Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust seeks a Children's Nurse for an acute paediatric ward. The role involves supervising nursing staff and providing leadership support, fostering effective team dynamics, and ensuring high-quality patient care in a supportive environment focused on professional development. Ideal candidates will showcase a strong background in paediatric nursing and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive management team

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience in paediatric nursing.
• Registered nurse on the appropriate part of the register.
• Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making.

Responsibilities

• Supervising the team of nursing staff during shifts.
• Supporting the Ward Manager in their absence.
• Facilitating good working relationships within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning and Organisation

Compassionate Care

Education

Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

G4 is an 17-bedded regional surgical, urological and nephrology ward, specialising in a whole range of surgical, urology and nephrology conditions including renal dialysis, tumour resection, major bladder and bowel surgery. The ward treats children from birth up to 18 years old.

You will be fully supported in gaining new and improving leaderships skills from the ward management team and matrons alike.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Working with the Ward Manager you’ll be responsible for:

Supervising the professional work of nursing staff on the ward

Encouraging effective working relationships

Providing good leadership and support to staff on the ward

Participating in supporting the ward manager in their absence ensuring all leave of absence is recorded correctly.

We’d love to hear from children’s nurses who are looking to gain experience of working in a leadership capacity, which can evidence ongoing education and experience appropriate to this speciality. You must be able to demonstrate a compassionate approach to patient care and the public, as well as the ability to meet robust clinical operational demands.

As Well As The Relevant NMC Registration And Evidence Of Proven Clinical Ability In Paediatric Nursing, We’re Looking For Someone Who Wants To Gain Experience In

Supervision and management

Planning and organisation skills

Extending their communication skills

Being supportive and motivating a team to provide safe care of the highest quality to all our patients and their relatives.

The Children’s Hospital offers fantastic training and development opportunities, giving you the best possible platform to achieve the career you want. G4SUN has dedicated Clinical Facilitators to support staff as well as supporting staff development through opportunities to gain speciality skills in areas such as nephrology, urology and general surgery.

Applicants should have post qualifying experience in a relevant specialty which includes working in an acute paediatric environment. The applicant will be expected to show some ability in co-ordination and leadership skills participating including ward rounds, attending HUDDLE’s and supporting staff. The flexibility to work the full range of shift patterns within a 24 hour shift pattern is essential.

We can offer you further training in many specialist areas, as well as mentoring and supervision. All our members of staff receive comprehensive corporate and local inductions, and we will work with you to help you achieve and maintain the healthcare career you aspire to.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Significant post registration experience / qualification / training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality
• Ward management experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Experience in an acute hospital setting
• Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice
• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making and judgement
• Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities
• Commitment to continuing professional development
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Experience in handling adverse events and complaints
• Appraisal skills
• Act in the role of Practice Assessor or supporting the progression of learners / supporting challenges as needed
• Some insight into budget management