Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Care for babies receiving nasal cannula oxygen, site nasal cannula and saturation probe. Develop and utilise good communication skills; escalate concerns using the SBAR process when appropriate.
• Insert naso/oro gastric tubes, tube feed infants and teach parents how to tube feed their baby independently. Understand the risks involved and how to minimise these. Be able to support parents, learning to be competent in tube feeding, in preparation for discharge.
• Prioritise the workload, and participate in nursing procedures following instruction / education and at the discretion of a qualified Neonatal/Paediatric Nurse. This includes:
• Carrying out regular observations of temperature, pulse, respirations and heart rate.  This also includes oxygen saturation rate when requested. The findings should be recorded on the observation chart and reported to the Nurse-in-Charge.
• Undertaking blood tests on neonates for:

-       monitoring of glucose levels in babies on the BM protocol

-       Serum bilirubin levels

-       Newborn Blood spot screening test

• Collection of microbiology samples as requested, such as eye swabs, urine and stool samples.
• Care for babies undergoing phototherapy.
• Remove intravenous cannula at the direction of the Neonatal Nurse and assist with medical procedures such as blood taking, cannulation and lumbar puncture.
• Make accurate entries in the baby’s notes and IT systems, keeping the registered nurse informed.
• Support mothers with their chosen method of feeding. Assist and advise mothers to breast-feed/express breast milk following hospital policy and the Baby Friendly initiative standards. Maintain safe storage of  breastmilk. Provide parents with information on how to feed their baby responsively. Demonstrate safe preparation of formula feeds and explain methods of sterilisation as per Trust Policy.
• After appropriate training, take responsibility for :

•  Carrying out daily safety checks and control check of glucose meter ensuring all readings are recorded in the dedicated book and any problems reported to Point of Care Team.

•     Daily Checking of safety and emergency equipment used in the unit

•     Ensure that checking records are signed and dated daily.

• Enter admission, discharge and transferred babies onto Badgernet. Document in the yellow book. Update daily summary.
• Promote the wellbeing and safety of babies whilst following the Trust guidelines for the baby tagging system (Hugs), Safeguarding Children and contribute to discharge planning meetings.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development through the annual appraisal process.
• Report incidents, near-miss via Datix.
• Nursery Nurses are not allowed to participate in any technical aspects of midwifery /nursing care which are not defined in this job description, or those for which they have not been trained.

Housekeeping responsibilities

• Must be aware of how to use the bleep system or telephone for emergency assistance.
• Must be aware of SBAR process when escalating concerns
• Must be aware of the need for security and safety of patients, staff and visitors at all times.
• Report any hazards promptly to the person in charge.
• Receive and pass on telephone messages, insuring that information and requests are given and received accurately, using the SBAR process when appropriate.
• Take opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and maintain skills. Attend lectures, study days and meetings as arranged in line with the trust requirement for individual SaMT level ≥90% Must attend in-service training annually, such as Manual Handling, Fire training, Food Hygiene, Fit Testing,  neonatal/paediatric and adult resuscitation.
• Reception and orientation of Mothers and relatives to the clinical area
• Escort babies to other wards and departments. Care of infectious patients and treatment of property and equipment.
• Clean and tidy clinical equipment, storage cupboards and patient lockers.
• Collect and deliver specimens and drugs as requested.
• Ensure a neat and professional appearance at all times.
• Whenever possible, assist serving meals to Mothers taking note of dietary restrictions, accessibility of meal to patient and clearing away of used crockery