Community Nursery Nurse
What is the work like?
Community nursery nurses provide services aimed at improving the health and well-being of families with children up to the age of eight.
As a community nursery nurse, you would first work closely with a health visitor to assess a family’s care needs. You would then work with the family, following an agreed care or play plan.
Your clients could include:
- families with sick children
- families with mental health, addiction or disability ssues
- children in need of protection.
You would offer support both in clinics, community centres or GP surgeries, and in clients’ homes. Your tasks could include:
- making home visits and monitoring any concerns
- assessing children’s development and referring to other professionals when necessary
- setting up play activities in clients’ homes, or group sessions in the community, to demonstrate the importance of play
- helping to set up groups to discuss issues, such as behaviour management, weaning and toilet training
- providing information and advice to families on issues like immunisation, diet and stopping smoking
- advising on home safety, accident prevention and safe play
- providing advice and support on breastfeeding
- passing on to health visitors or community matrons any concerns like signs of abuse or neglect.
You would keep records of your work, and attend staff meetings, case conferences and reviews.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a community nursery nurse you will need:
- a nursery nursing qualification
- around two years’ experience with pre-school children after your qualification (you may also need experience in a variety of settings and with families who need support)
- a driving licence and access to a vehicle
- CRB clearance.
Suitable nursery nursing qualifications include:
- BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
- NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (you would usually need to arrange a work placement).
Entry requirements can vary, so you should check with course providers.
See the Nursery Nurse job profile for further details of qualifying and working as a nursery nurse.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you start work, you will receive training from your employer covering issues such as:
- moving and handling
- child protection
- basic life support
- confidentiality and data protection
- health and safety
- risk management.
You may also be encouraged to do a baby massage course recognised by the Guild of Infant and Child Massage.
You will be expected to keep your skills and knowledge up to date throughout your career. You could do this by taking further training in areas such as:
- health promotion
- infant nutrition (for example, breast feeding and weaning)
- parenting and child behaviour management
- child and adult abuse (such as domestic violence, or drug/alcohol abuse).
You may also be able to work towards NVQ Level 4 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Additional payments may be made to those working in or around London.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a full-time community nursery nurse, you will usually work 37.5 hours a week. Part-time posts are often available.
You will work in a variety of community settings, such as the client’s own home, clinics, community centres or GP’s surgeries.
Although your work will be rewarding, you will need to be prepared to deal with challenging situations (such as verbal aggression or parents who are uncooperative) and with issues which could be distressing (for example domestic violence or bereavement).
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good understanding of child development
- commitment to making your service accessible to all members of the community
- an imaginative and creative approach to planning and running play activities
- patience, empathy and the ability to communicate in a sensitive manner
- the confidence to work independently
- the ability to work cooperatively with a variety of client groups and external agencies
- good listening skills and powers of observation
- an understanding of data protection, confidentiality, child protection and disability issues
- the ability to manage and prioritise your workload
- basic IT skills and the ability to keep clear and accurate records.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most job opportunities within health visiting teams run by your local NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT). Many vacancies are advertised through the NHS Jobs website, as well as in the national and local press.
With experience and qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development, you could move outside the NHS into nursery or play centre management. You could also go on to set up your own nursery. See the Ofsted and National Day Nursery Association websites for details.
As a community nursery nurse, you will also have a basis for further training for a career in social work, family support work, health promotion and hospital play.
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