Student SCPHN (Health Visitor and School Nurse) )
Croydon is a busy, exciting and diverse place to work. The borough has one of the youngest populations in London and continues to grow.
Croydon Health Services cares for local people at Croydon University Hospital, Purley Memorial Hospital and in clinics and people’s homes all across the borough.
We are a very close-knit and friendly organisation where everyone of our 3600 members of staff is valued. We strongly believe that our employees are our greatest asset and so through Listening into Action – our way of engaging staff - we empower everyone at any level to initiate and bring about real improvements in our care.
Join us and be a part of the team that is making Croydon proud. #choosecroydon
Job overview
Student SCPHN (Health Visitor and School Nurse)
Band 5, 1 year fixed term contract
Our 0-19 integrated service works to achieve the best outcomes for our children, young people and families living in the borough through the Healthy Child Programme. As a result we are looking for qualified nurses and midwives who are passionate and motivated to train as specialist public health nurses for Health Visiting and School Nursing.
The entry requirements for the 12 month programme are:
- Qualified nurse or midwife with an active NMC registration willing to undertake a fully funded one year academic course at the University of Greenwich
- Minimum of 120 academic credits at level 5, diploma or equivalent (If unsure of the above please contact the university)
- Applicants must be able to travel independently and have access to a vehicle for business purposes throughout the course. Where necessary, adjustments will be made in accordance with the Equality Act
This is a fully funded and salaried course starting in September 2025 (comprising 50% academic and 50% clinical placement in accordance with university and Trust regulations) subject to confirmation by Health Education England.
Choosing to study and work in Croydon as a Health Visitor means you will be joining an integrated team of practitioners who are supported through an effective program of Practice Supervision, Corporate Membership of the IHV, and an ongoing extensive in house training program .
Interviews: tbc
Main duties of the job
To work towards gaining the standards of proficiency for entry to the NMC register/recordable for Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN).
To provide the Student with a learning environment that will enable them to develop knowledge, skills and competencies to take on the role of a qualified Specialist Community Public Health Nurse within a defined pathway.
To gain the knowledge and skills and competencies required in order to exercise higher levels of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care focusing on four broad areas:
- Clinical Practice
- Community Engagement
- Clinical Practice Development
- Leadership in Clinical Practice
The SCPHN sponsorship is a development post building on existing knowledge, skills and competencies to achieve a higher level of practice resulting in an academic qualification as well as a registerable/recordable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Working for our organisation
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provide hospital and community services from a number of community and specialist clinics throughout Croydon. The Trust was formed on 1st August 2010 through the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust.Around 4,100 staff provide services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity.
Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital is one of the busiest in London. We’re also leading the way in providing more healthcare outside hospitals at clinics, specialist centres and in people’s homes. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon.
Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we’re no exception. But with the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve.Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training throughout the careers of all of our staff.
If you want the opportunity to have a real impact, challenge yourself and be part of an NHS Trust that’s making a real difference then a career at Croydon Health Services could be just what you’re looking for.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To find out more - come and visit us to meet us, talk to us and see how you will fit into the Croydon team .
Please see the attached supporting documents Job Description and Person Specification which contain more information about the role
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria- Current NMC Registration for nursing and midwifery
- Dip HE (or above) qualification equivalent to 120 credits at level 5 (of the Higher Education Credit Framework for England) or evidence of previous education and learning to this level.
- Is up to date and fit to practice safely
- ALL sections of application form completed FULLY according to written guidelines
- Literacy and Numeracy at the level of the National Qualifications Framework at level 1-2 for Numeracy (equivalent of GCSE) and 3-4 for Literacy (equivalent of A level).
Knowledge
Essential criteria- Knowledge of the Public Health role of contemporary health visiting & working in community settings
- Knowledge of local and national policies which influence the provision of health visiting
- Current knowledge of safeguarding issues
- Knowledge of quality issues, the audit process and clinical governance
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams
- Evidence of involvement in the management of difficult situations and conflict resolution
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria- Academic ability to study independently at degree or postgraduate level
- Good computer literacy skills e.g. Microsoft word, excel Excellent, adaptable communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to support children and families to make informed decisions in relation to their health and well-being
- Demonstrate ability to adapt to working within a changing environment
- Demonstrate knowledge of research - based practice
- Evidence of supporting equality and valuing diversity in own practice
Other Factors
Essential criteria- To have a valid UK driving licence and be a car driver
- To be able to access a car for work purposes
- To be able to travel across Croydon and surrounding Boroughs