Deputy Sister​/Charge Nurse - Kingfisher Ward

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse - Kingfisher Ward

The closing date is 03 March 2026

Kingfisher ward is a general paediatric ward which takes babies, children and young people from 0
-17 years with a variety of medical, surgical and psychological problems. There is a Paediatric assessment area managing admissions and promoting early discharge. There are 3 higher observation beds to support children requiring higher level care within the main ward. General paediatrics provides 24 hour care to all patients. The ward team consists of various staffing levels according to dependency.

UKVI Sponsorship:
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

The post holder will work alongside the Senior Sister to ensure the nursing care in the clinical environment is evidence based and of a high standard and demonstrate this through clinical standards (including infection control), audit, service user feedback, risk management, complaints and staff development.

The post holder will manage the ward and be required to ensure the service is run effectively and efficiently. This includes patient flow, equipment and consumables use.

The post holder is responsible for positive leadership ensuring staff are supported, team work nurtured and staff developed including appraisals, competency and training with clear records and workforce planning. This includes being involved with the development of all staff, including performance management related issues.

The post holder should work alongside the Senior Sister and integrate themselves into the senior nursing team across family services making positive links and collaboration with other areas across the Trust including SCBU, Community, Emergency Department, Day Surgery and Support Services.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at  if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

• Registered Childrens Nurse
• Evidence of teaching in the clinical environment

• A minimum of 2 years post registration experience
• Understanding of professional nursing issues
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Experience at a Band 6 level desirable

• Evidence of ability to practice as a proficient practitioner
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
• Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively
• Evidence of ability to develop and implement nursing protocols based of evidenced based practice
• Understanding of clinical governance and ability to assist in establishing systems and monitoring effectiveness of care
• Evidence of an area of special interest
• Evidence of ability to develop leadership skills
• Knowledge of clinical audit / quality improvement
• Evidence of critical appraisal skills
• Demonstrates awareness and responsibilities with regard to child protection issues

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and…