The Paediatric Assessment Unit at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital Trusts is an area for Children and Young People (C&YP) who are acutely unwell, needing a period of observation following admission from the Children's Emergency Department, which is co-located in the Emergency Department.
We are in the process of changing the pathway for C&YP in this area, in line with the RCPCH Standards for Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Unit We plan to use the area for C&YP with acute illness, injury or other urgent referrals from clinicians, where patients can have an assessment, investigations, treatment and observation. It is a short stay unit with the expectation for either admission or discharge within 24 hours.
We are actively seeking to recruit a Band 6 nurse who is motivated to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment during the initial phases of our developing service. The ideal candidate will possess experience in an acute paediatric setting, including handling emergency situations, and demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for delivering high-quality care to Children and Young People (C&YP). Additionally, you will have experience in shift management and be eager to further develop your leadership skills as the service expands while promoting clinical excellence within our team.
Our team consists of dedicated paediatric nurses who are supported by paediatric consultants, advanced nurse practitioners, and care support workers. We also have a committed paediatric development team within Children's Services, offering a variety of professional learning and development opportunities to enhance your experience at West Herts:
Triage and initial assessment training
Venepuncture and cannulation training
Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) and Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) certification
Critical Care Development course
Trauma Level 1 competencies
Intravenous (IV) and Central Access course
Specialty study days focused on topics such as diabetes and oncology
Specialty Link roles to support the unit
Trust leadership and development course
Our unit collaborates closely with the Children's Emergency Department, providing opportunities to work across both the Paediatric Assessment Unit and the Children's Emergency Department for additional development upon request.
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, 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 ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, 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.
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact
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.
The main responsibilities include working as a skilled member of the nursing team, to provide a high standard of holistic family centred care to the children and their families, to act as a role model and expert clinical practitioner.
To support the senior sister in managing the clinical area, including management of staff, acting as team leader, including addressing staff developmental needs through IPR. To undertake delegated responsibility for the department in the absence of the Ward / Unit Manager.
The post holder could be required to work on any site of the three sites (Watford, Hemel and St Albans) that provide acute services for children, according to the needs of the service.