Trainee Health Visitor

Trainee Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) – Health Visiting

NHS Borders is seeking a Registered Nurse or Midwife to undertake training as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visitor). This 12-month fixed-term training post offers the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience required to deliver the Universal Health Visiting Pathway in Scotland, supporting children aged 0–5 and their families to achieve the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes.

• Undertake an approved postgraduate SCPHN (Health Visiting) programme linked to Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
• Develop skills in delivering universal, targeted, and additional pathway visits
• Learn to assess child and family needs using the GIRFEC National Practice Model
• Support health promotion and early intervention initiatives within communities
• Gain experience in safeguarding and child protection processes
• Work alongside experienced Health Visitors and multidisciplinary teams
• Contribute to improving outcomes in early years development, parenting, and school readiness

Essential criteria include:

• Registered Nurse or Midwife (NMC registered)
• Demonstrable interest in public health, early years, and family support
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to undertaking academic study at postgraduate level
• Evidence of continuing professional development

NHS Borders offers a fully supported practice learning environment, structured practice assessor/supervisor model, access to experienced Health Visiting staff and leadership support, opportunities to develop leadership and public health skills, and integration into a supportive, forward-thinking team aligned to GIRFEC, The Promise, and UNCRC.

Upon successful completion of the NMC-approved SCPHN (Health Visiting) programme, you will be eligible to apply for Health Visitor (Band 7) roles within NHS Borders (subject to availability).

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Jan Grieve, Community Clinical Nurse Manager, at 07747 457332 or [email protected]. Virtual conversations can be arranged via Microsoft Teams.

To work in the United Kingdom, you must have the relevant permission to work in the country. NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK as part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate. For specific types of post, it might be possible to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa if the employer is a licenced Sponsor and the post meets the minimum salary threshold or ‘going rate’. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.