Band 7 - Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, Starfish Ward

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Watford is seeking a Band 7 Senior Sister/Charge Nurse to lead Starfish Ward while remaining clinically active with paediatric care.

You will oversee staffing, rostering, recruitment and ward resources, while delivering hands-on support and coaching to the team. Applicants should have strong acute paediatric experience and leadership capability.

Qualifications

• Experienced children’s nurse with band 6+ leadership experience.
• Strong paediatric clinical skills and able to lead a ward team.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day running of Starfish Ward and manage staffing, rostering, recruitment and resources.
• Care for children alongside the team and coach colleagues to maintain high standards.
• Oversee staff development and ensure patient- and family-centred care.

Skills

Paediatric nursing

Ward leadership

Staff rostering

Clinical coaching

Team development

Education

Nursing degree (Child Health)

Job description

Do you love caring for children and families and want to lead a team without stepping away from clinical practice? Join us as Band 7 Senior Sister/Charge Nurse on Starfish Ward at Watford General Hospital.

With 50% management and 50% clinical practice, you’ll have time to lead the ward and work alongside the team. It’s a chance to keep doing the nursing you enjoy, share your skills and stay close to the everyday experiences of children, families and colleagues.

We’re looking for an experienced children’s nurse who is approachable, cares about supporting others and wants to help shape the ward’s next chapter. You’ll work closely with the Paediatric Matron and wider team to make a difference to care on Starfish. If this sounds like your next step, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll lead the day-to-day running of Starfish Ward, helping the team deliver safe, child and family centred care. Working with the Paediatric Matron and multidisciplinary team, you’ll oversee staffing, rostering, recruitment, staff development and ward resources.

Your clinical time is an important part of the role: you’ll care for children alongside colleagues, offer hands‑on support and coaching, and lead by example. Being part of the team’s daily work will help you build relationships, understand what support is needed and turn ideas for improvement into everyday practice.

We’re looking for strong acute paediatric experience, experience of coordinating shifts and leading a team at Band 6 or equivalent, and clear communication and organisational skills. Above all, you’ll bring a thoughtful, approachable style and a genuine commitment to helping others develop.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, 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 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. 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 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.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Sophie Dudley Job title: Deputy Director of Nursing, Paediatrics Email address: [e-mail] Telephone number: 07779925075