Associate Practitioner - Neonatal Transitional Care and Special Care

at  University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Southampton Neonatal Unit is looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals to work across our neonatal services; our Transitional Care Unit, and our new ‘Woodland Ward’ Special Care Baby Unit. We are looking for people who are dedicated to delivering high quality, family centred care and who strive to make a difference to babies and their families.
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Under the supervision of a registered Midwife/Nurse and working within the Multidisciplinary Team, you will be responsible for the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care of babies and their families, supporting the ethos of family-integrated care.
Whilst on Transitional Care you will support new parents and babies to stay together, working alongside the multidisciplinary team to avoid unnecessary admission to the neonatal unit.
We actively support and promote effective communication with parents during admission through their participation in ward rounds, providing continuity and consistency. Nurses and Allied Health Professionals will provide parent craft sessions in a safe, relaxed environment. These are provided with empathy, kindness and understanding therefore empowering them. Feeding progression is supported in conjunction with the Infant feeding team and SALT. We actively promote and support breastfeeding but also support other parent feeding choices Parents are supported to confidently care for their baby to facilitate safe and timely discharge You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver a high standard of care.

What experience/skills are needed

• Registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register, or an Associate Practitioner with a Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care
• Experience working with newborn babies and birthing people desirable
• A positive attitude to providing family integrated care within a busy environment.
• Good evidence of ongoing personal development and demonstrate a commitment to undertake further training
• A flexible approach to supporting the service in a fast-paced changing department.
• You will need to work well within a team and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• You will need to be adaptable and able to work a range of shifts across two area to meet the needs of the neonatal services
• A satisfactory DBS is required

Southampton Neonatal Unit is looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals to work across our neonatal services; our Transitional Care Unit, and our new ‘Woodland Ward’ Special Care Baby Unit. We are looking for people who are dedicated to delivering high quality, family centred care and who strive to make a difference to babies and their families.
As a Band 4, you will be working in both the Transitional Care Unit caring for newborn babies and their parent, and Woodland Ward - a purpose built, nurse-led unit caring for sick and preterm babies due to open October 2024.

Please refer the Job description for details