Nurse in Birmingham

You will be responsible for overseeing the general health needs of students on a daily basis and the support and development of college staff to manage the health needs of students across the academic and residential services.

Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding

• Promote the values, aims and ethos of the College both within your role as a nurse and within the corporate life of the College.
• Have an awareness/experience of working with individuals with learning disabilities/difficulties, autism, physical disabilities, mental health needs and visual impairment.
• Support students with a range of health needs and interventions including epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, anaphylaxis, PEG feeding, intermittent catheterisation, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections and tissue viability/pressure area care.
• Assess the primary health needs of students who attend the Healthcare Centre on an ‘as required’ basis and provide appropriate treatment.
• Assess the health needs of individuals referred for a place at QAC and produce a report outlining the support they would need.
• Produce guidance, protocols and care plans to be implemented across the college to ensure that the needs of students can be met by all who support them.
• Maintain accurate, professional written and electronic records in line with GDPR and the NMC Nursing Code of Conduct.
• Periodically review and evaluate the care provided to students.
• Provide first aid to students, staff and visitors who are involved in accidents or incidents resulting in injury.
• Work with colleagues to offer a health promotion service that meets the needs of the students.
• Administer, store and manage medication in line with current nursing legislation and standards.
• Participate in the provision of support and training to staff and students with regards to health needs and interventions.
• Complete regular audits of medication and first aid equipment and ensure that all Healthcare Centre tasks are completed as required.
• Demonstrate sound decision making and critical thinking skills and be able to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Have the ability to work effectively under pressure and with limited supervision.
• Be able to communicate effectively at all levels with students, their families/carers, staff and external agencies.
• Undertake any relevant training to support your clinical role and be responsible for your own professional development in line with Revalidation procedures.
• Attend regular team meetings and other college meetings as required.
• Work with healthcare staff to maintain standards of infection control, including: hand washing, universal hygiene procedures, appropriate disposal of waste materials, dealing with blood or bodily fluid spillages and assisting students and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures.
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional evening, weekend working to support student or training requirements, with reasonable notice.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of equality and diversity and encourage students to be involved in their care, respecting their physical, emotional and social needs.
• Work in a professional manner, honouring the NMC Nursing Code of Conduct and keeping up to date with professional developments within your range of practice and beyond.
• Have an awareness of Ofsted and CQC regulations with regards to Specialist Colleges.
• Work effectively as both part of a team and on your own initiative and ensure that the needs of the students are at the centre of all you do.
• Perform such other duties consistent with the nature of the post as may be required from time to time.

Other Duties

• QAC employees may be expected to undertake designated emergency response duties as part of their role. This includes:
• Receiving appropriate training, instruction and information to carry out emergency procedures safely and effectively.
• Responding to emergency situations in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Supporting the organisation’s compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• NMC registered nurse (RN/RNLD/RMN).
• Be able to carry out detailed health assessments and write reports outlining the support required.
• To be able to produce a range of health protocols and guidelines in collaboration with families/carers, students, health professionals and staff.
• Be competent in delivering all aspects of medication management within a health care setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, and demonstrate excellent communication skills: verbal, listening & written, with a wide range of individuals including, students, their family and medical professionals.
• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and mental health conditions.
• Involvement in the implementation and evaluation of health protocols and clinical guidelines.
• Experience of carrying out audits.
• Experience of providing enhanced first aid procedures in line with current practice.
• Experience of working with minimal supervision and the ability to make sound clinical judgements within limited timescales.
• Knowledge of person centred, outcomes focused approaches in delivery of care.
• Knowledge of a range of health needs and clinical interventions including epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, anaphylaxis, PEG feeding, intermittent catheterisation, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections and tissue viability/pressure area/wound care.
• Aware of accountability of own role and other roles in a nurse-led service, in line with the NMC Code of Conduct.

Benefits

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.

Queen Alexandra Charity offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.

Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals.
• Make a difference to the educational experience of young people.
• Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence.
• Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.

Our benefits include:

• Access to on site car parking.
• Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours).
• Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice).
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF).
• Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff.
• QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing.
• BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services.
• Annual Flu vaccination/voucher.
• Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers.
• Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off.
• Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling).
• Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities.
• Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes).
• Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period).
• Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service.
• Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria).
• Occupational sick pay (based on length of service).
• On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation).
• Support for training/CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding).
• Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.