Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly motivated Ward Lead to join our general paediatric ward in Dorset County Hospital, where care is provided for Children and Young People up to the age of 18 years and ranges across medical, surgical and psychological need. The ward consists of a fourteen bedded inpatient area (inclusive of 3 high observation beds), Paediatric Assessment Unit and Paediatric Day Surgery.
The Band 7 Ward Lead role requires a dynamic, motivated individual with a passion for ensuring quality driven care for children and young people. The successful candidate will show a commitment to patient safety, quality improvement and a compassionate, inclusive approach to leadership.
Alongside the senior paediatric management team, the post-holder will be expected to use expert clinical knowledge, leadership and management skills to enhance the experience of children, young people and families and facilitate a harmonious, professional environment.
Core hours of work are Monday to Friday with an expectation to be flexible to the needs of the service, including working alongside staff with diverse shift patterns according to need.
Main duties of the job
You will have responsibility for the daily clinical, operational and quality management of all clinical areas within acute paediatrics.
The post holder will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver patient-centred outcomes and high standards of care.
You will be responsible for ensuring leadership and professional development for nursing and support workers within the service. You will work with the senior paediatric team to develop best practice and ensure that there is consistency across the paediatric unit. In collaboration with senior nursing team and Matrons, you will provide senior nursing leadership for the unit.
To manage the clinical area ensuring agreed protocol, policy and procedures are adhered to. Provide a service to the agreed standard, meeting organisational and national targets.
Participation in Audit and Research, developing research based practices.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Person specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential criteria
* Degree/Diploma in Nursing or equivalent experience
* Current NMC Registration RN child
* Practice Supervisor and Assessor or equivalent.
* Evidence of leadership, management qualification or relevant experience
Desirable criteria
* Master’s level study
* Teaching qualification or relevant experience
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria
* Experienced paediatric nurse with acute clinical skills
* Able to lead, train and motivate a team of staff
* Evidence of Continuous Professional Development, including clinical competencies, leadership and management skills
* Understanding of clinical governance and ability to assess and establish and monitor appropriate systems.
* Experience in service improvement, including audit, benchmarking and standards review.
Desirable criteria
* Evidence of guideline / policy development.
* Post registration teaching experience.
* Knowledge of current NHS legislation to include clinical governance, COSHH, Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, Manual Handling, confidentiality.
* Understanding of budget management
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential criteria
* Excellent communication skills including verbal, non-verbal and written
* Ability to lead a team, including performance management, appraising staff and managing sensitive communication.
* Able to perform assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care.
* Ability to adapt to change and manage pressurised clinical situations
* Demonstrates ability to place patients and family at centre of care.
* Ability to work effectively and productively under pressure and time constraints, as well as managing challenging situations professionally.
* Able to analyse data and provide written reports.
* Excellent time management and organisational skills with an ability to act on own initiative and be both self-directed and motivated in the work environment.
Desirable criteria
* IT skills in word processing and spreadsheets.
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.