Neonatal Unit Sister/Charge NurseNHS

Job summary

Are you a neonatal nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in clinically challenging environments where your leadership, autonomy, and compassion truly make a difference? If so, we would love to hear from you!

About us

Our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is a busy, friendly Level 1 neonatal unit providing high-quality, family-centred care to babies and their families at the very start of their neonatal journey. The unit comprises 10 cots, including:

• 2 HDU cots
• 4 Special Care cots
• An established 4-bedded Transitional Care unit

We care for babies from 32 weeks gestation, provide stabilisation for more premature or critically unwell term neonates, and work closely with the Peninsula Neonatal Transport Team. As part of the Southwest Neonatal Network, we offer excellent exposure to wider neonatal pathways and best practice.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity for a newly qualified or experience motivated and innovative Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse to join a supportive and inclusive team.

You will take charge of shifts, work autonomously, and play a key role in shaping care delivery while maintaining a calm, professional presence in a dynamic clinical environment.

You will be supported to grow clinically, professionally, and as a leader, as we actively invest in developing our future neonatal leadership workforce.

What makes this role special?

• Autonomous working with senior clinical responsibility
• Exposure to all levels of neonatal care within a Level 1 setting
• Opportunity to use and maintain ITU-level skills through stabilisation and emergency care
• A strong family interface, giving babies and parents a positive, supportive start to their neonatal journey
• Close working with public health, community maternity, 0-19, health visiting, and child health teams
• You will be motivated to develop as a neonatal leader and educator

Job description

• Take charge of the unit, coordinating care delivery and staffing safely and effectively
• Lead by example, promoting high standards of compassionate, evidence-based neonatal care
• Communicate effectively with the MDT, families, and external partners to support seamless care
• Support and develop colleagues, acting as a role model at all times
• Administer medications safely in line with Trust policies and NMC guidelines
• Respond positively to change and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Promote learning, reflection, and continuous improvement across the team
• Support the Ward Manager and Band 6 colleagues, with opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities including:
• Sickness management
• Appraisals
• Staff support and development (following induction and training)

The successful candidate will be a qualified NMC Registered (Level 1) individual who is Qualified in Specialty (QIS) or willing to work towards this.You will have experience in neonatal care, with confidence in leadership and clinical decision-making and be passionate about delivering family-centred care.

Full details can be found in the job description and person specification.

Please clearly demonstrate how you meet the role requirements in your supporting information.

About us

You'll be joining a unit where you are known, supported, and valued, development is encouraged rather than delayed, leadership potential is actively nurtured, and every shift makes a real difference to babies, families, and the future of neonatal care.

We offer weekly simulation training with opportunities to both teach and learn, alongside genuine career progression with structured development from Band 6 into advanced neonatal and leadership roles.

You will work within a friendly, supportive culture where every voice matters, including families as active partners in their care plans, with flexible working patterns across days, nights, and long shifts (07:30-20:00 and 19:30-08:00) to support work-life balance wherever possible.

For information on our organisation benefits, browse our interactive booklet.

Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.