Top tips from SCPHN lecturers

Top tips for being successful in applying for SCPHN training

These tips have been written by lecturers at universities who shortlist and interview for the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) training programme.

What are the most common issues/mistakes you see on SCPHN application forms?	• Spelling mistakes • Not demonstrating their community experience • Not showing knowledge of the current public health agenda • Not showing a current insight into the SCPHN profession • Not reading the guidance notes • Not making the application personal to the organisation that they are applying for - generic applications should be avoided. • Not saying how they meet the person specification on the job description.
What are your top tips to avoid these?	• Please follow the guidance notes! • Allow yourself lots of time to complete the application • Make reference to the Trust you are applying for in the personal statement • Show that you understand the role by linking it to contemporary themes in SCPHN practice in your application • Avoid giving details about your own involvement with the SCPHN service as a parent – focus on your role as a professional • Show you have really considered this career in your personal statement and what measures you have taken to plan for this change, such as making contact with services, placement days, requesting time with SCPHN practitioners in your undergraduate programme, or undertaking modules in preparation
What are the most common issues you find in interviews?	• Not really understanding the role • Not having an insight into the Trust that they are applying for • Not truly understanding the impact of the course and planning for this • Giving personal information about their experiences as a parent instead of using an evidence base • Not preparing if they have secured sponsorship for the training because they are already in a role – don’t forget this is competitive process and preparation is still key!
What are your top tips to avoid these?	• Be yourself • Be prepared • Answer the questions you are asked not the ones you prepared for • Take a moment to gather your thoughts • Demonstrate your credible registrant practice • Make contact with the service you are applying for, spend a day with a professional to ask questions and understand the service offer • Think about your transferable skills and be prepared to demonstrate them • Think about the Trusts values how you may uphold them • Have some questions to ask the panel, we like to be challenged! • Contact the course leader via the university website to understand more about the course requirements • Consider your own values and attributes -you will be asked to share examples of your care and experiences in the interview to give insight into your values, attitudes and beliefs alongside professional conduct • Have an understanding of the evidence base that underpins the SCPHN field of practice you are applying for - what are the current themes / priorities in care provision? Read relevant policies.