Paediatric Staff Nurse

The post holder carries responsibility for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the care needs of a child or group of children, without direct supervision. The post holder will assist and work with the senior sister on shift to ensure high standards of care are maintained. A period of preceptorship or induction (dependant on previous qualified experience) will be provided., 1. Manage the care of a group of children and their families for the duration of the shift, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
2. Develop partnerships with children and their families to enable them to take on care of the child both in hospital and at home, as wished by the family.
3. Be responsible for evaluating the care given, and effectively communicate this evaluation to children, families and staff through written and verbal reports.
4. Use play as an effective means of communication, therapy and stimulation at all times during the planning and implementation of care. Where required, involve play specialist, ward teacher and schools in accessing and developing appropriate play/education programmes to meet the needs of the individual child.
5. Take account of the health promotion needs of the individual child/family,
6. Ensure that all drugs are administered, recorded and stored in accordance with Paediatric Unit and Hospital Drug Policies.
7. Ensure that all untoward incidents and accidents are reported,
8. Ensure that effective discharge planning, which begins at the time of admission,
9. Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene.

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.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.