Deputy Sister/charge nurse

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking experienced nurses to join their dynamic team in a busy children's unit. This role offers the opportunity to lead and mentor junior staff while providing specialized care in a supportive environment. With a focus on professional development, the position allows for the enhancement of managerial skills and clinical expertise. As the unit prepares for an exciting transition to a new facility, this is a perfect time to make a meaningful impact on patient care and team dynamics. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to excellence in nursing and patient support.

Qualifications

• Experience in pediatric nursing and managing patient flow.
• Ability to coordinate nursing teams and support junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a team to ensure effective nursing care.
• Deputise for the Ward Manager and assess care needs.

Skills

NMC registration

Clinical leadership

Patient assessment

Triage skills

IT and documentation skills

Education

Nursing degree

Job description

We are looking for experienced nurses to join our friendly, forward-thinking unit as part of our senior team. Our nurses work closely alongside multidisciplinary colleagues. As part of the Band 6 role, you will support junior staff and deputise for the Band 7. The role includes managing patient flow, staff allocation, and acting as co-ordinator for the unit.

The children’s unit currently includes a busy assessment unit, 22 inpatient beds (across two ward areas), a 4-bed level 2 HDU, and a surgical/medical day unit.

This environment offers development in a variety of skills, including assessment, triage, and early detection/treatment of deteriorating children, including those requiring high dependency care.

We offer a comprehensive education programme for all nurses, with additional support for developing managerial skills and the coordinator role.

This is an exciting time for the unit as we plan our move to the new Children’s Unit on the Bournemouth site.

Shifts are 12 hours, rotating days/nights/weekends.

This role requires NMC registration.

Base location: Poole Hospital

Interview date: TBC

As well as providing excellent care to patients and their families, the successful candidate will:

1. Coordinate a team to ensure effective nursing care, reflecting UHD Trust values.
2. Deputise for the Ward Manager as required.
3. Assess care needs and develop, implement, and evaluate care programmes independently.
4. Provide clinical and managerial leadership to nursing and support staff.
5. Assist in leading and monitoring the performance of the nursing team.

Please see the job description and personal specification for further information.

The role includes but is not limited to:

• Act as a role model and mentor.
• Deliver specialised care.
• Liaise with MDT members.
• Have excellent IT and documentation skills.
• Complete audits and act on results.

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do, shaping how we treat patients, visitors, and colleagues.

UHD is investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. Some services may move sites this year or next, temporarily or long-term. Interviewers will be happy to discuss this at interview.

This service has a planned move from Poole to Bournemouth in January 2026. Employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement if roles or services relocate as part of this plan. Travel from home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Other changes will be managed according to relevant Trust or national terms and conditions.

For further details or informal visits, contact:

Name: Alison Green
Job title: Sister
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]