Recruitment drive for new school nurses

Health chiefs are looking to evolve the role of school nurses with a recruitment drive showcasing the rewarding career awaiting new recruits.

Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire is joining forces with the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership for the campaign.

The vision for school nurses will see a more wide-ranging and engaging role which includes assessing and supporting pupils in areas including reducing the effects of inequalities and ensuring a focused approach to promoting health and wellbeing.

Morag Anderson, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire associate nurse director, said: “The role of the modern school nurse has moved on significantly from our memories of the school nurses we knew when we were at school.

“School nurses now play an important role in looking after – and improving – the health and wellbeing of not only school pupils, but also their families.

“A large element of the work now involves providing effective school nursing services for vulnerable pupils who have been identified as being at risk and requiring additional support.

“This will be achieved by working in partnership with the pupils, young people, families, carers and partner agencies.”

Those interested in a career as a school nurse must be a registered nurse with valid NMC registration and educated to degree level.

Lynsey Sutherland, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership associate nurse director, added: “Lanarkshire’s school nurses enjoy a great deal of autonomy within supportive teams.

“This means they have a continuous focus on prevention, early intervention and supporting areas including vulnerable children and families, mental health and wellbeing, and achieving positive outcomes.

“These roles are an excellent opportunity for the right people to develop their careers and skills as they will be working with a level of autonomy thanks to their in-depth knowledge, expertise, experience, professional j udgement and proficiency.”

For more information, email deborah.brown@lanarkshire.scot. nhs.uk