At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support neonatal care while ensuring high standards for vulnerable infants.
- Company: Join University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, a leader in compassionate healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of neonates and their families.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified neonatal nurse with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
Applications are invited for Junior Charge nurse/ Junior Sister posts on our level 2 Local Neonatal Unit within a large district general hospital. We are looking for highly motivated, skilled and experienced neonatal nurses with a positive attitude, good teaching and communication skills. As a successful candidate you will be supported by our education team with an appropriate competency structure. The hospital has achieved full Baby Friendly Accreditation and we are now committed to start the journey towards Neonatal Baby Friendly Accreditation. We have a pledge of improvement towards the Bliss Accreditation. We strive to provide high quality, safe and effective care and are looking for someone with the vision, skill and enthusiasm to help take the unit forward.
As a Band 6 you will work both clinically and coordinating the ward alongside staff on the neonatal unit working in conjunction with the nursing, medical teams and the multi professional teams.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist in the overall nursing care and coordination of the Unit ensuring delivery of high standards of care to patients and their families within the unit. They will act as a clinical role model providing leadership and support to both nursing and medical staff ensuring the promotion of a safe working environment. The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of high dependency and special clinical care to vulnerable neonates across the Neonatal unit and Transitional care using a philosophy of family integrated care. An expectation that the post holder will maintain high professional standards, keep abreast of research and developments within the neonatal field and support the neonatal team in the smooth running of the unit.
About us
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) brings together Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. As a group, we are committed to improving services for our communities through collaboration, modernising care delivery and striving for excellence. Working together enables us to share expertise, strengthen services and create greater opportunities, and there may be a requirement to work across sites depending on service needs. Our Excellence Values are Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage. UHN welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and hold the Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. Candidates who identify as members of the Armed Forces community and meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Job responsibilities
- To work collaboratively with other colleagues across the Trust.
- Act as a role model in customer service towards visitors to the hospital.
- To facilitate any measures to help achieve directorate and Trust targets and disseminate all appropriate information to all members of the nursing team.
- Undertake induction and competency programmes appropriate to the role.
- Take responsibility for the management and organisation of the clinical area.
- Participate in setting and reviewing standards for practice and evaluating outcomes as part of the clinical governance agenda.
- Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate / role specific development and competency programmes.
- To contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own personal performance/development plan to achieve KSF outline for role.
- Able to identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations.
- To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners.
- To be responsible for the safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications including controlled drugs.
- To promote and maintain effective communication both written and verbal.
- Keep in date with Local and National Neonatal Initiatives.
- Actively undertake education, development and supervision of other staff members, assisting them in meeting work demands to provide a quality patient experience.
- Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and their families.
- To be responsible for the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of patient care.
- To coordinate the patients discharge arrangements in accordance with NGH Neonatal Discharge Policy and liaise with Neonatal Home Care Team.
- To ensure the education of neonates and their parents / carers.
- Assist the ward manager in the completion of their training needs and the team with Trust expectations in relation to mandatory training and appraisals.
- Assist the ward manager in the development of team members, participating in the performance of staff appraisal using the NHS knowledge and skills framework.
- Assist the Ward Manager in the monitoring of the workload and skill mix, planning off duty and ensuring the ward operates effectively and safely.
- Assist the Ward Manager in managing the team in accordance with Trust policies and procedure i.e. performance management issues as necessary.
- Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff for the ward including orientation of new staff.
- To maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator/mentor/preceptor in the supervision and teaching of less experienced staff, supporting and facilitating the development of competencies across all staff levels.
- To plan, deliver and evaluate teaching sessions.
- To provide work based learning to staff at all levels, highlighting any development concerns.
- To identify learning needs for the clinical area in association with the ward manager and Practice Development facilitator.
- To promote a positive learning environment.
- To act as a mentor for students and to support mentors in the clinical area.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring
- Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area.
- Contribute to audit initiatives.
- Participate in setting and reviewing standards for practice and evaluating outcomes as part of the clinical governance agenda.
- To maintain and promote an awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in its implementation.
- To drive research and service improvement/ development programmes within the department.
- To have an understanding of budgeting, exercising care and economy in the ordering and use of equipment, supported by the ward manager in the control of departmental budget.
- To be responsible for the effective and efficient use of clinical and physical resources.
Person Specification
- RSCN or RN(C), RN or RM
- Holds specialist course in Neonatal care (English National Board 405 or equivalent)
- Recognised mentoring and assessment qualification (ENB 998 or equivalent)
- Modules at post graduate level
- Holds a current Newborn Life Support (NLS) certificate
- Knowledge of Safeguarding issues and procedures and in date Safeguarding children level 3 training
- Knowledge of clinical governance relating to neonatal care
- Knowledge of current National Health Service (NHS) Policy and professional issues which have an impact on neonatal services
- Evidence of ongoing development through continuing professional development
- Knowledge of audit processes
- Holds a first level degree in nursing or related subject and willing to study to masters level
Knowledge and experience
- Knowledge of child protection issues and procedures and in date level 3 training
- Knowledge of clinical governance relating to neonatal care
- Knowledge of current National Health Service (NHS) Policy and professional issues which have an impact on neonatal services
- Evidence of ongoing development through continuing professional development
- Knowledge of audit processes
- Ability to lead, manage, support and motivate both medical and nursing staff
Skills
- Able to provide excellent Clinical care to intensive care infants and support staff in emergency situations
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing
- Skills in clinical supervision/clinical support
- Computer literate across a range of IT programmes
- Skills and experience in implementing changes in practice, influencing for the good and overcoming barriers for all levels of staff
- Ability to prioritise workloads of self and team
- Able to communicate effectively with people from varied social, cultural and professional backgrounds
- Experienced in teaching both formally and informally
- Skills and experience of implementing change in practice, influencing for the good and overcoming barriers for all levels of staff
- Evidence of extended clinical skills (i.e. venepuncture, Cannulation)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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 Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire £39,959 to £48,117 a year Per Annum / pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 6 months Working pattern Reference number 265-8022302-FAM Job locations University Hospitals of Northamptonshire
Junior Sister/Junior Charge Nurse in Northampton employer: Northampton General Hospital
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for neonatal nurses. With a strong commitment to professional development, including access to education teams and competency structures, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to high-quality, family-integrated care. The hospital's dedication to excellence and inclusivity, alongside its Baby Friendly Accreditation journey, makes it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about neonatal care.
Contact Details:
Northampton General Hospital Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sister/Junior Charge Nurse in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the neonatal field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to neonatal care. Think about how you can showcase your skills and experiences that align with the values of compassion, accountability, and teamwork that UHN stands for.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to the hiring managers or teams at UHN. Express your interest in the Junior Sister/Junior Charge Nurse role and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to highlight your teaching and communication skills during interviews. As a future leader in the neonatal unit, showing that you can mentor and support others will set you apart from the competition. Remember, we’re all about collaboration!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sister/Junior Charge Nurse in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our Neonatal Unit, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for neonatal nursing shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about providing high-quality care to vulnerable neonates and their families.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and qualifications. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton General Hospital
✨Know Your Neonatal Care
Make sure you brush up on the latest practices and guidelines in neonatal care. Familiarise yourself with the Baby Friendly Accreditation and Bliss Accreditation processes, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your commitment and knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sister/Charge Nurse, you'll be expected to lead and support your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or mentored colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive learning environment and how you've contributed to team development.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with families and multidisciplinary teams in previous roles, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding patient care.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your clinical judgement and decision-making skills. Think about challenging situations you've faced in the past and how you handled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
