Deputy Sister​/Charge Nurse

Job Responsibilities

• Leadership and supervision of staff through effective clinical leadership and management.
• Deputising for the Sister/Charge Nurse in coordinating the unit in their absence.
• Coordinate designated clinical area, allocating workload and staff appropriately.
• Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence‑based neonatal nursing care to patients and families.
• Actively promote and contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality nursing care.
• Contribute to improvement of services and quality of care provision to meet the needs of patients, service users and families.
• Act as a professional and competent role model, mentoring, teaching, assessing and supporting students and learners on placements and participating in their education, development and mentorship of other staff members.

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023‑2030). We have four primary goals:

• High‑quality care for all
• Being a great place to work
• Partnerships for impact
• Research and education excellence

We will embed health equality in all we do, taking active steps to reduce avoidable differences in healthcare and working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• We are compassionate
• We are proud
• We are inclusive
• We are one team

We are responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence‑based neonatal care to neonatal patients and their families according to changing healthcare needs and varying levels of complexity. This includes babies requiring high‑frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV), nitric oxide ventilation, cerebral function monitoring and cooling treatment.

• Demonstrate competency in safe use of all technical equipment.
• Interpret changes in a baby’s clinical condition and liaise with the multidisciplinary team.
• Recognise, prioritise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Ensure safe transfer of babies within the hospital (e.g., delivery suite, operating theatres, imaging).
• Use transport equipment safely and competently.
• Undertake extended clinical skills such as venepuncture and intravenous cannulation with appropriate training.
• Provide advice, education, support and information to parents and other family members / carers and involve them in the planning and delivery of care.
• Maintain effective communication with parents, carers and team members to report and manage patient progress throughout each shift.
• Facilitate liaison with other disciplines for ongoing care needs and discharge arrangements.
• Keep accurate, complete and contemporaneous nursing records in accordance with policy.
• Actively participate in developing and implementing new ways of working, integrating research‑based practice to promote ongoing care improvement.
• Collaborate with medical staff, ANNPs, other health care professionals and administrative staff to deliver high standards of neonatal care.
• Maintain up‑to‑date skills, knowledge and competence and awareness of professional issues in neonatology.
• Act as a clinical resource and mentor / assessor / supervisor / preceptor for learners and staff.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria. Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria will be interviewed if they indicate a wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

We encourage flexible working arrangements where reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay the fee initially, after which it may be deducted from your salary over a three‑month period. Current fees are £38 for an enhanced check and £18 for a standard check.

Due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, a staff risk assessment is part of the mandatory pre‑employment checks. This assessment ensures you can safely perform your duties and, if you are identified as vulnerable, we will make reasonable adjustments through Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

COVID‑19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, colleagues and patients. We encourage all current and potential staff to get vaccinated.