Student Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (HV/SN) in Nottingham

We are seeking dynamic and innovative Registered Nurses or Midwives to undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) leading to a qualification and NMC registration as either a SCPHN Health Visitor or SCPHN School Nurse. We welcome both internal and external applications from Nurses and Midwives who are passionate about pursuing a career working as a Specialist Practitioner within an integrated 0-19 children's service. Please make it explicitly clear within your application if you are applying for the role of Student Health Visitor, or Student School Nurse.

As a Student SCPHN, you can make a real difference to children, young people and their families, playing a significant role in safeguarding their health and wellbeing. Delivering the Healthy Child Programme (Department of Health, 2023) with the aim of reducing health inequalities, improving outcomes, and tackling public health issues. An integral part of the role also includes safeguarding children and young people whilst working collaboratively with partner agencies. SCPHNS work within an integrated 0-19 team, utilising their leadership skills to manage a caseload within their chosen speciality 0-5 (Health Visiting) or 5-19 (School Nursing).

It is essential that applicants hold a full UK Driving License and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes throughout the course, to enable full travel across the city, in line with service delivery.

Main duties of the job

• Student SCPHN Health Visitors are supported to learn how to lead on a caseload of children from birth to 5 years delivering public health initiatives through mandated and targeted contacts with infants, children and their families in the home and clinic environments.
• Student SCPHN School Nurses are supported to learn how to lead on a caseload of children and young people between the ages of 5 and 19, providing direct public health interventions alongside weekly secondary school drop-ins.
• School Nurses promote the health, wellbeing and safety of children and young people across Nottingham City in schools, homes, and clinics.

The academic study will be undertaken at the University of Derby at Level 7 PGDip. Clinical placements will be based across Nottingham City. You will work within a supportive team under the supervision of a Practice Supervisor (SCPHN Health Visitor or School Nurse) and Practice Assessor (Clinical Educator). This is a full‑time course which is divided equally between practice and theory. Academic lectures will be undertaken at the University of Derby, Kedleston Road Campus, DE22 1GB. The CityCare service hours are Monday‑Friday 8.30am‑5pm excluding weekends and bank holidays. Annual leave is outlined by the university for the duration of the course. This is non‑negotiable to ensure the NMC practice hours are met.

If you have any queries, please contact Zoe Selby (School Nursing) zselby@nhs.net or Allison Osborne (Health Visiting) Allison.osborne@nhs.net.

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

To undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) programme as a student practitioner, integrating academic learning with clinical practice to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for professional registration. The role involves completing a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) at the University of Derby while undertaking supervised clinical placement within Nottingham City. The post holder will work towards achieving the standards of proficiency set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for registration as either a SCPHN Health Visitor or SCPHN School Nurse. This includes applying theoretical learning to practice, contributing to safe, effective, and evidence‑based care, and developing professional accountability in line with the NMC Code.

During clinical placement, the student will support the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme as part of an integrated 0‑19 service, working under supervision to promote the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and families. All practice must align with local and national clinical guidelines, organisational policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as the values and behaviours expected within Nottingham CityCare.

Key Responsibilities

• Attends all formal University education and informal work‑based learning sessions.
• Completes the academic requirements of the course as directed by the university and Clinical Educators, in accordance with the specialist and organisational role.
• Works with the Clinical Educator (Practice Assessor) and Practice Supervisor to link theoretical knowledge in line with clinical practice.
• Communicates effectively with clients, carers, and all statutory, voluntary, and independent organisations.
• Maintains accurate and contemporaneous documentation, to ensure timely and effective communication in accordance with NMC guidelines and Nottingham CityCare's policies and guidance.
• Ensures that all clients' needs are methodically assessed, plans of care are formulated and these are clearly documented and communicated to the practice team.
• Reports all incidents and near misses appropriately as identified in the organisation's policy and procedures.
• Agrees clinical learning objectives for embedding theoretical learning in practice, as required by the Clinical Educator.
• Completes all academic work as set by the University.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

• A Registered Adult/Mental Health/Learning Disabilities/Children's Nurse or Midwife registered with the NMC.
• Has knowledge of current national government policies and can demonstrate their application to practice.
• Is accountable for own professional actions and decisions.
• Attends all mandatory and essential training as required by the organisation.
• A credible practitioner who demonstrates sound professional, clinical, and practical knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of current and emerging national and local healthcare legislation policies and guidelines in accordance with service delivery.
• Undertakes regular reflections on clinical practice and academic study.
• Demonstrates analytical and assessment skills.
• Recognises the importance of communicating information to the Clinical Educator/Clinical Service Manager including professional, practical, and academic difficulties as and if they arise.
• Attends regular tripartite meetings with the university, Clinical Educator and Practice Supervisor, to identify learning needs and can recognise own professional limitations.
• Has the ability to evaluate the outcomes of interventions.

Planning and Organisational Skills

• Clearly demonstrates the ability to manage time and resources effectively, in both university and practice settings.
• Ensures that consent is obtained from clients before delivery of all interventions and information sharing (except when safeguarding procedures are being followed).
• Works in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Nottingham CityCare's policies and procedures.
• Develops skills to be able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised holistic care.
• Develops competence and confidence in child and adult safeguarding procedures and always follows appropriate policies and procedures at all times.
• Acts as an advocate for the voice of the child/young person at all times.
• Acts in the best interest of the child and family in a Think Family Approach.

Person Specification

• 1st level NMC Registration (Nurse or Midwife).
• BSc/MSc in Nursing or Midwifery or recent study at BSc/MSc level to meet the University entry requirements.
• Evidence of additional Continuing Professional Development/Academic Study within the past 5 years.
• Post registration experience at time of application.
• Evidence of leadership or management.
• Experience of practicing within a challenging situation.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practice, policy, and procedures.
• Experience of working in the community/Public Health.
• Experience of working with children, young people, and families.

Special Requirements

• All appointments are subject to satisfactory occupational health clearance.
• Ability to be flexible over hours worked within contracted hours to meet the needs of the service.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of local and national public health policies and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of health promotion and public health initiatives.
• Understanding of the principles of good leadership and its effect on teams.
• Able to work effectively in a multi‑disciplinary team, supporting others and challenging colleagues’ views and attitudes where necessary.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.