Staff Nurse - Paediatrics (Dolphin/Lion Ward)

Royal Berkshire Nhs Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Reading is seeking a Band 6 Staff Nurse for the Acute Medical Paediatric Ward, providing care for children aged 0-16 years. The role involves coordinating shifts, supporting junior staff, and maintaining safety standards. Candidates should have APLS/EPALS certification, leadership experience, and UK professional registration. This position offers benefits like flexible working opportunities, 27 days of annual leave, an NHS pension scheme, and various health service discounts.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Generous annual leave

NHS pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• APLS/EPALS certification is required.
• Experience leading and managing teams in a healthcare setting.
• Experience in HDU is preferred.
• Ability to perform venepuncture and cannulation.
• Must have a valid UK professional registration.

Responsibilities

• Role model the Trust values.
• Coordinate shifts and manage ward flow.
• Monitor patient workload and safety standards.
• Support and guide junior team members.
• Advise on ward management and initiatives.
• Develop strategies for risk management.

Skills

APLS/EPALS

Leadership and management skills

Experience in HDU

Venepuncture/cannulation

UK professional registration

Job description

Job Overview

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has been rated "Good" by CQC. Our values are Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful and Excellent. We invite you to join a dedicated team delivering outstanding care.

Position

Band 6 Staff Nurse – Acute Medical Paediatric Ward for children 0-16 years, covering oncology, safeguarding, HDU, orthopaedics, ENT, surgical and other childhood illnesses and accidents.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a role model in line with the Trust behaviour framework and values.
• Co‑ordinate shifts, manage ward flow and problem-solve in a fast‑paced environment.
• Monitor workload and patient acuity, ensuring safe standards daily.
• Support junior team members, provide leadership and guidance, conduct appraisals and staff retention strategies.
• Advise the ward sister on ward‑level management and trust initiatives.
• Identify and assess risks, develop strategies to manage effectively and comply with risk management/ occupational health procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• APLS/EPALS
• Evidence of leadership, management and specialist development
• HDU experience/course
• Venepuncture/cannulation
• UK professional registration

Professional Development

Take responsibility for continuing professional development, maintain a portfolio in line with post‑registration requirements and set personal development objectives.

Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities and strong emphasis on work‑life balance.
• Annual leave – 27 days for new starters, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro rata for part‑time staff.
• NHS pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Money Advice Service.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff.
• On‑site nursery (based at RBH).
• Full educational library services.
• Cycle to work scheme, lockable storage for cycles.
• Bus to work scheme.
• Excellent rail and bus links.
• A huge range of Health Service Discounts at hundreds of big brands from holidays to gadgets and restaurants to retail.