Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse, NICU

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 02 May 2025

Job summary

ASPH is home to the Lead level 3 NICU for Surrey and part of the KSS Network. We provide a full range of intensive, high, special and transitional care for 36 babies, with a strong underpinning philosophy of less invasive care. Our focus is on Family Integrated Care involving families every step of the way.

The Surrey Neonatal Transport Team operates from ASPH, providing emergency and planned transfers across the network, offering an excellent opportunity for further development and experience.

We value the skills and experience that all our nurses bring to the team and are looking for individuals keen to work in an innovative environment. You will be an essential role model and mentor and will develop skills to deputise and manage the unit. Opportunities to develop your own area of interest is encouraged and we will support you to identify ongoing development goals.

The unit has a strong research ethos, being involved in many research projects. Our commitment to continuing education involves a wide range of regular MDT teaching.

We pride ourselves in being a friendly, vibrant, diverse and supportive team. We welcome applicants who can join us to further improve the quality of care and experience for our babies and their families.

Main duties of the job

The post holder willo Promote and help to manage delivery of a quality nursing service,setting and monitoring clinical standards in NICU and TransitionalCare.o To be responsible for the assessment of patient care needs, thedevelopment, implementation and evaluation of programmes ofcare.o To work as a Shift Leader and Deputise for the Ward Sister/ChargeNurse after completion of unit specific competencies and shadowcharging. This is based on working shifts rotating from night andday covering a 7 day week, in accordance with the nursingphilosophy of Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust.o To take responsibility for an area of clinical practice appropriate tothe ward environment. This could involve audit, Infection Control,Fire Warden, Manual Handling, Health & Safety and otherso Rotation onto the Surrey and Sussex Transfer Service aftercompletion of relevant competencies.

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.

Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.

We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.

We are expanding our theatres at Ashford Hospital and moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:

  • Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
  • On-site Nurseries
  • On-site staff cafes
  • On-site parking
  • Support in career development
  • Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics

Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

For more information about a career at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org

Date posted

11 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,205 to £47,084 a year PA inc. HCAS , pro rata for part time hours

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

323-MH8307-MH

Job locations

St Peters Neonatal Unit

Guildford Road

Chertsey

KT16 0PZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical & Professional Responsibilities1. Support the Ward sister / Charge Nurse in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trusts Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures. Thiswill involve all dependency of babies including intensive care, high dependency, special care and transitional care.2. Assist the Sister/Charge Nurse in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.3. Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.4. Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care taking into account the skill mix of staff, ensuring safe staffing levels at all times.5. Attend high risk deliveries on Labour Ward and Abbey Birth Centre to ensure optimum care immediately post-partum.6. Interpret the significance of the patients clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matterswhich fall outside his/her responsibility.7. Investigate and reports on all aspects of patient management, including accidents and complaints, in line with hospital policy.8. Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring they are accurate and legible.9. Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.10. Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.11. With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.

Management and Leadership Responsibilities1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron is responsible for effective organisation of the ward/department.2. Be aware of and adhere to the Shift Leader Responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care.3. Demonstrate effective Multidisciplinary working and acknowledge the role of the individual team member to ensure everyones expertise is seen as a resource in the team.4. Act as an appropriate and effective role model at all times.5. Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law.6. Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.7. Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospitals Health and Safety Policy.8. Report and record accidents/incidents via the Trusts Datix System and escalate complaints to the Ward Sister/Matron, according to the Trust policy, and undertake further investigations and collectionof evidence/statements.9. Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice, Have a working knowledge of the fire regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to an emergency.10. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron, maintain budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources.11. Attend meetings and participate in working parties when required, developing effective links withcolleagues for obtaining and giving information.12. Undertake projects, audit, and initiate improvements in nursing care and management of the ward/department.13. Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in his/her absence.

Education1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/CPE, maintain a suitable learning environment for all staff working in the ward.2. Ensure that registered nurses understand the educational objectives of all staff and students, acting as a mentor assessing performance as appropriate.3. On a day to day basis, contribute to the education of all staff, promoting competency via workbased education.4. Be conversant with the relevant current curricular from the local higher and further education providers.5. Contribute to the teaching programmes, recognising that teaching is an integral part of the nurses role. Utilise the resources of the Clinical Practitioner Educator and ensure ward programmes compliment the wider Trust programmes provided to enhance staff development.6. Promote and provide health education for patients and their carers.7. Maintain and enhance own knowledge through continuing education and training activities.8. Work with the Ward sister / Charge Nurse/Matron to ensure a programme of performance review is in place for all staff. Take part in an individual performance review, reviewing personal developmentand performance in consultation with line manager.9. Participate in approved research projects.

Clinical Governance Responsibilities1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, NLSA and CQC requirements.2. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse actively develop and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and initiate appropriate changes in practice.3. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.4. Conduct and lead appraisal for assigned staff identifying development needs.5. Support ward staff to acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effectivepatient care.6. Provide guidance and support to staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being and their own professional development.7. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, assist in the supervision and performancemanagement of bank staff within the Unit.8. Identify and action own development needs and establish personal clinical supervision/mentorship.9. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, help to implement team working to provide clinical supervision for staff.10. Assisting the Clinical Practitioner Educator to ensure that all new staff undergo orientation and induction specific and relevant to the clinical area.11. Ensure that all staff are aware of when and how to report untoward incidents and how to dealeffectively with patients or relatives complaints.12. To be fully conversant with Child Protection policies and procedures and have an understanding and recognition of those at risk.

