Job Description

We are looking for an exceptional, highly motivated, innovative individual to join our team of ANNPs at our Level 2 LNU. This is a full time training post, which involves completing an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Salford. Please note, travel costs and accommodation will not be funded.



This is an opportunity for career development from Band 7 to Band 8a once comptencies have been met. The post holder will be mentored and initially shadowed by an experienced ANNP and/or senior medical staff, progressively working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner, prioritising own workload and being accountable for the direct delivery of care.



On our unit we have a strong commitment to QI and work closely with our colleagues in maternity including in the West Midlands Perinatal Network, LMNS programmes of work, and our clinical governance and safety work is of high quality. Opportunities therefore exist for you to develop roles and responsibilities that facilitate the further development of our Neonatal service.



PLEASE NOTE, WE MAY CLOSE THIS VACANCY EARLY IF WE RECEIVE HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS.

The post holder will:

Be mentored and initially will shadow an experienced ANNP and/or senior medical staff, progressively working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner, prioritising own workload and being accountable for the direct delivery of care.



Work across professional boundaries, undertaking duties of an advanced practitioner under the direction of the ANNP team and consultant neonatologist. This includes participating in medical rotas under supervision.



Teach and deliver core specialist neonatal training and education to staff and students to ensure safe, evidence-based practice is delivered.



Attend neonatal clinical emergencies in all areas, delivering advanced resuscitation skills and stabilisation of the infant prior to transfer to the neonatal unit, while being supported by an experienced practitioner until competence is achieved.



Use high levels of judgement, problem solving and decision making in the assessment, investigation, diagnosis, prescription and evaluation of highly specialised treatment plans.



Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300. It provides inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community. Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The 170 million development was completed in 2010, and ongoing upgrades ensure the Trust now has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit. A new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, opened in March 2023, has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity, providing almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.

Job Responsibilities:

Use highly specialised clinical and theoretical knowledge to undertake a comprehensive health history and examination of any neonate in order to diagnose and treat. Work in partnership with the medical team, developing medical and nursing patient management plans for a case load of babies that deliver a holistic approach to the care of neonates throughout the patient pathway from admission to discharge. Use specialised clinical and theoretical knowledge to regularly weigh up differential diagnosis and the potential range of treatment options available, ensuring that the care provided to all neonates is safe and effective. Attend high-risk deliveries and other emergencies as an autonomous practitioner, ensuring that neonates receive safe and effective advanced resuscitation. Carry the emergency neonatal bleep under supervision whilst within your training period transitioning to autonomous practice during consolidation period. Undertake non-medical prescribing with supervision, including calculating, prescribing, administering and evaluating the effects of drug and fluid therapies in accordance with local policies. Undertake non-medical prescribing on completion of course and achievement of Trust competencies and requirements as per guideline. Order and interpret X-rays and diagnostic investigations to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of the neonate. Act on results and develop management plans. Participates in, and perform, clinical procedures for ill and premature neonates. Participates in the stabilisation, transfer and admission of the extremely ill neonate. Provide regular communication and support with parents regarding their baby's condition and promoting family integrating care. Participate in palliative care for neonates. Co-ordinate referral to other services, e.g. physiotherapist, SLT, dietician, surgeon, cardiologist or any other service which is vital to the appropriate care of the neonate Contribute to raising awareness of health and wellbeing to promote healthy lifestyle choices for the benefit of neonates and their families. Practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trusts Strategy for Nursing and Trust Policies and Procedures. Act as a source of speciality expertise within the Directorate and across the Trust as appropriate. Follow local infection control guidelines and act as a role model to embed excellent practice. Actively promote and implement current research and evidence based practice. Participate in local audit and quality improvement projects. Successfully achieved all level one competencies within the ANNP framework. Ensure safe use of equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.