(*) Charge Nurse - Neptune Ward | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust; Leigh on Sea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Paediatric Nurse to join the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) at Southend on an 11-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave as a Charge Nurse.

The Charge Nurse will lead a dedicated team, coordinate assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of paediatric care for children from 0-16, work within the multi-disciplinary team, and uphold infection control and NMC standards.

Qualifications

• Registered paediatric nurse with current NMC registration.
• Experience in paediatric assessment and emergency care is desirable.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a shift, coordinate a multidisciplinary team in the PAU.
• Assess, plan and evaluate safe, family-centred paediatric care.
• Ensure infection control and clinical governance compliance.
• Maintain an up-to-date portfolio of evidence and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Paediatric nursing

Team leadership

Infection control

NMC code compliance

Education

NMC Registered Nurse

Job description

(**) Charge Nurse - Neptune Ward | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Company:

Company: Southend University Hospital NHS Trust

MSE are looking for an experienced Paediatric Nurse to join our Paediatric Assessment Unit at Southend on an 11-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave as a Charge Nurse.

We are looking for someone who is committed to the delivery of compassionate high quality care. In return we strive to use the views of staff working in our team to improve our current and future service. In return, we promise a supportive and friendly place to work.

The PAU at the Southend site is a 8 bed area that caters for children aged 0-16. Children are referred to the PAU for clinical assessment or treatment of medical conditions from varied sources. In liaison with the Unit Manager and fellow Nurses, the nurse will lead and coordinate a dedicated team of nursing and support staff in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of paediatric care for the children and young people who attend the PAU from their initial attendance through to discharge or admission to the inpatient ward.

The Nurse will collaboratively function as part of the multi-disciplinary team within the Paediatric Department working within the Trust's policies and procedures. The Nurse is expected to work with and support the Paediatric Directorate as a whole, inclusive of Paediatric Outpatient Department, Neptune Children’s Ward and the Emergency Department.

The main duties of the Charge Nurse role in Paediatric Assessment Unit, include leading a team on their shift to assess, plan and evaluate safe and competent family-centred care to babies, children and teenagers throughout the assessment unit. The nurse will work as part of the multidisciplinary team ensuring the delivery of a high standard of holistic individualised nursing care.

It is an essential requirement that the nurse will take reasonable care of the cleanliness of their working environment, adhere to infection control policies, procedures and guidelines in particular ensuring that you use appropriate hand hygiene practices at all times.

The post holder will adhere to the NMC code of Professional Conduct at all times and ensure compliance with hospital policies and procedures, as well as participate in all relevant aspects of the Governance process.

It is expected that the Nurse as a reflective practitioner will continue to develop their own capabilities and nursing knowledge in line with the trusts career pathway where education is supported. The Nurse will ensure they maintain an up-to-date portfolio of evidence.

Please note that this role will include working shift patterns including weekends, nights and bank holidays.

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

This advert closes on Thursday 5 Nov 2026