Clinical Services Manager – Women and Child Health

Job/Role Summary

• Responsible for Management and budgetary control of nursing, midwifery, administration and clerical staff within an Integrated Hospital and Community Midwifery Service, Paediatric and Gynae service in a Woman and Child Health Directorate.
• Responsible for service requirements being met in accordance with agreed statutory, professional and quality standards.
• Ensuring provision of High Quality Care.

Specific qualifications and experience required

• Registered Nurse.
• Registered Midwife.
• Supervisor of Midwives ENB Course.
• Management Qualification.
• Experience in managing human and financial resources and implementing change.

Career Milestones

As a Ward Sister I had the opportunity to develop and refine 1st Line Management Skills particularly in the area of people management. I also gained great benefit from a 6 week management course I had the opportunity to undertake with the RCN including 2 weeks teaching and assessment training. My first post as a Nursing Officer of a GP led hospital service with Maternity, Adult in-patients, GP Casualty, OPD and Health Centre Treatment Room included management of Catering, Domestic Staff and Site Management. This post provided me with many development opportunities in the area of general management. I found project work such as leading and introducing the Nursing Process, and acting as facilitator for Standard Setting Groups across the unit of management provided me with an opportunity to explore the area of change management and my skill development in this field (Group Dynamics). I had the opportunity to go on a four week residential management course which I found beneficial as it developed advanced practical skills in problem solving, change management, negotiation, project management and motivating. Completing a Post Grad Diploma in Health and Social Services Management was extremely beneficial as it helped me gain knowledge of wider political and strategic aspects of the National Health Service. As a Supervisor of Midwives I had the opportunity to work within a Statutory Framework and participate in team working outside my own service, participating at Health & Social Services Board Level and National Board Level interfacing with Education Providers in professional developments.

What attracted you to this job?

• The opportunity within the complex environment of an Acute Hospital Trust to shape and develop aspects of services to women and children.
• The opportunity to participate in developing and expanding roles in Nursing and Midwifery at time of great change in the Health Service.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• Professional Development of Staff, facilitating and coaching staff in Clinical and / or leadership especially on an individual level.
• Identifying and introducing quality changes to the service.
• Problem solving within the multi-disciplinary team.

Important success factors

• Autonomy as a middle manager given by my immediate Senior.
• Facilitation in a management post to be self directed and lead on my own initiative within a supportive environment.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

You should be prepared for an ever changing, challenging-working environment and have a flexible attitude and approach to problem solving and prioritising. Be willing to be a life long learner. It is important that you continue to develop yourself both professionally and personally. Keep a focus on work life balance. Even though the work is challenging and often brings difficult decisions, try to enjoy being instrumental in the provision of a high quality Nursing and Midwifery Service for women and children.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

• People management skills.
• The ability to bring people with you not only those reporting to but the wider Multi Disciplinary Team.
• The ability to work with others at the interface of Primary Care and Public Health to achieve progress.
• Visionary skill for forward planning and being self directed in identifying and progressing. projects/developments within my control
• Communication skill to ensure that relevant staff and colleagues are involved / participate in agreeing the processes/protocols for a service or activity.
• Communication skills in disseminating information to all levels of staff.

Career Profiles