Job overview
Practice Development Nurse –Full Time, Neonatal Unit
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced candidate to join our established Practice Development Nurse (PDN) team within the Neonatal Unit at Evelina London.
As a tertiary neonatal centre with 20 NICU, 12 HDU, and 14 Special Care cots, we offer a wide scope of clinical exposure, supporting infants with surgical, cardiac, neurological, renal, metabolic, and prematurity-related conditions.
This role is ideal for an experienced Neonatal Practice Development Nurse with a passion for education and staff development. As a PDN, you will support the learning needs of our large nursing team through:
1. Coordinating and delivering clinical placements and study days for pre- and post-registration nurses
2. Leading our tailored Band 5 development programme, which supports newly qualified nurses in their transition to confident, independent practice
3. Participating in staff recruitment, mandatory training, and the roll-out of new clinical equipment and education updates
You will also contribute to the delivery of our in-house SCBU/HDU/NICU QIS courses, promoting high standards of evidence-based neonatal care.
If you’re passionate about developing others and contributing to a culture of continuous learning in a large tertiary neonatal centre we encourage you to apply for this rewarding internal development opportunity.
Closing date: Midnight 18th May 2026
Main duties of the job
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
4. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate clinical placements and study days for pre- and post-registration nurses
5. Deliver and evaluate the Band 5 development programme to support newly qualified nurses in their transition to independent practice
6. Contribute to staff recruitment, induction, and retention initiatives
7. Teach neonatal resuscitation and core clinical skills, and support the introduction of new medical equipment
8. Support delivery of in-house QIS training programmes across SCBU, HDU, and NICU
9. Act as a role model and promote a culture of learning and development within the unit
About You:
We are looking for a full time dynamic and enthusiastic neonatal nurse with:
10. Recent PDN experience in a tertiary level NICU. Neonatal QIS essential.
11. A passion for education and staff development
12. Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills
13. A proactive approach to quality improvement and teaching
Why Join Us:
14. Be part of a supportive and well-established PDN team
15. Help shape the future of neonatal nursing at one of the UK’s leading children’s hospitals
16. Access ongoing CPD opportunities and leadership development
Working for our organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are a large supportive neonatal team who take pride in the high standards of care that we deliver. Teamwork between all disciplines is paramount and this is clearly demonstrated in the positive outcomes of the infants that we care for.
We proactively seek to develop and nurture our staff so they can succeed in their nursing career aspirations. As part of the PDN team you will help to facilitate this.
We run our own in house QIS modules which will provide you with the opportunity to develop and improve your teaching skills. As well as participate in curriculum development and the strategic planning and management of the programme throughout the year.
The PDN team have close collaborative working opportunities with the PDN’s from the Evelina London Children’s Hospital and Practice Development Midwives from maternity services.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification for details of duties and responsibilities.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
17. RN1/ RN2/ RN12 or RN Child Registered Nurse on the NMC register. BSc/ MSc
18. Qualified in Speciality - Neonatal Course SCBU/HDU/NICU
19. Specialist professional knowledge of mentorship, education and development practice to Masters level or equivalent
20. Evidence of continuous personal, professional and academic development
Desirable criteria
21. Postgraduate Certificate Advanced Practice (Education)
22. Leadership qualification
Previous Experience
Essential criteria
23. Significant post registration experience within the speciality
24. Experience of designing, delivering and evaluating training sessions / programmes
25. Experience of mentoring/ supervising/ assessing students in practice
26. Experience of managing a team or caseload
27. Experience of involvement in educational initiatives
28. Experience of being a Practice Development Nurse in a neonatal unit
Desirable criteria
29. Microsoft Word / Excel skills
30. Experience of curriculum design
Skills/Knowledge/Ability
Essential criteria
31. Knowledge of educational standards and practice
32. Understanding and knowledge of curriculum design and development
33. Knowledge of local, regional and national policies pertaining to practice experience and education
34. Knowledge of a variety of teaching methods
35. Knowledge of recruitment, selection and disciplinary procedures
36. Able to present articulately to large groups of people
37. Evidence of excellent clinical skills
38. Excellent time management and organisational skills
39. Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal & communication skills
40. Knowledge of clinical governance processes
41. Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.