Deputy Ward Manager - Paediatric Oncology

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Taunton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Taunton is seeking an experienced Deputy Ward Manager for the Children's Unit specializing in paediatric oncology. This role involves providing clinical leadership, managing complex treatment regimens, and mentoring nursing staff. Ideal candidates possess RSCN/RN Child registration and relevant experience with children undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy. Join a supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality care for children and families while enjoying flexible work arrangements and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Access to exclusive discounts with Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in supporting children and young people through SACT treatment.
• Experience working with children and young people in acute wards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team and manage the ward while acting as senior nurse.
• Deliver specialist oncology care and coordinate multidisciplinary input.
• Mentor and supervise nursing staff to support their development.
• Ensure compliance with national cancer standards.

Skills

RSCN / RN Child registration

Proven experience in paediatric oncology

Paediatric Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) qualification

Education

RSCN/RN Child

Paediatric Systemic anti-cancer therapy qualification

Job description

Deputy Ward Manager – Paediatric Oncology

Permanent and Fixed-Term Opportunities Available

Are you an experienced oncology nurse ready to take the next step in your career?

Join our dynamic Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital as a Deputy Ward Manager, providing clinical and operational leadership within a busy general paediatric ward, with a focus on paediatric oncology.

The Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital is a welcoming team that works closely with medical and AHP colleagues to provide holistic care for children, young people, and their families. You'll work as part of our nursing leadership team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, family-centred care for children and young people. This role combines responsibility for safe and effective management of all patients, supporting those undergoing complex cancer treatments alongside a wide range of paediatric conditions.

What We're Looking For

• RSCN / RN Child registration.
• Paediatric Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) qualification
• Proven experience in paediatric oncology, including supporting children and young people through SACT treatment

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.

Hear from our team:

"Working in Somerset means being part of a supportive team where you're valued and connected. In our POSCU, you get to know children and families closely, making every shift a chance to make a real difference."

Main duties of the job

As Deputy Ward Manager, you will:

• 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.
• 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.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about paediatric oncology who wants to influence care delivery and lead a dedicated team.

About us

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

• 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'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

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

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

You will play a key leadership role within our Children's Unit, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care for all patients, with a specialist focus on oncology. Your responsibilities will include:

Clinical Leadership

• Act as deputy to the Ward Manager, assuming responsibility for operational management when required.
• Provide expert guidance and decision-making to maintain high standards of care across the ward.
• Deliver specialist support for children and young people undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT).
• Manage complex treatment regimens and provide education for families on symptom management and home care.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day running of the ward, including bed management, patient flow, and resource allocation.
• Ensure efficient use of staffing and equipment to maintain service continuity.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Work closely with consultants, allied health professionals, and external agencies to optimise care pathways.
• Facilitate effective communication within the MDT and across services.

Staff Development

• Mentor and supervise nursing staff, supporting professional growth and competency development.
• Facilitate oncology-specific training and CPD opportunities.

Quality and Safety

• Monitor compliance with clinical governance standards and national cancer care guidelines.
• Lead audits and implement evidence-based practice to maintain patient safety.

Safeguarding and Advocacy

• Act as a key advocate for children and families, ensuring their voices are heard in care planning.
• Respond promptly to child protection concerns and support junior staff in safeguarding processes.

Education and CPD

• Promote continuous learning through in-house paediatric education and external study, including courses at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• RSCN/RN Child
• Paediatric Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) qualification and competencies

Experience

• *Experience working with CYP in acute ward undergoing SACT treatments
• *Evidence of supervisory and mentoring skills
• *Able to lead and work within a Team
• SACT experience

Additional Criteria

• *Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies in the specialist skills of the Unit

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.