Ward Manager - Starlight Ward
Closing date: 14 June 2026
The Sister/Charge Nurse will be responsible for the daily clinical and operational management of the paediatric clinical areas and the professional development of staff within those areas. They will provide support to all staff and work in partnership with all multi‑disciplinary teams. Leadership and professional development for nursing and support workers will be a key focus.
Job Responsibilities
* Accountable for nursing practice; sustain and improve staff knowledge and professional competence.
* Clinical expert within paediatrics; deliver high levels of direct patient care.
* Develop nursing standards and policies; resolve patient or parent complaints regarding clinical care.
* Act as a change agent, promote family‑centred care and evidence‑based practice.
* Recognise deteriorations in clinical conditions and initiate rapid, appropriate responses.
* Lead on complex patient care, develop discharge packages, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
* Provide clinical expertise and maintain a high clinical profile.
* Assess child and family psychological and social needs; implement agreed management plans.
* Ensure audit procedures for standards such as infection control and risk management are in place and audited on time.
* Coordinate safeguarding referrals, liaise with safeguarding teams, and maintain secure patient records.
* Communicate effectively in written and verbal form; maintain concise, accurate nursing documentation.
* Maintain appropriate staffing levels, identify resource issues early, and manage the allocated budget with an emphasis on savings and efficiencies.
* Provide 24‑hour nursing service, ensure safe working environments, and conduct shift‑based risk assessments.
* Identify and investigate conduct, discipline and performance issues; liaise with HR and Modern Matron.
* Develop ward/unit policies, audit compliance, and participate in service change projects.
* Advocate for patients and staff, apply ethical, legal and professional knowledge.
* Recruit, retain and develop staff; report staffing concerns to the Paediatric Matron.
* Meet key performance indicators; contribute to the development of the paediatric service.
Development and Education
* Lead training, education and development of staff; create a learning environment.
* Support and manage mentorship programmes.
* Appraise staff, identify training needs and align with trust objectives.
* Orient new staff and students; provide formal and informal training under the Paediatric Matron’s direction.
* Apply local and national guidelines across the unit.
* Maintain personal professional development and participate in annual performance reviews.
Research, Audit & Quality
* Integrate research and audit findings into practice; collaborate with the senior paediatric nursing team.
* Keep accurate, confidential records.
* Audit current practice against research and national guidance.
* Attend departmental and directorate meetings; contribute to the clinical governance agenda.
Education and Qualifications
* NMC Registered Children’s Nurse
* Evidence of ongoing training and development in paediatrics
* Recognition of the sick and/or deteriorating child
* Mentorship or Assessors course
* Nursing degree or working towards one
Experience
* Appropriate experience and competencies for the role
* Experience in coordinating shifts and supervising staff
* Experience in recognising the sick and deteriorating child
* Experience in leading an audit
* Effective clinical leadership and experience in managing change
Skills and Knowledge
* Excellent paediatric skills
* Effective managerial, leadership and organisational skills
* Effective teaching, training and preceptorship skills
* Experience of involvement with safeguarding concerns
* Administration of IV and central lines access
* Understanding of the clinical governance framework and audit process
* Initiative to implement new practice
* Budget and resource management
* Evidence of effective team building skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates.
Salary
£55,524 to £62,652 a year, including Health and Care Advances Scheme.
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