Job overview

Are you looking for a new challenge in a dynamic, welcoming, progressive and inclusive team? Do you want to develop your knowledge and skill and build a rewarding career at one of the largest and most innovative trusts in the NHS? 

UHSussex are seeking passionate individuals to provide holistic care and support to babies and their families on our postnatal ward.  Nursery Nurses have a key role in developing confidence in new parents in the early transition period, supporting them to care for both well babies and those requiring additional observation. You will play a vital part in driving us forwards and improving the lives of families across Sussex. 

Please note: 

·       At UHSussex, we know that reducing inequality drives improvement and saves lives.  We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive and to being a place where all belong.  We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in our workforce. 

·       We are happy to consider both part-time and full-time applicants with a minimum of 23 hours per week.   

·       This is a shift working role, across a 24/7 service including nights, weekends and bank holidays. 

·       Posts are currently available at the Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton) and St Richards Hospital (Chichester).

Main duties of the job

• Record basic observation for babies such as temperature, pulse and respiration as required.
• Report any change in the condition of the parent and baby to the registered midwife and paediatrician.
• Care of baby undergoing phototherapy e.g. bilibeds.
• Care of cold babies and monitoring temperature whilst under overhead radiant heater or hot cot.
• Liaise with multidisciplinary colleagues where appropriate e.g. child protection
• Document clinical care in electronic patient records maintaining an accurate and legible record in accordance with Trust Policies and Guidelines.
• In respect of child protection cases, document fully in the birthing parent’s notes the parenting skills and social interaction observed between parents and baby.
• Respect and maintain the client's right to confidentiality.
• Listen to and partake in hand over at the beginning of the shift and handover to your peers at the end of the shift.
• Undertake the collection of specimens such as blood by heel prick and urine samples and swabs.
• Ensure the nursery and feeding room is clean and stocked and equipped to a safe and high standard.
• Provide emotional support to new parents on a daily basis.
• On occasion provide care for seriously/terminally ill babies.
• Support parents whose baby is undergoing invasive treatment, such as blood tests, lumbar puncture.
• Reinforce professional advice through supporting and encouraging the parents in parenting skills in the first 10 days of baby's life.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme  for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. 

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/