Health Centre Nurse (Nights)

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1923 Canford School is set in 250 acres of inspirational parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset, within easy reach of the M27 and M3.

The school, which currently has some 650 boys and girls aged 13-18, is amongst the country’s top co-educational boarding schools. Canford has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh lively approach.  Emphasis is placed on individual development through all the school has to offer.  Canford is ambitious for its pupils’ academic success and also provides excellent pastoral and welfare support. 

OVERALL PURPOSE

Working overnight within the School’s Health Centre, you will be responsible for the care and wellbeing of boarding pupils who require admission to the centre during the night. This is a lone-working position requiring sound clinical judgement, confidence in decision-making and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to a range of health concerns.

Although working independently within the Health Centre, you will be supported by the wider school community and the Health Centre Manager, with clear procedures for seeking additional advice and assistance when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing overnight nursing care, observation and support for pupils admitted to the Health Centre.
• Assessing pupils who become unwell or require medical attention, identifying their needs and determining appropriate next steps.
• Recognising deterioration or situations requiring escalation and arranging further medical assessment or emergency assistance where necessary.
• Supporting pupils’ physical and emotional health and wellbeing in a calm, reassuring and professional manner.
• Offering advice and guidance to boarding, pastoral and teaching staff regarding pupils’ health and wellbeing, within the scope of your professional practice.
• Maintaining accurate, confidential clinical records and ensuring effective handovers and communication with the daytime Health Centre team.
• Working in accordance with school policies, clinical protocols, safeguarding procedures and professional standards.
• Contributing to a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for all boarding pupils.

KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE

You will be a Registered Nurse with current NMC registration and a commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. You will have excellent assessment and communication skills, the confidence to work autonomously and the ability to recognise when to seek further support. This role would be best suited to a Nurse with a minimum of 5 years post registration experience.

You will also demonstrate:

• A calm, practical and reassuring approach, particularly when managing unexpected situations.
• Strong clinical judgement and the ability to prioritise competing needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with young people and colleagues.
• An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and the particular needs of children and young people.
• A flexible, reliable and proactive approach to overnight working.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Health Centre Manager and the wider school community.
• Experience in pediatric, adolescent, emergency, community or school nursing would be an advantage.

“Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment”

All successful job applicants are required to undergo child protection screening.