Band 6 - Sister/Charge Nurse, Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU)

NHS; Watford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a motivated Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse for the Paediatric Assessment Unit. Candidates should possess acute paediatric experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care, with flexibility across hospital sites.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience at Band 5 in an Acute paediatric environment.
• PILS and APLS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic family-centered care to children and their families.
• Manage the clinical area in the absence of the Unit Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Child Care

Emergency Management

Education

Degree/Diploma in Children's Nursing

RSCN/RN CHILD

Job description

Go back West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Band 6 - Sister/Charge Nurse, Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU)

The closing date is 27 June 2025

The Paediatric Assessment Unit at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital Trusts is an area for Children and Young People (C&YP) who are acutely unwell, needing a period of observationfollowing admission from the Children's Emergency Department, which is co-located in the EmergencyDepartment.

We are in the process of changing the pathway for C&YP in this area, in line with the RCPCH Standards for Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Unit (2017). We plan to use the area for C&YP with acute illness, injury or other urgent referrals from clinicians, where patients can have an assessment, investigations, treatment and observation. It is a short stay unit with the expectation for either admission or discharge within 24 hours.

We are actively seeking to recruit a Band 6 nurse who is motivated to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment during the initial phases of our developing service. The ideal candidate will possess experience in an acute paediatric setting, including handling emergency situations, and demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for delivering high-quality care to Children and Young People (C&YP). Additionally, you will have experience in shift management and be eager to further develop your leadership skills as the service expands while promoting clinical excellence within our team.

Main duties of the job

Our team consists of dedicated paediatric nurses who are supported by paediatric consultants, advanced nurse practitioners, and care support workers. We also have a committed paediatric development team within Children's Services, offering a variety of professional learning and development opportunities to enhance your experience at West Herts:

Triage and initial assessment trainingVenepuncture and cannulation trainingPaediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) and Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) certificationCritical Care Development courseTrauma Level 1 competenciesIntravenous (IV) and Central Access courseSpecialty study days focused on topics such as diabetes and oncologySpecialty Link roles to support the unitTrust leadership and development course

Our unit collaborates closely with the Children's Emergency Department, providing opportunities to work across both the Paediatric Assessment Unit and the Children's Emergency Department for additional development upon request.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, 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. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact [e-mail] If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job responsibilities

The main responsibilities include working as a skilled member of the nursing team, to provide a high standard of holistic family centred care to the children and their families, to act as a role model and expert clinical practitioner.

To support the senior sister in managing the clinical area, including management of staff, acting as team leader, including addressing staff developmental needs through IPR. To undertake delegated responsibility for the department in the absence of the Ward / Unit Manager.

The post holder could be required to work on any site of the three sites (Watford, Hemel and St Albans) that provide acute services for children, according to the needs of the service.

Person Specification

Education

• RSCN/RN CHILD
• Degree/Diploma in Children's Nursing

Education

• Evidence of professional development

Knowledge

• Have undertaken PILS and APLS Managerial / leadership experience
• Knowledge of handling complaints and clinical incidents

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Child protection issues
• Undertake APLS once role commenced

Experience

• Significant experience at Band 5 within a Paediatric assessment unit or an Acute paediatric environment
• Experience at Band 5 within a paediatric Accident & Emergency Department

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.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

£39,205 to £47,084 a yearpro rata per annum