Neonatal Unit Sister/Charge Nurse

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust; Crook of Devon; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse for our busy Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). You will lead shifts, provide autonomous clinical leadership, and contribute to family-centred neonatal care in a Level 1 setting.

The role offers opportunities to develop as a neonatal leader, with exposure to stabilisation and emergency care, in a supportive team culture that values staff development.

Qualifications

• Experience in neonatal care within a Level 1 setting.
• Ability to lead shifts with senior clinical responsibility.
• Stabilisation and emergency care skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Take charge of shifts and work autonomously.
• Lead delivery of neonatal care within a busy SCBU.
• Support development of future neonatal leadership and education.

Skills

Leadership

Autonomy

Neonatal care

ITU skills

Tools

ITU skills

Job description

Are you a neonatal nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in clinically challenging environments where your leadership, autonomy, and compassion truly make a difference? If so, we would love to hear from you!

About Us

Our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is a busy, friendly Level 1 neonatal unit providing high-quality, family-centred care to babies and their families at the very start of their neonatal journey. The unit comprises 10 cots, including:

• 2 HDU cots
• 4 Special Care cots
• An established 4-bedded Transitional Care unit

We care for babies from 32 weeks gestation, provide stabilisation for more premature or critically unwell term neonates, and work closely with the Peninsula Neonatal Transport Team. As part of the Southwest Neonatal Network, we offer excellent exposure to wider neonatal pathways and best practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for a newly qualified or experience motivated and innovative Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse to join a supportive and inclusive team.

You will take charge of shifts, work autonomously, and play a key role in shaping care delivery while maintaining a calm, professional presence in a dynamic clinical environment.

You will be supported to grow clinically, professionally, and as a leader, as we actively invest in developing our future neonatal leadership workforce.

What makes this role special?

• Autonomous working with senior clinical responsibility
• Exposure to all levels of neonatal care within a Level 1 setting
• Opportunity to use and maintain ITU-level skills through stabilisation and emergency care
• A strong family interface, giving babies and parents a positive, supportive start to their neonatal journey
• Close working with public health, community maternity, 0–19, health visiting, and child health teams
• You will be motivated to develop as a neonatal leader and educator

You’ll be joining a unit where you are known, supported, and valued, development is encouraged rather than delayed, leadership potential is actively nurtured, and every shift makes a real difference to babies, families, and the future of neonatal care.

We offer weekly simulation training with opportunities to both teach and learn, alongside genuine career progression with structured development from Band 6 into advanced neonatal and leadership roles.

You will work within a friendly, supportive culture where every voice matters, including families as active partners in their care plans, with flexible working patterns across days, nights, and long shifts (07:30–20:00 and 19:30–08:00) to support work–life balance wherever possible.

For information on our organisation benefits, browse our interactive booklet.

Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Tracey Hardy Job title: Unit manager Email address: [e-mail] Telephone number: 01803656874