Staff Nurse, Special Care Baby Unit

Go back North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Closing date: 02 June 2026

The Band 6 Staff Nurse on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is a key member of the neonatal team, providing high-quality, evidence-based, family‑centred care for preterm and sick neonates. The unit provides a range of neonatal services including special care, CPAP, high‑flow oxygen therapy, and short‑term ventilation for stabilisation prior to transfer by the Neonatal Emergency Transport Service (NNeTS).

As a senior nurse within the unit, the post holder will demonstrate advanced clinical skills in neonatal assessment, respiratory support and stabilisation of unwell babies. The Band 6 nurse will act as a shift leader, ensuring safe and effective care delivery, coordinating the nursing team, and supporting clinical decision‑making in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.

This role involves promoting a supportive learning environment, mentoring junior staff and students, and contributing to continuous quality improvement within the neonatal service. The post holder will uphold the trust's values, ensuring compassionate, safe and effective care for babies and their families.

The post holder will deliver and oversee high‑quality, evidence‑based care for neonates requiring special care, CPAP, high‑flow therapy or short‑term ventilation. Acting as shift leader, they will ensure safe, effective care delivery and appropriate staff allocation within the unit.

They will assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for preterm and sick babies, including stabilising and managing critically ill infants before transfer or retrieval by NNeTS. The post holder will perform neonatal procedures, administer medications safely and promote family‑centred care by supporting and educating parents to participate in their baby's care.

As a senior member of the team, the Band 6 nurse will provide leadership, supervision and mentorship to junior staff and students, ensuring a positive and supportive learning environment. They will contribute to clinical governance, audit and service improvement, maintaining accurate documentation and upholding NMC and trust standards.

• Registered Nurse (Child / Adult) with current NMC registration
• Completion of Neonatal Life Support (NLS) training or willingness to undertake within 6 months
• Neonatal Intensive Care Course (Qualified in Specialty – QIS)
• Evidence of continued professional development and reflective practice
• Relevant leadership or management training

• Substantial post‑registration experience within a neonatal setting
• Demonstrated competence in neonatal nursing skills (IV therapy, blood sampling, infection control)
• Experience in supporting and teaching junior staff and students
• Understanding of family‑centred and Family‑Integrated Care approaches
• Knowledge of safeguarding, clinical governance and risk management processes
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage rapidly changing clinical situations
• Experience working across all levels of neonatal care (special care, high dependency, intensive care)
• Experience of leading a shift or acting as nurse in charge

• Excellent clinical assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation skills
• Strong leadership and decision‑making skills, particularly in taking charge of the unit
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with staff, parents and multidisciplinary colleagues
• Ability to manage and support a team, delegating appropriately
• Competence in neonatal emergency care, including resuscitation and stabilisation
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and act decisively in emergencies
• Commitment to evidence‑based practice and continuous improvement
• Proficient IT skills and accurate record keeping

• Ability to work across site and collaboratively when required on the Children's Ward and A&E paediatric area
• Willingness to undertake teaching and educate other professionals and students
• Commitment to continuing professional development

• 27‑day holiday scheme rising to 33 days after 10 years
• NHS Discounts*
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*
• Vivup – a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work‑related problems
• * Subject to eligibility

Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year (Pro Rata)

Contact: Katie Allison, Ward Manager, or