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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities
1. Clinical responsibilities: 
1.1 Assist the senior nurses in the assessment of the care needs of neonates, and develops programmes of care in relation to the needs of the neonate and family during discharge planning, care at home and subsequent follow up care. Is involved in the discharge planning process from admission to the neonatal unit.
1.2 Assist with the implementation of programmes of neonatal nursing care and evaluation of their effectiveness, ensuring that the care plan provides a continuous record of progress, response to treatment, rehabilitation, nursing care and follow up.
1.3 Take responsibility for a defined caseload of neonatal patients, identifying babies who are suitable for discharge under the care of neonatal outreach, under the supervision of the Senior nurses for Neonatal Outreach.
1.4 Work in partnership with families in order to support and encourage involvement in their babies care, thus supporting family centred care
1.5 Assist in the holistic care of the parents, carers, siblings and other members of the neonates support network as appropriate
1.6 Develops and maintains optimum standards of neonatal nursing care, ensuring that nursing guidelines and policies are adhered to within the inpatient/outpatient and community setting in relation to neonatal outreach.
1.7 Work without direct supervision from senior nurses and be responsible for the management of his/her caseload within the hospital, community and outpatient setting
1.8 Maintain effective communication with multidisciplinary team members, other hospital nursing and medical staff, general practitioners, community nursing staff and statutory and non statutory organisations that may be involved with the care of the neonate and family
1.9 Has knowledge of safeguarding issues within the neonatal unit. Liaise with senior nurses to co-ordinate care for families and babies for whom there are safeguarding concerns during the discharge planning process. Attends appropriate meetings to include case conferences, multi disciplinary meetings and ward rounds. 
1.10 Is aware of the spiritual, psychological and emotional needs of the neonate and their family and endeavours to meet these at all times
1.11 Ensures seamless transition of care from the hospital to home setting for neonates
1.12 Ensures smooth transition of care for neonates and their families from the neonatal unit to the home oxygen neonatal outreach service services when required, supporting the home oxygen process for the baby and family on an ongoing basis.
1.13 Support the senior nurses in their care of families and babies who require phototherapy and ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.
1.14 Advise on the supply and safe use of supplies and clinical equipment to neonatesand their families within the hospital and community setting
1.15 Responsible for, and co-ordinates the custody of all drugs by checking, ordering and administering them in line with Trust policy both in the hospital, outpatient and community setting
1.16 Aware of the location of emergency and resuscitation equipment and is aware of procedures both in the hospital and outpatient/community setting. Participates in a programme of teaching parents resuscitation skills.
1.17 To work within the Neonatal Unit as a community liaison specialist, undertaking an agreed number of clinical shifts. Be proactive in the discharge planning from the hospital.
1.18 To have an active role in encouraging the uptake of immunisation schedules both in the Neonatal Unit and in the community setting, such as RSV.
1.19 To act as a resource to the Neonatal Unit for advice to staff, carers/ parents in relation to neonatal care.
1.20 Monitor nutrition by monitoring calorie intake in conjunction with the dietician as required and monitoring feeding skills. Ensure onward referral to specialist when indicated. Monitor growth and plot measurements on growth charts in parents held record
1.21 Ensure all neonatal screening is correct and completed in a timely fashion. Check bloodspot screening completed prior to discharge. Take samples in community as appropriate.
1.22 Evaluate neonatal development, adjusting for prematurity, in regard to growth and development. Participate in neonatal follow up in the clinic setting up to two years of age.