To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical & Professional Responsibilities1. Support the Ward sister / Charge Nurse in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidenced based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trusts Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures. Thiswill involve all dependency of babies including intensive care, high dependency, special care and transitional care.2. Assist the Sister/Charge Nurse in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.3. Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.4. Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care taking into account the skill mix of staff, ensuring safe staffing levels at all times.5. Attend high risk deliveries on Labour Ward and Abbey Birth Centre to ensure optimum care immediately post-partum.6. Interpret the significance of the patients clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; reports promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matterswhich fall outside his/her responsibility.7. Investigate and reports on all aspects of patient management, including accidents and complaints, in line with hospital policy.8. Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring they are accurate and legible.9. Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.10. Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.11. With the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.

Management and Leadership Responsibilities1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron is responsible for effective organisation of the ward/department.2. Be aware of and adhere to the Shift Leader Responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care.3. Demonstrate effective Multidisciplinary working and acknowledge the role of the individual team member to ensure everyones expertise is seen as a resource in the team.4. Act as an appropriate and effective role model at all times.5. Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law.6. Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order.7. Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospitals Health and Safety Policy.8. Report and record accidents/incidents via the Trusts Datix System and escalate complaints to the Ward Sister/Matron, according to the Trust policy, and undertake further investigations and collectionof evidence/statements.9. Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice, Have a working knowledge of the fire regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to an emergency.10. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron, maintain budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources.11. Attend meetings and participate in working parties when required, developing effective links withcolleagues for obtaining and giving information.12. Undertake projects, audit, and initiate improvements in nursing care and management of the ward/department.13. Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse in his/her absence.

Education1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/CPE, maintain a suitable learning environment for all staff working in the ward.2. Ensure that registered nurses understand the educational objectives of all staff and students, acting as a mentor assessing performance as appropriate.3. On a day to day basis, contribute to the education of all staff, promoting competency via workbased education.4. Be conversant with the relevant current curricular from the local higher and further education providers.5. Contribute to the teaching programmes, recognising that teaching is an integral part of the nurses role. Utilise the resources of the Clinical Practitioner Educator and ensure ward programmes compliment the wider Trust programmes provided to enhance staff development.6. Promote and provide health education for patients and their carers.7. Maintain and enhance own knowledge through continuing education and training activities.8. Work with the Ward sister / Charge Nurse/Matron to ensure a programme of performance review is in place for all staff. Take part in an individual performance review, reviewing personal developmentand performance in consultation with line manager.9. Participate in approved research projects.

Clinical Governance Responsibilities1. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse participate in the planning and implementation of quality and risk management initiatives and targets, including CNST, NLSA and CQC requirements.2. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse actively develop and maintain evidence-based quality standards that are regularly audited, and initiate appropriate changes in practice.3. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, participate in agreed programmes of clinical benchmarking.4. Conduct and lead appraisal for assigned staff identifying development needs.5. Support ward staff to acquire the appropriate clinical competencies to deliver safe and effectivepatient care.6. Provide guidance and support to staff in a way that promotes patient safety and well-being and their own professional development.7. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, assist in the supervision and performancemanagement of bank staff within the Unit.8. Identify and action own development needs and establish personal clinical supervision/mentorship.9. In conjunction with the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse, help to implement team working to provide clinical supervision for staff.10. Assisting the Clinical Practitioner Educator to ensure that all new staff undergo orientation and induction specific and relevant to the clinical area.11. Ensure that all staff are aware of when and how to report untoward incidents and how to dealeffectively with patients or relatives complaints.12. To be fully conversant with Child Protection policies and procedures and have an understanding and recognition of those at risk.

To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • RSCN/RNCB/RNAdult/RMidwife
  • 1 st Level Registered Nurse
  • NLS qualified
  • Neonatal Critical Care course or equivalent

Desirable

  • Mentorship Preparation qualification / other relevant teaching qualifications
  • Management Course

Experience

Essential

  • Experience at band 5, in a Neonatal Unit/SCBU
  • Experience and consolidation of ITU post QIS qualification

Desirable

  • Experience at band 6 in NICU/SCBU
  • Changes in nursing practice to improve patient care

Knowledge

Essential

  • Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
  • Management of change

Desirable

  • Information Technology skills
  • Presentation skills
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • RSCN/RNCB/RNAdult/RMidwife
  • 1 st Level Registered Nurse
  • NLS qualified
  • Neonatal Critical Care course or equivalent

Desirable

  • Mentorship Preparation qualification / other relevant teaching qualifications
  • Management Course

Experience

Essential

  • Experience at band 5, in a Neonatal Unit/SCBU
  • Experience and consolidation of ITU post QIS qualification

Desirable

  • Experience at band 6 in NICU/SCBU
  • Changes in nursing practice to improve patient care

Knowledge

Essential

  • Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
  • Management of change

Desirable

  • Information Technology skills
  • Presentation skills

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Peters Neonatal Unit

Guildford Road

Chertsey

KT16 0PZ


Employer's website

https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Peters Neonatal Unit

Guildford Road

Chertsey

KT16 0PZ


Employer's website

https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Sister

Maria Jose Beale

maria.josebeale@nhs.net

01932722015

Date posted

11 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,205 to £47,084 a year PA inc. HCAS , pro rata for part time hours

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

323-MH8307-MH

Job locations

St Peters Neonatal Unit

Guildford Road

Chertsey

KT16 0PZ


Supporting documents

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