Interim Paediatric Lead Nurse (9–12 month maternity cover)

Melber Flinn; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established private hospital in the United Kingdom is seeking an Interim Paediatric Lead Nurse to provide maternity cover for a leadership role in their Children's Service. This hands-on position involves overseeing paediatric nursing in a high-quality elective environment, ensuring safety and governance, and supporting a mix of permanent and bank staff. Candidates should have substantial experience, NMC registration, and a strong understanding of paediatric safeguarding and governance. The role offers a competitive salary between £50,000 and £60,000 based on experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Supportive senior team

Opportunity for influence

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-registration paediatric nursing experience.
• Experience leading teams or supervising staff.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Paediatric Nursing Service.
• Act as the Safeguarding Lead for children and young people.
• Maintain and develop governance and clinical standards.
• Support and develop nursing staff.

Skills

Leadership in paediatric nursing

Understanding of paediatric governance

Strong safeguarding practice

Team supervision

Education

NMC registration on the Child branch

Paediatric Advanced Life Support

Safeguarding Level 3

Job description

We are working with a well‑established private hospital to appoint an Interim Paediatric Lead Nurse to provide maternity cover for a key leadership role within their Children and Young People’s Service.

This is a hands‑on leadership position, overseeing paediatric nursing across day‑case inpatient and outpatient settings, within a high‑quality elective environment.

The hospital provides planned care for children and young people (typically aged 3+), including :

• ENT, MSK and orthopaedic procedures
• Adolescent and young elite sports activity
• Diagnostics including phlebotomy and some endoscopy
• All activity is elective and day‑case

The paediatric nursing workforce is a mix of permanent and bank staff, requiring clear leadership, governance oversight and strong safeguarding practice.

The Role

As Interim Paediatric Lead Nurse, you will :

• Lead and manage the Paediatric Nursing Service across outpatient and ward areas
• Act as the Safeguarding Lead for children and young people
• Maintain and develop governance, regulatory compliance and clinical standards
• Support and develop nursing staff, promoting a safe and supportive culture
• Balance leadership responsibilities with appropriate clinical input when required
• Work closely with senior hospital leaders to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred care

This role is particularly well suited to an experienced paediatric nurse who enjoys service leadership, governance and professional standards, rather than purely clinical delivery.

Requirements

• NMC registration on the Child (Paediatric) branch – this is essential
• Minimum 5 years post‑registration paediatric nursing experience
• Experience leading teams or supervising staff
• Strong understanding of paediatric governance, safeguarding and regulatory standards
• Paediatric Advanced Life Support (or equivalent)
• Safeguarding Level 3
• Evidence of ongoing CPD

Note: candidates must be registered on the paediatric part of the NMC register. Overseas‑trained nurses without UK paediatric registration cannot be considered for this post.

Why apply?

• A senior interim leadership role with genuine influence
• High‑quality, elective paediatric environment
• Supportive senior team with paediatric expertise in‑house
• Clear scope and defined maternity cover period
• Competitive salary (50-60K DOE)

If you are an experienced Paediatric Lead Nurse or Senior Paediatric Nurse looking for a 9–12 month interim leadership role, we would welcome a confidential conversation.