About this role
Job summary
Specialist Community Public Health Nurse(SCPHN) Student (School Nursing)
In Dorset we have a proven record of successfully training School Nurses. Dorset is a beautiful county offering experience of working in rural as well as urban areas. Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust (DHC) has close ties with the University of Surrey and has gained an excellent reputation in the training of 0-19yrs Specialist Community Public Health Nurses -all of whom have acquired jobs in the NHS following completion of their course.
The course will commence on 12th October 2026.
The CYP Public Health service is delighted to offer this exciting opportunity in partnership with The University of Surrey. The programme comprises practical learning in a School Nurses in a 0-19 team within the county of Dorset and academic studies. Students will be fully supported in clinical practice by a qualified Practice Assessor and a Practice Supervisor.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Main duties of the job
Entry requirements: Hold a full NMC registration or currently enrolled on an NMC approved pre -registration nursing programme where you will have your NMC registered nurse (level 1) or NMC registered midwife NMC pin in place at point of the programme starting.
Postgraduate Study (PGDip)- Standard entry requirement is a UK Bachelor Honours Degree / overseas equivalent. Combination of academic & experiential learning will be considered on individual merits & may be acceptable. Contact Programme Lead Felicity Jones for advice, [email protected]
Academic:
Meet academic competencies within the framework of University requirements Actively participate in the course Work with PA / PS in a reflective manner Adhere to University policies & procedures Practice Using present clinical skills develop relevant competencies (within the specialist clinical sphere) to demonstrate skills as specialist practitioner Work within NMC (2022) guidelines & scope of professional practice Interviews to be held on 5th of June 2026. Successful applicants at interview will then need to submit a formal application to the university. Course starts on 12th October 2026.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job description Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [email protected]
This post is subject to confirmation of NHSE funding.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training Essential
NMC registration Part 1 or 2 or or NMC registered midwife or you are currently enrolled on an NMC approved pre -registration nursing programme where you will have your NMC registered nurse (level 1) or NMC registered midwife NMC pin in place at the point of the programme starting. Evidence of recent professional updating and development/Academic study within last 5 years
Experience Essential
Understanding of School Nurse role Knowledge of Safeguarding
Desirable
Care in the community experience
Personal attributes Essential
Motivation for application explicit in supporting information
Additional requirements Essential
Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Pan Dorset
DHC HQ 4-6 Nuffield Rd, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0RB
Pan Dorset
BH17 0RB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)