Senior Sister/Charge Nurse

NHS; Leicester; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity to join the Band 7 team as a Senior Sister / Charge Nurse in our Cardiac Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. The role involves providing leadership, ensuring high-quality patient care, and supporting a multi-disciplinary team in a busy and dynamic environment. Candidates must be an experienced Registered Children's Nurse, skilled in clinical and managerial tasks, eager to develop new leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Registered Children's Nurse or NMC registered with appropriate experience in the specialty.
• Expert practitioner in PICU is essential.
• Experience in clinical audit and interpreting results is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the nursing team and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Practice clinically at an expert level within PICU.
• Act as a resource and advisor, coordinating patient care.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Evidence of effective leadership skills

Teaching and assessment skills

Education

Degree level education in health related sciences

Post registration qualifications in PICU and HDU care

Recognised NMC teaching and assessing qualification

Job description

Job summary

An opportunity has come up to join our Band 7 team on our Cardiac Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. We need an experienced, highly motivated individual who can work with our team to deliver high quality patient care. This is an amazing opportunity develop into a new role and will be vital to helping to achieve your future goals. The role of the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse is pivotal in providing leadership and support to our nurses, while ensuring the department is managed smoothly and this opportunity will allow you to gain new skills in leadership and management.

We are a busy regional Cardiac PICU within our East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre providing critical care for children with congenital heart conditions and who also may require extra corporeal heart and lung support (ECMO). We serve the East Midlands and network hospitals within our region. Cardiac PICU also has a sister unit within the LRI, the Children's Intensive Care Unit. This unit care for critically ill children with a wide range of conditions. The post holder will be required to work across the 2 units working towards collaborative working as the 2 units will merge as part of the Children's Hospital reconfiguration and the development of a standalone Children's Hospital. It is an exciting time as we are an expanding service with a new and emerging network developing and a new Children's Hospital being planned. Now is the time to join our team and become part of our amazing transformation!

Main duties of the job

The post holderwill be accountable and responsible for cPICU, visible, accessible and responsive to the needs of service users, patients, carers and the public.

The post holderwill be an expert clinical practitioner in the field, be required to work clinical shifts as well as providing managerial cover, and be an enthusiastic integral member of our well established and committed team, with over 50 members of nursing staff, providing and supervising the delivery of excellent quality care.

Wider responsibilities include the provision of a supportive learning environment for continuing education; reporting to the Matron and supporting the wider organisation; reduction of risk and audit; managing resources and information; and co-ordinating activity and flow and the provision of care within the Paediatric Intensive Care Service at UHL.

You should be positive and adaptable to a changing environment that prides itself on quality and efficiency. You will be given the opportunity to learn and develop new leadership and management skills and act as a role model for best practice to junior staff. This role will also allow for further development opportunities within our team. A calm, diplomatic and caring approach is necessary and you must have the ability to deal with the varied and challenging demands. You must have the ability to multi-task and prioritise under pressure, work within a large multi-disciplinary team and ensure the trust values are incorporated in to practice

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Details Date posted

09 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

358-7254957-W&C

Job locations

Leicester Royal Infirmary

Leicester

LE1 5WW

Job description Job responsibilities

KEY RESULT AREAS

Leadership

• To be a visible, accessible and assertive figure to whom patients, relatives and staff can turn for assistance, advice and support.
• In the absence of the Matron lead the unit team and build successful links between nursing and other professions to support and promote effective multi-disciplinary team working.
• To lead and support the unit team through a process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective.
• To develop the role of other team members, supporting them in gaining the appropriate competencies to achieve the required standards of care.
• To motivate all team members and lead innovation and expertise in clinical practice by example.
• Through effective communication, disseminate information across the healthcare teams.
• To resolve conflict and ensure feedback and planning for the future occurs.

Care Delivery

• To practice clinically at an expert level to ensure that all patients within the unit have their needs assessed and that programmes of care are developed to meet those needs and are delivered in accordance with the unit philosophy.
• To act as the lead specialist for the area on a shift with responsibility for interpreting clinical information and having freedom to act while discussing findings and plans of care with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Advise other members of the multidisciplinary team on clinical issues, determining how the clinical aspects of the care is delivered by others on the shift (within care protocols)
• Act as a resource and advisor, responsible for the allocation of patients to staff and the co-ordination of care delivery to the critically ill patients.
• Maintain efficient and effective communication with the Matron on issues relating to the unit and patient care and make autonomous decisions in their absence.
• Monitor the quality of patient care and participate in the regular evaluation of patient satisfaction. Identify areas of poor performance, developing and implementing strategies to improve performance.
• Build working relationships with other departments, referring hospitals and wards. Facilitate communication regarding shared care and meeting the needs of patients and carers.
• Undertakes expanded clinical responsibilities that utilise advanced knowledge and skills, and work autonomously within the Scope of Professional Practice in the Critical Care Unit, following education and/or update of skills, in relation to extended clinical tasks/roles required for this post.
• Facilitate change, act as a role model and identify and lead the implementation of appropriate new practices.
• To proactively identify opportunities to expand roles, working in conjunction with Professional Development Nurses to devise protocols accordingly.
• Together with the Matron and Head of Nursing develop auditable standards of care, supporting the national benchmarking scheme.
• To act at all times with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, rules and code of practice.

