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers, significant others, the multi-disciplinary team and support services.
* Communicate with patients, clients and relatives on emotional and sensitive issues and support other members of the ward/department in this.
* To ensure the safe custody, supply and administration of drugs and therapeutic substances in accordance with Trust policy.
* To plan, develop and implement approaches to promote health and wellbeing.
* To ensure that clinical records and documentation are maintained accurately.
* To minimise hazards in the working area and report any identifiable hazards to the line manager.
* To adhere to all safe systems of work applicable to the work area.
* To ensure that Trust policies and procedures are adhered to by all staff.
* To be competent in a role during emergency situations and providing support to other members of the team.
* To demonstrate advanced clinical skills and theoretical knowledge including enhanced practice.
* To act as a role model and demonstrate expertise within their sphere of practice.
* Ensure the safekeeping of patients’ property and valuables and advise/ supervise other staff in this.
* To have a flexible attitude to working shifts and be available to work days, night and weekend.
* To participate in the provision of a 'Named Nurse' for all patients, as stated in the Patient's Charter.
* To act as patient advocate when appropriate
* To provide a safe environment for the neonate and facilitate optimal neonatal outcomes
* To support, offer help, and be aware of other staff members needs
* To make clear to colleagues your own needs for support and supervision
* To share information about neonates and relatives' needs.
* To give and receive feedback constructively.
* To accurately document the nursing process and keep care plans updated.
* To take part in quality audit of nursing care.
* To participate in multidisciplinary audit.
* To contribute to the setting and monitoring of nursing standards, procedures/guidelines.
* To ensure care and custody of patients' property and valuables.
* To maintain safe custody and use of drugs according to local policy.
* To observe the confidentiality of patients' information at all times and in accordance with Data Protection Act.
* To be aware of a adhere to the UKCC Code of professional conduct for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors.
* To be aware of all Trust policies/procedures/local guidelines with special emphasis on fire, major incidents and child protection policies/guidelines.
* To have a working knowledge of the health and safety regulations and implications in the Neonatal Unit and personnel role/responsibilities.
* To attend annual mandatory update training.
* Attend unit meetings and Participating in ward meetings to agree local practice.
Management and Leadership:
* To ensure that all staff adhere to Trust policies and the principles of their professional body.
* To contribute to the management of complaints in accordance with the Trust’s Complaints Procedure.
* Use leadership skills to create an environment that is safe and supportive to ensure effective teamwork and a motivated, efficient workforce.
* Act as an ambassador for the Trust in professional and public settings.
* To ensure clinical incidents and near misses are accurately reported and acted upon in a timely manner and action is taken to minimise risks.
* To have an awareness of cot capacity whilst on duty.
* To ensure effective communication with all staff and encourage staff involvement in decision making and changes affecting them.
Service Development:
* Contribute to the evaluation of care delivery and implement improvements in patient care.
* To actively involve staff in the innovation of service delivery.
* To contribute to the development and implementation of local policies.
* Contribute to the development of nursing practice based on published research and audit data
Research and Audit:
* To actively participate in multi-disciplinary audit activity within the clinical area.
* To assist in the implementation of benchmarking activity in the clinical area.
Educational Responsibilities:
* To assist the Practice development team in arranging induction programmes for new staff.
* To be able to transfer knowledge, understanding and expertise to other staff.
* To promote and maintain an effective learning environment for staff and students.
* Teach and assess registered and non-registered staff
SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT
* We have electronic documentation and the system, training and support will be provided as needed.
* BadgerNet database has accurate and up-to-date recording of care.
* Computer Skills
* Good knowledge and management of equipment relevant to neonatal care
Professional Development:
* Maintain Continuous Professional Development in line with Trust Policy, the Knowledge and Skills Framework and professional bodies.
* Ensure own practice is up to date and evidence based. Demonstrate knowledge of current, relevant research and professional issues.
* To undertake further post registration training and courses of study relevant to the clinical area.
* Develop managerial skills within sphere of responsibility.
Governance and Statutory Requirements
* The post holder is expected to comply with the governance arrangements and policies and procedures of the organisation, available on the Trust intranet site.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
* The Trust has an absolute commitment to equal opportunities based on sound management practice, respect for the individual and legislative compliance. The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with regard to the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
Health and Safety & Risk Management
* Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety Work Act 1974, to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.
* Employees must wear personal protective equipment where provided.
* All employees are expected to comply fully with the Trust and Departmental fire policies and procedures to meet their responsibilities in relation to fire safety.
* All employees are responsible for reporting any accidents, untoward occurrences and potential hazards to their Head of Department even when no injury or property damage has resulted.
Infection Control
* All staff have a responsibility to contribute to the reduction of healthcare acquired infection by the adherence to best practice.
* Staff are expected to comply with hand hygiene guidelines, aseptic handling and ensure all equipment used for patient care is clean and fit for purpose.
* Staff are requested to report any environmental concerns regarding breach of infection prevention guidelines to their line manager.
Information Governance:
* Confidentiality is both a moral and contractual obligation and applies both inside and outside of work. Any matters of a confidential nature, and in particular any information relating to patients, individual staff records and details of contract prices and terms must, under no circumstances, be divulged or passed to any unauthorised persons at any time during your employment or afterwards.
* All notes, emails, records and other documents, regardless of medium, are and shall remain the property of the Trust and shall be handed over by you to the Trust from time to time on demand and, in any event, upon termination of your employment. All assets issued to you (such as identity card, car parking pass, equipment, office keys etc) must be surrendered to the Trust upon termination of your employment and, where applicable, on change of employment within the Trust.
* As a user of information, you must be aware of your responsibilities, both legal and other, and comply with all policies and procedures issued by the Trust and associated NHS Codes of Conduct and work within the principles outlined in the information governance framework.
* This includes information security (including encryption and, where applicable, home working and remote access), records management and information quality responsibilities.
* Under the common law duty of confidentiality, you may be personally liable in a court of law for unauthorised disclosure of personal data. In addition, the wilful or negligent governance framework would be a breach of the disciplinary rules and could result in summary dismissal. Should you breach this clause after your employment has ended, the Trust may take legal action against you.
Safeguarding Children/ Vulnerable Adults:
* All Staff within the Trust share a commitment to safeguard and promote a Child's or Vulnerable Adult’s wellbeing. As an organisation we need to ensure that all staff who come into contact with Children/Vulnerable Adults in their daily activities or provide services to adults with Children or Vulnerable Adults receives mandatory safeguarding training which is appropriate to their role. In addition to this you will be expected to work in accordance with the policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding Children/Vulnerable Adults that have been agreed by the Trust. Values & Behaviours All staff must be able to evidence that they possess and exhibit the behaviours which underpin the core values of the Trust
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wavea national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join Our Neonatal Team Where Tiny Lives Inspire Big Achievements!
We are a busy Level 2 Neonatal Unit in the East of England, proudly collaborating with the East of England Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN) and Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) to continuously improve patient experience and outcomes.
Our unit has achieved Stage 2 of the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) and is now working towards Stage 3. We’re also preparing to submit for Silver Bliss Accreditation, reflecting our commitment to excellence in neonatal care.
With strong involvement from our FiCare team and MNVP, we champion family-integrated care and innovation every day. This is an exciting time to join uswhere you’ll find endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real difference in the lives of babies and their families.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team
Contribute to nationally recognized initiatives
Work in a supportive environment with career development opportunities
Your expertise can help shape the future of neonatal care. Ready to make an impact?
Apply today and start your journey with us!