Thinking of doing my Health Visitor training!

[XBenedict]

Thinking of applying to start in September part time for 2 years. Any HV's out there that could answer some questions for me?

[MrsJamesMartin]

Yes I can, ask away

[XBenedict]

Thank you (very that you claim to be married to James Martin!)

I'm a bit concerned about the child protection part of the job. Does it take up a lot of your time? How do you deal with it?

[MrsJamesMartin]

Child protection does take up a lot of time however the children who are actually on a plan take up a lot less time than those who really need to be but social care won't pick the case up! That is another story though!

Child protection is found wherever you work whether deprived or affluent and can't be avoided. It can be extremely rewarding too. There are frustrations and sometimes I do think about situations when I am trying to go to sleep, however, the responsibility doesn't lie solely with me or my colleagues, child protection is the responsibility of all agencies.

What do you do at the moment?

[XBenedict]

I've just completed my return to practice course (today in fact). I'm attending an RCN HV information day in Feb to see what's on offer in my area with a view to applying to start training (part time) in Sept.

[MrsJamesMartin]

are you able to do part time? round this way all courses are full time for 1 yr

[XBenedict]

Local uni does a 2 year part time course.

[XBenedict]

How long have you been a HV?

[MrsJamesMartin]

Have you done some reading about the HV implementation plan and the big changes that are going on, just thinking this will be top of the agenda for applications/interviews

[XBenedict]

Oooh might come back to you for some top tips if I get that far!