My name is Jess Metcalfe and I work as a band 5 staff nurse for public health nursing within the school nursing team in North Devon.
When did you start at Devon County Council?
I started with Devon county council in January 2022
What made you choose to work for Devon County Council?
I wanted to work for Devon County Council to start a new side of nursing within the community setting where I could make the most of taking in the beautiful area visiting schools from all around North Devon. I have 2 small children and DCC offered flexibility and part time hours which fitted well around my family.
Can you give an overview of your role?
I predominately work with children at primary school age. My role includes supporting children and their families with health and wellbeing through early intervention and prevention. This is generally around mental health and emotional wellbeing, toileting, sleep, healthy lifestyles and choices behaviour and additional needs. The sessions can be delivered by telephone appointments or face to face community clinics and in schools or at home. I also complete the National child measurement programme every year which involves measuring all reception and year 6 children across all primary schools in North Devon.
How did you come to be in this role?
I worked on a general paediatric ward prior to this role.
What support did you receive when you joined?
I was supported by the team across Devon and allowed time to shadow experienced members of staff to have more of an understanding of the role and to gain skills and experience.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
I enjoy completing the National child measurement programme each year which runs over about 6 months. You have great contact with the children in all the schools in North Devon.
How have you progressed through your role?
I have learned new skills in various areas of public health nursing especially around mental health and normal magic. I feel a lot more confident now to deliver effective single session appointments for children and their families in order to support their need in a way which is best for them.
What benefits do you enjoy? For example, flexible working, (working from home), good pension etc…
I enjoy the flexible working as it suits around my family and also being able to work from home from time to time. It is also great to have a base where you can catch up with the rest of the team.
What else do you enjoy about your job?
I love working with the children and parents completing face to face work around social and emotional wellbeing where I can see I have made a difference to their emotional wellbeing and quite often school experience
What do you enjoy about living and working in Devon?
I love driving through North Devon to different schools and homes as it is such a vast area and the landscape can change so much form the sea to Dartmoor. The working hours mean you can still have time to make the most of the area by going for a walk with the dog or a dip in the sea.