We recognise that working in a children’s hospice is very different to that of the NHS and we want to help answer any questions you might have.
Where is Claire House located and what does it provide?
Claire House Children’s Hospice is located near Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral, just off Junction 4 M53. We also have a day therapy hub which is located in West Derby, Liverpool and this is a developing and evolving site.
The Hospice is an independent, charitable healthcare provider that specialises in providing short breaks, symptom management, palliative and end of life care for babies, children and young people up to the age of 25, who have life limiting or life-threatening conditions. We also provide psychosocial and therapeutic support for parents, siblings and the wider family throughout the child’s life and through to bereavement and beyond.
The Care Quality Commission regulates us; our most recent rating is OUTSTANDING.
What are the care roles at Claire House?
We are a multi-disciplinary team that is predominantly Nurse Led. We have up to 10 beds and provide 1 to 1 care. We employ Child, LD and potentially Adult field Nurses (depending on experience). There is plenty of scope and opportunities for career development.
The in-house care team consist of Hospice Lead Nurses (Band 6) and Hospice Clinical Nurses (Band 5), Nursing Associates, Assistant Practitioners and HCSWs.
We also have outreach teams; the Rapid Response Team consists of Nurse Consultants (Band 8), Palliative Care Nurse Specialists (Band 7), Associate Palliative Care Nurse Specialists (Band 6), Nursing Associates and Assistant Practitioners. The Care coordination and planned care team have band 5 and 6 nurse roles.
We also have a Practice Education Team that consists of Clinical Nurse Educators (Band 6) and Assistant Practitioners
Do you take newly qualified Nurses and Nursing Associates?
Yes we do. We provide a preceptorship and all the clinical skill training is delivered in-house by the practice education team. You will be allocated to a small sub team depending on what area of the hospice you are working in. You will be supported throughout your development.
What type of clinical skills will I learn?
We care for babies, children and young adults that have complex health needs. Staff are trained in many clinical skills such as; enteral feeding, oral and nasopharyngeal suction, tracheostomy care, Non-invasive ventilation, invasive ventilation, IVs and TPN, catheterisation, end of life care, and more. We also encourage formal study courses to maintain CPD.
What other skills will I learn?
You will learn the key concepts of providing palliative and end of life care such as advanced communication skills, assessing and managing symptoms, interpreting advanced care plans as well as further developing your skills of working in partnership with internal and external multidisciplinary teams. Supporting families to make memories is integral to the care we provide which is a unique skill set to nurses working within this field.
What does a typical shift look like for a Nurse or Nursing associate on the care team?
There is always a band 6 or senior band 5 working as shift coordinator who you can go to for support and advice. You will be expected to provide individualised care following a personalised care plan which will include giving out medications and providing whatever clinical care the child requires. Integral to your shift you will be expected to also ensure the child engages in activities to enhance their day which may involve working alongside other MDT members such as physiotherapists or play specialist. You will be allocated a child to care for or to oversee their care. You may also be supervising a Student, HCSW or Assistant Practitioner especially if it is a 2 to 1 allocation.
Can I transfer my NHS pension?
If you have been paying into an NHS pension then Yes this can be transferred. Claire House also has its own pension scheme for those not in the NHS pension.
If you have any further questions our team would be more than happy to answer them, please contact the hospice on 0151 343 4626 and ask for the practice education team who can arrange a visit or signpost your query to the right team.
We also hold open days, where you can have a tour of the hospice and speak to the staff about their roles, please email practiceeducationteam@clairehouse.org.uk to register your interest.
You can also find our current available roles here.
