Neonatal Sister

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced neonatal nurse to join our friendly established nursing team in a Band 6 role.

The successful applicant will have at least 3 years post QIS experience, be highly motivated and act as a role model for staff on the unit. We are looking for a dynamic, forward thinking, compassionate leader who will support, motivate and empower others.

If you have a passion and commitment for delivering high standards of family integrated care, we would love to hear from you The successful applicant can expect a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress in the role .

Main duties of the job

The Band 6 Sister will work with the MDT, including maternity colleagues and ODN to ensure a seamless pathway of care for neonates and their families. Responsible for shift coordination and allocation of duties to junior staff, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring patient safety, involved in quality improvement and promotion of family integrated care.

As an experienced nurse demonstrating clinical competence and effective leadership, the post holder will support, mentor and supervise staff on duty. Responsible for monitoring standards of practice, participating in, and responding to audits, the post holder will contribute to the continuous improvement in standards or care and the family experience.

The post holder will also be required to deputise for the ward manager when necessary.

About us

The neonatal unit at Blackpool is a level 2 LNU with 16 cots. There are an additional 6 family rooms for transitional care and rooming in within the neonatal unit. Our dedicated neonatal community outreach team provides support to families following discharge.

We offer a number of training and development opportunities including skills and drills days, an established fortnightly in-situ simulation programme available for all staff, in addition to leadership programmes.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty five minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and document, holistic, family centred care. Maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Maintain and promote effective communication within the care team and with colleagues, parents/carers, relatives, and all visitors to the unit. Act as a mentor to students and preceptor to newly qualified staff. Maintain a professional profile and develop skills, knowledge, and competencies, adhering to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust policies and procedures. Influence practice development by participating / leading team in specialist interest subject area relevant to the unit. Participate and contribute to teaching and assessing of newly qualified staff and students. Facilitate the development of all staff and participate in annual appraisals for an assigned group of staff. Initial management of sickness absence, conducting timely return to work and wellbeing conversations and escalates concerns to ward manager / Matron as required. Promotes a positive, supportive learning environment. Complies with mandatory training requirements and ensures compliance within team. Assist in the management of the unit budget and ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained. Act as shift coordinator on rostered shifts and take responsibility for reporting to the Senior Sister / Matron / Practice Development lead, any adverse events or situations which may affect the ability of the team to provide safe and effective care to patients. Hold emergency bleep and attend high risk deliveries and attend neonatal emergencies as required. Is proactive in the continuing development of the family centred care environment and upholds the philosophy and standards of the family integrated care model. Promotes and maintains effective MatNeo working relationships to promote best outcomes for families and a seamless pathway of care. Deputises for the ward manager when required. Coordinate shifts and allocate duties to members of the team. Ensure safe staffing levels are maintained. Effective deployment of staff to ensure that all babies and families are cared for by staff who are appropriately trained to deliver that care. Responsible for capacity management. Ensure safe transfers of babies in and out of the unit. Ensures effective working with the ODN, ensuring the unit fulfils its network responsibilities and follows designated pathways. Entry of nurse staffing data onto BadgerNet database. Effective liaison with the medical and AHP teams.

Please ensure you have read the full Job Description & Person Specification, before applying for the role, and for further information.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

NMC Registered Nurse (Child/Adult Branch/Midwifery) Neonatal Qualification (QIS) Current NLS Certification Teaching and assessing / mentorship Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

Leadership course

Experience and knowledge

Essential

Current experience of working in a neonatal unit At least three years post QIS experience in level 2/3 neonatal unit Participation / lead on quality improvement Experience of Safeguarding

Desirable

Current or previous experience working in a band 6 role Current experience of shift co-ordination Management of incidents Experience of conducting appraisals

Skills and abilities

Essential

Excellent written and oral communication skills Computer literate Evidence of ability to work effectively as part of a MDT Ability to set & establish priorities Good time management

Desirable

Venipuncture and Cannulation skills

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