Paediatric Staff Nurse
The closing date is 27 May 2026.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic staff nurse to join our friendly well-established Children’s Nursing Team to cover maternity leave. We also welcome applications from registered nurses with an interest in paediatrics or with previous paediatric experience.
This is a full‑time position, fixed term for a year.
Howard Ward is a 20 bedded general paediatric ward. Our dedicated team cares for babies, children and young people from birth to 18 years. Our patients have a variety of medical and surgical conditions. The unit has an HDU area and a separate Children’s Assessment unit. You will build on essential skills in nursing sick children such as respiratory support, fluid and pain management and stabilisation of the critically ill child.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25,000), and any role‑specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
The service is committed to providing a high standard of nursing care for sick children and young people up to the age of 18 years, within the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, including outpatient, emergency and elective care within the division, by ensuring the most effective use of resources. Assist team members with the assessment and delivery of care under the direction and supervision of the team leader.
We provide excellent opportunities for ongoing professional development and leadership.
We have a strong multidisciplinary team and welcome enthusiastic, motivated nurses who are passionate about providing excellent care to children and their families.
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHS Sussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments cannot be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
About us
At UHS Sussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Job responsibilities
* Participate in the assessment, implementation and delivery of individualised patient care, seeking guidance where appropriate.
* Report on the condition of patients to the clinical leader/medical staff, assisting them in ascertaining treatments and ensuring these are carried out.
* Ensure that all patient data is accurately recorded.
* Ensure that patients receive nutritional assessment and that individual needs are fully met.
* Be responsible for the control and custody of all medication and drugs in accordance with Trust policy.
* Administer drugs as prescribed, checking and witnessing controlled drugs.
* Ensure safe, effective discharge planning, involving the multidisciplinary team as necessary.
* Maintain own professional development under the guidance of senior staff.
* Develop teaching and assessing skills through training and practical experience; become a mentor to learners.
* Take charge of a group of patients, taking into account patient/relative/carer wishes.
* Confidently take charge of the ward when the occasion presents itself.
* Ensure all patient needs are identified and programmes of care implemented to meet individual needs.
* Ensure best practice care is delivered.
* Mentor, teach, assess and facilitate education for all learners in the clinical area.
* Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication with all health care professionals within the clinical team and across all disciplines.
* Work within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
* Act as a role model, demonstrating behaviour, attitudes, conduct and appearance.
* Maintain correct standards of uniform and personal appearance, as indicated in the Dress Code & Uniform Policy.
* Report or act upon any accidents, incidents or undue occurrences reported or witnessed.
* Take an active role in the management of risks, in line with Trust and Directorate policy.
* Monitor patient activity and enter all patient information into the SEMA system in a timely manner.
* Contribute positively to key performance indicators.
* Seek consistently to improve nursing practice in line with evidence, recent best practice innovations and new developments.
* Proactively manage ward‑level complaints and report to senior staff so that they can be dealt with according to Trust policy.
* Take charge regularly in the absence of a ward/departmental manager or deputy.
* Maintain flexibility with staff rosters to provide cover with the optimum skill mix.
* Deal with patient/relative complaints proactively.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* RSCN/Diploma in Child Health
* NMC Registration
* PILS
* IV Drug Administration
* Cannulation
* Venepuncture
* Paediatric experience in hospital setting
Knowledge and Experience
* Previous child care experience
* Awareness of current government initiatives
* Experience with medical devices
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Introduction to management course
* Able to demonstrate leadership skills and ability to respond to varying situations
* Completion of Junior Band 5 competencies
* Understanding of the NMC and professional responsibilities and accountability
* Completion of relevant clinical/specialist competencies
Skills
* Team worker in multidisciplinary environment
* Keyboard and IT system skills
* Ability to use initiative
Personal Qualities
* Positive and adaptable
* Ability to work under pressure
* Flexible
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
£32,073 to £39,043 a year (pro rata)
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