Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated and compassionate Paediatric Nurse to lead our dynamic team on Ward 21, DMH. Working closely with the Paediatric Matron, you will provide strong clinical and professional leadership, inspiring your team to deliver the highest standards of safe, family‑centred care for babies, children and young people. You will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on clinical involvement, ensuring visibility on the ward and maintaining your clinical credibility. You will demonstrate compassion, respect and excellence, supporting a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to excel. This role is an excellent opportunity for those eager to shape services, support staff development and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Job Details
Entry date: 12 January 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: C9439‑2526‑1379
Job location: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX
For any further queries please contact Alison Crozier, Matron for Paediatrics, on 07442832977.
Main Duties of the Job
The successful candidate will be a qualified Paediatric Nurse with experience at Band 6 or above, possessing specialist clinical expertise, leadership, and excellent communication skills. They will manage all aspects of clinical practice and professional standards with a diverse portfolio covering a 15‑bed paediatric ward, day surgery unit and a Paediatric Assessment Area (PAA), ensuring safe, high‑quality patient care. The role involves overseeing staff performance, development and allocation, managing budgets, resources and the ward environment efficiently, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and supporting continuous service improvement. The Ward Manager will assist the Matron for Paediatric Services in shaping the future of care delivery, implementing policies and maintaining compliance with organisational and regulatory standards.
Job Responsibilities
* Provide visible, effective and compassionate leadership to the nursing and support team, ensuring a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
* Manage the operational and clinical delivery of a 15‑bed paediatric ward, day surgery and PAA, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.
* Coordinate staffing levels, skill mix and duty rotas to ensure safe and efficient service provision.
* Manage budgets, resources and the ward environment in line with Trust policies and financial procedures.
* Maintain compliance with all professional, organisational and statutory requirements, including safeguarding, infection prevention, medicines management and health and safety.
* Support and mentor nursing staff, facilitating their professional growth, appraisal and continuing development.
* Lead by example in delivering compassionate, family‑centred care and promoting effective communication with patients, families and the multidisciplinary team.
* Implement service improvement initiatives, audits and quality assurance programmes to enhance care standards and operational efficiency.
* Act as a clinical expert, supporting staff to develop and maintain advanced paediatric nursing skills.
* Work regular clinical shifts to maintain up‑to‑date skills and ensure staff deliver safe and effective care.
* Assist the Matron for Paediatric Services in strategic planning, policy implementation and service development.
* Ensure a safe, positive and inclusive working environment that supports the wellbeing of both patients and staff.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge – Essential
* Knowledge and understanding of clinical risk management
* Sound knowledge of national and local networks / guidelines
* Knowledge of Clinical Governance Agenda
* Good interpersonal skills
* Excellent organisational skills
* Experience of developing and delivering training / education to staff
* Audit & report writing
* Presentation skills
* IT skills familiar with EPR
* NMC Code of Conduct
* Understanding of Safeguarding for children and Young People
* Ability to resolve conflict
* Motivated and innovative
* Excellent communication skills
Special Skills & Knowledge – Desirable
* Experience of MDT working – linking with outside agencies
Qualifications – Essential
* Registered Childrens Nurse
* Degree in Nursing Studies or a health‑related subject
* Recognised teaching/assessing qualification
* Evidence of ongoing professional development
* Evidence of study relating to management & leadership
Qualifications – Desirable
* Masters
* EPALS or equivalent
Experience – Essential
* Proven experience as a clinical nurse leader
* Experience of managing staff
* Proven ability to work effectively independently and within a team
* Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues
* Proven change management experience
* Experience of professional development / appraisal facilitation
* Demonstrate ability to make clinical decisions and to develop others in this area
Experience – Desirable
* Budget control management
Special Requirements – Essential
* Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Statutory Registration – Essential
* Current NMC Registered Nurse Child Branch
Employer Details
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX
Website: https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.
Legal Requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure & Barring Service check is required. Skilled worker sponsorship will be considered where applicable.
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