What is a Maternity Nurse?
A Maternity Nurse is someone who has chosen to dedicate their career to working with babies and post-natal mothers. They usually commence work with you as soon as you come home from the hospital or after the birth if you have a home birth and stay from between four weeks up to a year.
Maternity nurses usually work five or even six days per week and “live in” which means they stay in your home and provide round-the-clock support. They are usually on duty 24 hours a day but must have a break of three to four hours per day to ensure she can catch up on sleep.
Duties include full support for both mummy and baby including:
- Assisting with feeding
- Changing and bathing the baby
- Settling the baby
- Allowing mum to rest after delivery
- Taking care of ‘nursery duties’ which include washing babies clothes and looking after their equipment
- Integrating babies with siblings
- Advising parents on the best products and services
Maternity nurses are self employed and look after their own tax and national insurance.
Salary guide:
Single baby £180+ per day
Twins £220+ per day
A great maternity nurse should leave the parents feeling empowered and confident with all aspects of baby care.
What should you look for when hiring a Maternity Nurse?
- A solid work history
- Lots of glowing references from past employers
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Up to date DBS (Criminal record check)
- Up to date Paediatric first aid certificate
- Insurance
The Maternity Nurse Association has been created to ensure all members have a preferred level of experience and education, teamed with references, a DBS check, a First Aid certificate and insurance, thus ensuring that if you chose a candidate who is a member of the Maternity Nurse Association, you can rest assured they are the best in the business.
www.maternitynurseassociation.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maternitynurseassociation/