Melissa Horsfall

I am passionate about becoming a specialist community public health school nurse so that I can help meet the emotional and physical needs of children, young people, their families and the wider community. I want to empower and advocate for younger people who may be vulnerable or disadvantaged.
I feel it would be a privilege to be part of the team who deliver compassionate care to 5 to 19 year olds in line with the Healthy Child Programme by building positive relationships with young people.
During my nursing career I have developed my communication skills and feel I have a friendly and non-judgemental personality. I deliver care with both compassion and empathy. I feel this in turn would help me develop professional and trusting relationships with children, young people and their families. I want to implement change and deliver high quality patient centred care, and I feel continuing to work with the Locala 0-19 team will allow me to continue learning and developing my skills and knowledge.
I am currently studying the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse – school nurse course, so have current up to date knowledge of the health agenda and drive to change, which will allow me to give the best care for the children and young people of a culturally diverse Kirklees. I am aware of research in practice and current health, education and social care policy and child protection. I am currently working with the Locala school nursing team in Calderdale and have experience of mental health assessments and interventions. I am aware of the Signs of Safety framework and have used this to structure safeguarding assessments in a clear strength based manner. Through using child centred tools I am able to capture the child’s voice that remains central to the assessment and planning. I am passionate about reducing health inequalities and advocating for vulnerable populations. I have experience of working with deprived and diverse communities and have developed a strong understanding of the impact of social determinants on child health outcomes. I feel I am respectful, non-judgemental and sensitive to cultural health beliefs.
I want to maintain professional curiosity and challenge practice so that the care delivered is safe and effective. I have experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team but also being autonomous and managing my own caseload. I feel I am a good team member and enjoy offering advice support and guidance to my colleagues.