Go back West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Band 6 - Junior Sister/Charge Nurse, Safari Unit, WACS
The closing date is 22 January 2026
Safari is a Paediatric Day Stay Unit at Watford General Hospital. We are a growing and vibrant department providing care for children aged 0-16 years with a wide range of surgical conditions, alongside an expanding ambulatory service and elective medical day admissions.
Our day service continues to evolve, and we are seeking a flexible and adaptable nurse who is enthusiastic about contributing to change and service development. The successful applicant will be confident in affecting progression within the service and supporting the delivery of high-quality care.
As a shift leader, you will take responsibility for the coordination of the clinical area, ensuring safe staffing, effective patient flow, and the delivery of high standards of care. You will provide clinical leadership, support junior staff, and work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure a positive experience for children and their families.
You will enjoy working as part of an extended multidisciplinary team and caring for children and their families undergoing a variety of surgical and medical procedures, while demonstrating a strong understanding of the importance and philosophy of paediatric day care.
If you are committed to delivering excellent, family‑centred care and thrive in a collaborative and evolving clinical environment, this is the role for you.
Main duties of the job
As a senior paediatric nurse within Safari Day Stay Unit, you will deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based care to children and their families while acting as a clinical leader and shift coordinator within the service.
You will work autonomously while collaborating closely with the Senior Sister, Matron, and multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, and child‑centred care.
You will use your advanced paediatric nursing skills to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate individualised care, while maintaining a strong focus on patient experience, safety, and safeguarding. As a shift leader, you will oversee staffing, patient flow, and clinical standards, responding effectively to changing priorities and managing risk appropriately.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work‑life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job responsibilities
The main responsibilities are to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care within sphere of responsibility. To assist in the management and organisation of work in the clinical area.
You will always act in a manner consistent with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct carrying out his/her duties in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
The unit is open Monday to Friday and with a long day shift pattern the unit is not open on bank holidays or weekends.
Person Specification
Education
* Registered Nurse (RGN/Midwife/Child) with NMC
* Current PILS/EPLS certification
* Teaching and assessing qualification and or mentorship module
* Post registration Surgical Courses
* Preoperative assessment experience and/or qualification
Knowledge
* Have in depth paediatric nursing knowledge, integrating theory and practice
* Knowledge of handling complaints and clinical incidents
* Knowledge of risk management and Health and safety issues
* Current knowledge of research developments within paediatric care
Experience
* Previous experience at Band 5 level
* Nurse in charge competencies completed
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