Deputy Ward Manager

NHS; Taunton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Taunton is seeking an experienced Deputy Ward Manager for their Children's Unit. This role involves providing clinical and operational leadership, focusing on high-quality, family-centered care for children undergoing cancer treatments. Candidates must have a Registered Staff Care Nurse qualification and relevant experience with paediatric care. The position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for career development and professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Access to Blue Light Card for discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people in an acute ward.
• Evidence of supervisory and mentoring skills.
• Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team and manage the ward effectively.
• Deliver and coordinate oncology care for children.
• Mentor and supervise nursing staff.
• Act as an advocate for children and families.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Team leadership

Oncology care experience

Childcare nursing skills

Education

Registered Staff Care Nurse (RSCN)

Paediatric SACT qualification

Degree level qualification (desirable)

Job description

Job Summary

Band 6 | Permanent and Fixed‑Term Opportunities Available

Location: Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton

Are you an experienced paediatric nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Join our dynamic Children's Unit as a Deputy Ward Manager, providing clinical and operational leadership within a busy general paediatric ward.

About the Role

The Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital works closely with medical and allied health professionals to provide holistic care for children, young people, and their families. You will act as part of the nursing leadership team to ensure high‑quality, family‑centred care, with a specialist interest in oncology supporting children undergoing complex cancer treatments alongside a wide range of paediatric conditions.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive, welcoming team environment.
• Access to in‑house paediatric education and CPD opportunities.
• External study options, including courses at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Main Duties

• Act as senior nurse on duty, leading the team and managing the ward.
• Deliver specialist oncology care, including systemic anti‑cancer therapy (SACT) and symptom management.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary input and maintain compliance with national cancer standards.
• Oversee patient flow, bed management, and resource allocation.
• Mentor and supervise nursing staff, supporting education and professional development.
• Promote best practice, lead audits, and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
• Act as an advocate for children and families, ensuring safeguarding and emotional support.
• Support CPD through in‑house training and external study opportunities.

Unit Details

• 31 beds across two wards, plus a Paediatric Assessment Unit.
• Level 2 HDU with two HDU beds.
• CAMHS liaison and a dedicated paediatric eating disorder nurse.
• 24/7 roster with long days and nights.

About Us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life.

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life.
• NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security.
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax.
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential.

Additionally, you will gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Registered Staff Care Nurse (RSCN) or Royal College of Nursing (RN) Child level.
• Paediatric SACT qualification and competencies.

Desirable

• Degree level qualification.

Experience (Essential)

• Experience working with children and young people in an acute ward undergoing SACT treatments.
• Evidence of supervisory and mentoring skills.
• Ability to lead and work within a team.
• SACT experience.

Additional Criteria (Essential)

• Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies in specialist skills.
• Supervisor or assessor qualification/training.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see NHS Careers website.