Job overview

We are looking for skilled, dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic nurses who are keen for new challenge and would be interested in working as part of the Neonatal team at RCHT Truro.

Our Neonatal Unit has combination of 20 ITU, HDU and Special Care beds and is part of the Southwest Neonatal Network. We care for around 600 babies per year and look after babies born from 27 weeks gestation but will stabilise and provide intensive care for babies born earlier than this when required. We also have the ability to initiate cooling, deliver nitric oxide and Cerebral Function Monitoring for babies when needed in liaison with our tertiary centre prior to transfer if necessary. Our Community Neonatal Outreach service also provides support to babies discharged from the unit with on-going medical or nursing needs.

If you are looking to develop you career further in this specialist department we can offer you:

• Professional development tailored to your individual needs

·        Exciting career progression opportunities available for individuals who have the appropriate skills and experience to develop their role including the MSc Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP) course.

·        Leadership opportunities

·        Specialist neonatal group involvement (Infant feeding/developmental care/neonatal transport/neonatal education/neonatal bereavement/neonatal governance/SIM champion/infant massage/TRiM)

Main duties of the job

Clinical:

• Supporting babies requiring intensive care, high dependency and special care.
• Participate in neonatal resuscitation and emergency situations.

Family integrated care

• Promote (FiCare) as a core model within the unit.
• Support parents to become confident in providing care (feeding, hygiene, developmental care).
• Provide emotional support, particularly during unexpected admissions, transfers, and discharge planning.
• Facilitate early discharge planning and transitional care pathways where appropriate.

Communication

• Communicate clearly with families, adapting to distressing and complex situations.
• Participate in MDT discussions, ward rounds, and discharge planning.
• Maintain accurate electronic and written documentation in line with Trust standards.

Professional practice

Work within the NMC Code and RCHT policies.

• Progress towards Neonatal Foundation Programme within 6 months.
• Develop skills in neonatal assessment, HDU, ITU , and stabilisation through QIS course.
• Maintain CPD and participate in training relevant to neonatal care.

 Quality, safety and Governance

• Adhere to infection prevention policies, particularly in vulnerable neonatal populations.
• Participate in incident reporting, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.

Teamwork

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team including neonatal consultants, ANNPs, midwives, and AHPs.
• Support students, new starters, and preceptees.
• Contribute to a positive team culture reflecting RCHT values.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.

RCHT is responsible for the provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds:

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities, and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting and retaining highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.