(Please refer to the job description/person specification for further details on the role)

Job description Job responsibilities

KEY RESULT AREAS

Leadership

• To be a visible, accessible and assertive figure to whom patients, relatives and staff can turn for assistance, advice and support.
• In the absence of the Matron lead the unit team and build successful links between nursing and other professions to support and promote effective multi-disciplinary team working.
• To lead and support the unit team through a process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective.
• To develop the role of other team members, supporting them in gaining the appropriate competencies to achieve the required standards of care.
• To motivate all team members and lead innovation and expertise in clinical practice by example.
• Through effective communication, disseminate information across the healthcare teams.
• To resolve conflict and ensure feedback and planning for the future occurs.

Care Delivery

• To practice clinically at an expert level to ensure that all patients within the unit have their needs assessed and that programmes of care are developed to meet those needs and are delivered in accordance with the unit philosophy.
• To act as the lead specialist for the area on a shift with responsibility for interpreting clinical information and having freedom to act while discussing findings and plans of care with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Advise other members of the multidisciplinary team on clinical issues, determining how the clinical aspects of the care is delivered by others on the shift (within care protocols)
• Act as a resource and advisor, responsible for the allocation of patients to staff and the co-ordination of care delivery to the critically ill patients.
• Maintain efficient and effective communication with the Matron on issues relating to the unit and patient care and make autonomous decisions in their absence.
• Monitor the quality of patient care and participate in the regular evaluation of patient satisfaction. Identify areas of poor performance, developing and implementing strategies to improve performance.
• Build working relationships with other departments, referring hospitals and wards. Facilitate communication regarding shared care and meeting the needs of patients and carers.
• Undertakes expanded clinical responsibilities that utilise advanced knowledge and skills, and work autonomously within the Scope of Professional Practice in the Critical Care Unit, following education and/or update of skills, in relation to extended clinical tasks/roles required for this post.
• Facilitate change, act as a role model and identify and lead the implementation of appropriate new practices.
• To proactively identify opportunities to expand roles, working in conjunction with Professional Development Nurses to devise protocols accordingly.
• Together with the Matron and Head of Nursing develop auditable standards of care, supporting the national benchmarking scheme.
• To act at all times with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, rules and code of practice.

(Please refer to the job description/person specification for further details on the role)

Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential

• Registered Children's Nurse or NMC registered with appropriate experience in the specialty
• Post registration qualifications in PICU and HDU care
• Degree level education in health related sciences
• Recognised NMC teaching and assessing qualification

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Expert practitioner in PICU
• Teaching and assessment skills
• Effective communication skills is complex situations
• Evidence of effective leadership skills

Communication Skills Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Evidence of creative and innovative thinking
• Effective communicator and negotiator during complex situations
• Experience in formal teaching
• Able to motivate others
• Evidence/experience in change management

Planning & Organisational Essential

• Experience in planning, implementing and evaluating staff development
• Able to prioritise
• Ability to lead a team

Resource Utilisation Essential

• Knowledge of budgetary management and effective use of resources

Equality & Diversity Essential

• Demonstrates a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect

Experience Essential

• Suitable post registration clinical experience and appropriate experience within the specialty at Band 6
• Experience in clinical audit and interpreting and actioning results

Analytical & Judgement Skills Essential

• Effectively co-ordinates a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrates leadership skills
• Self confidence and ability to cope under pressure

Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential

• Registered Children's Nurse or NMC registered with appropriate experience in the specialty
• Post registration qualifications in PICU and HDU care
• Degree level education in health related sciences
• Recognised NMC teaching and assessing qualification

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Expert practitioner in PICU
• Teaching and assessment skills
• Effective communication skills is complex situations
• Evidence of effective leadership skills

Communication Skills Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Evidence of creative and innovative thinking
• Effective communicator and negotiator during complex situations
• Experience in formal teaching
• Able to motivate others
• Evidence/experience in change management

Planning & Organisational Essential

• Experience in planning, implementing and evaluating staff development
• Able to prioritise
• Ability to lead a team

Resource Utilisation Essential

• Knowledge of budgetary management and effective use of resources

Equality & Diversity Essential

• Demonstrates a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect

Experience Essential

• Suitable post registration clinical experience and appropriate experience within the specialty at Band 6
• Experience in clinical audit and interpreting and actioning results

Analytical & Judgement Skills Essential

• Effectively co-ordinates a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrates leadership skills
• Self confidence and ability to cope under pressure

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Address

Leicester Royal Infirmary

Leicester

LE1 5WW

Employer's website

https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Address

Leicester Royal Infirmary

Leicester

LE1 5WW

Employer's website

https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)