Band 5 - Staff Nurse - Paediatric Assessment Unit, WACS in Watford

We are seeking motivated Band 5 Registered Children's Nurses with previous experience in paediatric nursing to join our friendly and supportive Paediatric Assessment Unit. Our Paediatric Assessment Unit provides treatment, observation, and ongoing care for up to 24 hours for infants, children, and young people presenting with a wide range of injury, illness and mental health conditions. Working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to care for patients in a fast-paced environment while developing your clinical skills and confidence.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 5 Staff Nurse, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based, child- and family‑centred care, undertaking comprehensive assessments, planning and evaluating care, administering medications safely, and supporting children and their families throughout their hospital journey. You will work closely with medical, nursing, and allied health professional colleagues to ensure timely assessment, treatment, and discharge where appropriate. We are looking for nurses who are passionate about delivering outstanding care, demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills, and are committed to continuous professional development.

We offer a comprehensive induction, structured preceptorship where appropriate, ongoing education, and opportunities to develop specialist skills within acute paediatrics. If you are enthusiastic, adaptable, and committed to providing exceptional care for children and young people, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to our team.

Working for our organisation

We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As a Band 5 Staff Nurse within the Paediatric Assessment Unit, you will provide high-quality, evidence‑based nursing care to infants, children, young people, and their families. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, you will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care, ensuring a safe, compassionate, and child‑centred approach.

Person specification

• Education: RSCN/RN CHILD registered
• Evidence of professional development
• Knowledge: Knowledge of Child protection issues
• An understanding of the philosophy of paediatric care & Paediatric A&E
• Experience: Experience working in an acute paediatric setting

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire. As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.