Overview
The Paediatric Assessment Unit at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trusts is an area for Children and Young People (CYP) who are acutely unwell, needing observation following admission from the Children's Emergency Department, which is co-located in the Emergency Department. We are developing a short stay model aligned with the RCPCH Standards for Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Unit (2017). The unit will provide assessment, investigations, treatment and observation for CYP with acute illness, injury or other urgent referrals, with an expectation of admission or discharge within 24 hours. We are recruiting a Band 6 nurse to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment during the initial phase of service development. The ideal candidate will have experience in an acute paediatric setting, including handling emergency situations, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality care to CYP. Leadership experience in shift management and willingness to develop as the service expands are also desirable.
Responsibilities
* Work as a skilled member of the nursing team to provide high-standard, holistic, family-centred care to children and their families; act as a role model and expert clinical practitioner.
* Support the senior sister in managing the clinical area, including staff management and acting as team leader; address staff development needs through IPR.
* Undertake delegated responsibility for the department in the absence of the Ward/Unit Manager.
* Be prepared to work at any of the three sites (Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans) that provide acute paediatric services, according to service needs.
About the team and development
Our team includes paediatric nurses supported by paediatric consultants, advanced nurse practitioners and care support workers. A dedicated paediatric development team within Children’s Services offers professional learning and development opportunities, including:
* Triage and initial assessment training
* Venepuncture and cannulation training
* Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) and Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS)
* Critical Care Development course
* Trauma Level 1 competencies
* Intravenous (IV) and Central Access courses
* Specialty study days (e.g., diabetes, oncology)
* Specialty Link roles to support the unit
* Trust leadership and development courses
Collaboration
The unit collaborates closely with the Children’s Emergency Department, with opportunities to work across both the Paediatric Assessment Unit and the Children’s Emergency Department for additional development on request.
About us
We are planning a new hospital in Watford and updating theatres at St Albans City Hospital. The Trust is expanding digital healthcare, prioritising staff wellbeing and development, and fostering innovation to improve clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together; our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. We offer flexible working options to support work/life balance.
If you require support due to disability or a long-term health condition, please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net. If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving, please indicate this on the application form as appropriate. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to high volume of applicants. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful.
Details
* Date posted: 12 September 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
* Band: Band 6
* Salary: £40,617 to £48,778 per year pro rata
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time
* Location: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB
Job description and responsibilities (summary)
The main responsibilities are to provide high standards of holistic, family-centred care as a skilled member of the nursing team, to act as a role model and expert clinical practitioner; support the senior sister in managing the clinical area, including staff management and team leadership; undertake delegated responsibility for the department in the absence of the Ward/Unit Manager; and be available to work across the three sites to meet service needs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr