Bank Nurse
Casual, term time
Start date ASAP
Executive Summary
Headington prides itself on the care and support it provides for its pupils. Our Health Centre plays an integral role in the pastoral care we provide, offering a 24/7 welcoming space and promoting the physical health and emotional wellbeing of our pupils, both resident boarders and day pupils alike.
We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and experienced Bank Nurse (RGN/RN qualified) who enjoys working with young people to work in our Health Centre alongside a team of nurses.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small dedicated team of highly professional nurses on a casual basis who cater for a wide variety of needs. From meeting the physical needs of some pupils in drop in clinics, to administering first aid and guiding pupils who require psychological support, the role of a Headington nurse is a varied but vital one.
The Health Centre
The Health Centre is a busy professional department that operates from a dedicated facility in the heart of the school site. It is open 24/7 during term time, catering for the needs of pupils and staff during the school day, and supporting the needs of boarders and the wider resident team at other times. The team comprises a Lead Nurse supported by one full time and three part time nurses, as well as a small number of bank nurses, who together deliver effective care and support to the wider school community. Boarders benefit from visiting GP clinics twice weekly.
The nursing team will work closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and the counsellors to ensure we continue to meet the needs of all of our pupils and provide effective, targeted and appropriate care and advice to our young people and their families.
Role Description
The Bank Nurse will coordinate the provision of on-site medical care and advice for both day and boarding pupils and staff. This is a part time, casual, shift based role.
Key Responsibilities
- work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the Health Centre through a multi-disciplinary team approach
- triage, treat or refer pupils and staff presenting at the Health Centre in line with the NMC Code of Conduct whilst operating within your capabilities
- treat and advise pupils and staff with common minor ailments and administer first aid in emergencies
- be aware of pupils’ physical and emotional needs, be able to talk to them sensitively and know when other professional help (in school or externally) may be needed
- provide on-site high standard medical care for both “drop in” day pupils (and occasionally staff) and for those with ongoing issues and concerns
- provide total care of ‘in patients’ in conjunction with the other nurses and boarding staff, liaising with and updating parents and guardians as appropriate
- organise basic meals for girls when resident in the Health Centre in liaison with House Mistresses and on call graduates
- liaise with the GP Surgery and keep files up to date and accurate
- manage the twice weekly GP surgeries on site and refer boarders to these as required
- maintain a link with the Schools Immunisation Team in Oxfordshire to learn about best practice in vaccination and assist with the delivery of vaccination and immunisation programmes at Headington
- maintain an up-to-date knowledge of chronic diseases and assist in developing, implementing and monitoring clear healthcare plans for pupils with chronic conditions (eg asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, complex migraine, epilepsy etc)
- organise medicals for all new boarders and play a part visiting the boarders within their boarding houses
- maintain sufficient levels of stock drugs and medical supplies
- maintain the stock of first aid kits
- perform any other reasonable duties as may be required from time to time by the Lead Nurse, Head of Boarding, Deputy Head Pastoral and Headmistress
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- professional Nursing qualification; a state registered nurse with “hands on” experience in child and young people’s health
- knowledge and experience of providing first aid
- experience in the care of young people including those with chronic illnesses and in providing care and support for young people with mental health needs
- physically able to undertake all the physical requirements of the post and use equipment according to health and safety guidelines
Desirable
- Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (School Nursing)
- Mental Health training
- familiarity with, and good understanding of, safeguarding procedures
- familiarity with using a database and information management system (eg ISAMS, CPOMS)
Personal Attributes and Skills
- good IT skills (Microsoft Office and Google Applications)
- strong pastoral instincts and a caring nature
- patience, sensitivity, empathy and a sense of humour
- ability to cope calmly and effectively with emergencies when they arise
- resilient and capable of working under pressure
- flexibility to deal with the changing needs of a busy health centre and the ability to adapt one’s approach being sensitive to the needs of the individual
- good team player, cooperative and helpful
- self motivated
- excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
- good organisation and administration skills
- a willingness to undertake training to keep knowledge of mental and physical health needs and best practice treatment up to date
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
Terms of Appointment
Type of agreement
Casual, term time
This post will form part of a shift system which will include day time hours (8am - 6pm), some weekends and nights.
Pension
A Group Personal Pension Plan is operated on behalf of the School and, if eligible, you will be auto-enrolled into this scheme in accordance with pension auto-enrolment obligations set out in the Pensions Act 2008.
Salary
Headington School has its own pay scales, however this role is broadly in line with NHS Agenda for Pay Band 6 (depending on skills and experience)
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headington.org
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Application deadline: Monday 5th February 2024
Interviews: week commencing Monday 5th February 2024
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK. Headington School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.