Community children’s and specialist nurses tool (CCSN)

The Community children and specialist nurse (CCSN) is part of a suite of tools. These tools are available to help NHS Scotland services plan the number of staff they need.

It covers the specialties of community children and children’s specialist nurses.


The tool

This tool provides information based on workload data.

Each individual within a team enters their workload information into the tool daily.

The tool collects workload information on:

  • direct interventions
  • clinics
  • associated workload
  • travel
  • exceptions

This information provides a workload profile via BOXI report.

The CCSN tool does not currently provide staffing recommendations in whole time equivalents (WTE).

The aim of this is to support the development of a national multiplier. This will provide a recommended WTE, informing appropriate staffing levels.

How to use this tool

Use this tool alongside the Professional Judgement (PJ) tool and the Quality Tool.

The current national recommendation is to run the tools for a two-week period, at least once per year.

Use the data capture template from the table below to record answers. This data can then be uploaded onto the SSTS platform.

Use the outputs from the tools, as part of the Common Staffing Method (CSM), to inform safe and effective staffing for your service.

The following video guides and documents provide information on completing the CCSN. They provide detailed information from how to log in to how to gather and submit data.

Resources to support you

ResourceSourceWhat it is and what it’s for
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
What it is and what it’s for
Step by step guide to background of CCSN Tool and data collection 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
What it is and what it’s for
Step by step guide to uploading data onto SSTS platform 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
What it is and what it’s for
User guide on using the CCSN Tool 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
What it is and what it’s for
Printable data capture template 
ResourceSource
TURAS
What it is and what it’s for
A variety of learning resources to support understanding workload and workforce planning and the application of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
What it is and what it’s for
Printable checklist to aid tool run preparation and delivery