Health Visitor

What is a health visitor?

A health visitor is a healthcare professional who supports families and individuals in promoting good health and wellbeing. They provide health advice, education, and support to individuals, from pregnancy through to early childhood.

What does a health visitor do?

Usually, a health visitor does the following:

• Conducts health assessments for newborn babies and young children to identify any developmental or health concerns.
• Provides advice and support on breastfeeding, weaning, and healthy eating for babies and children.
• Offers guidance on child growth and development, including speech and language development, immunizations, and safety measures.
• Supports parents with managing common childhood issues, such as sleep problems, behavioral difficulties, and toilet training.
• Provides emotional and mental health support for both parents and children.
• Works closely with other healthcare professionals and community services to coordinate care and referrals for families in need.
• Conducts home visits and community clinics to reach out to families and deliver services.

What does the day-to-day life of a health visitor look like?

A health visitor usually works regular daytime hours, typically from 9am to 5pm. However, working hours may vary depending on the specific role and employer.

A typical day for a health visitor may involve:

• Conducting home visits to assess the health and wellbeing of families and provide support and advice.
• Running group sessions for parents and babies, such as baby weighing clinics or parenting classes.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals and attending multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Keeping records of assessments, interventions, and follow-up plans.
• Staying updated on the latest research and guidelines related to child health and development.

Where does a health visitor work?

Health visitors work in a variety of settings, including:

• National Health Service (NHS) clinics and community health centers.
• Local authority children's services.
• GP practices.
• Maternity units.
• Schools and nurseries.

Health visitors often work as part of a team alongside midwives, nurses, doctors, and social workers. They provide services to families in their local community.

What tools/software/hardware does a health visitor use? (Don't mention those not relevant to the job)

As a health visitor, you will often use the following tools and equipment:

• Laptop or computer for recording and accessing patient information.
• Health assessment tools for measuring and monitoring child development.
• Educational resources for providing information to parents and families.

What do I need to become a health visitor?

To become a health visitor, you have several options:

• Nursing degree: You can start by becoming a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Nursing. After gaining some experience, you can pursue further qualifications and training specific to health visiting.
• Midwifery degree: Another pathway is to become a registered midwife, usually with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Midwifery. Afterward, you can undertake additional training to become a health visitor.
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN): You can also become a health visitor by completing a postgraduate diploma or master's degree in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, with a focus on health visiting.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available for health visitors, including:

• Advanced Health Visitor: To progress in your career, you can take on additional responsibilities and specialize in specific areas, such as safeguarding or breastfeeding support. You may also have opportunities to become a team leader or manager within a health visiting service.
• Nurse Consultant: With further education and experience, you can become a Nurse Consultant, providing expert advice and leadership in the field of community health and wellbeing.
• Research or Academia: Some health visitors choose to pursue research or teaching roles, contributing to the development of evidence-based practices in community health.

To start on these career paths, it is important to gain experience in various aspects of health visiting and engage in continuous professional development opportunities.

What jobs are similar to a health visitor? (Include those with transferable skills that a health visitor usually has)

• School Nurse: School nurses provide health and wellbeing support to children and young people within educational settings.
• Community Nurse: Community nurses offer healthcare services and support to people of all ages in their homes or community settings.
• Family Support Worker: Family support workers work with vulnerable families to provide practical assistance and access to various support services.
• Social Worker: Social workers support individuals and families in overcoming challenges and accessing resources to improve their wellbeing.

Are you a health visitor? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to health visiting. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.