Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse

Closing date: 01 March 2026

Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse Job responsibilities

• Responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based neonatal care to neonatal patients and their families according to changing healthcare needs and varying levels of complexity; including babies requiring high frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV), Nitric Oxide ventilation, cerebral function monitoring and cooling treatment.
• Demonstrates competency in the safe use of all technical equipment.
• Expert at interpreting any change in the clinical condition of the baby and takes appropriate action to liaise with the multi-disciplinary team.
• Recognises, prioritises and responds appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Responsible for the safe transfer of babies within the hospital.
• Safe use of transport equipment.
• Performs extended clinical skills such as venepuncture and intravenous cannulation with appropriate training.
• Provides advice, education, support and information to parents and other family members/carers; involves them in planning and delivery of care.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication with parents and carers.
• Communicates with team members to receive and provide reports on progress of patients throughout each shift.
• Facilitates effective communication and liaison with other disciplines to meet patient needs during care and discharge arrangements.
• Ensures nursing records are accurate and complete according to policy.
• Actively participates in development and implementation of new ways of working and research-based practice.
• Works with medical staff, ANNPs, other health care professionals, including administrative staff, to deliver high standards of neonatal care.

Continuing Education, Professional and Personal Development

• Undertakes Trust Corporate and Directorate specific induction and competency programmes appropriate to role.
• Ensures compliance with mandatory training and NMC professional re-registration requirements.
• Maintains up-to-date skills, knowledge and competence.
• Undertakes specialist education training as required.
• Acts as a clinical expert; uses knowledge to develop and enhance skills of others.
• Collaborates with the Education and Practice Development team to ensure training opportunities for ward team.
• Acts as a clinical resource, mentor/assessor/supervisor/preceptor.

Maintaining a Safe Environment and Quality

• Monitors health, safety and security of self and others; promotes best practice.
• Ensures actions maintain best practice and standards for better health.
• Carries out duties in accordance with Health and Safety at Work Act 1971.
• Moves and handles patients, equipment and goods safely.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment, adhering to infection control policies.
• Maintains hazard-free area of work.

(Please refer to the job description/person specification for further details on the role)

Person Specification Experience

• Evidence of achievement of Neonatal Intensive Care competencies.
• Clinical teaching and assessment of learners and students.
• Mentorship and preceptorship.
• Team management.
• Awareness of professional nursing agendas.
• Awareness of clinical supervision.
• Involvement in clinical guidelines.

Training & Qualifications

• A recognised Post Registration qualification in Neonatal Nursing or equivalent.
• A recognised teaching and assessing qualification.
• Current NLS provider's course.
• 2nd Registerable qualification - Educated to degree level Clinical Leadership Course.

Planning and Organisation Skills

• Able to work independently and within a team.
• Adaptable and flexible with working hours and conditions.
• Ability to utilise resources efficiently.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours.

Communication and Relationship Skills

• Good standard of spoken and written English.
• Listening and communication; demonstrates leadership qualities.
• Able to prioritise own and others' workloads.
• Demonstrates assertiveness.
• Diplomacy.
• Supervisory skills.
• Counselling skills/experience.
• Delegation of skills.
• Management of own stress.
• Able to recognise stress levels in others.

Analytical and Judgement Skills

• Effective decision making and problem solving.
• Demonstrates a good understanding of Clinical Governance.
• Self-reflective.
• Audit/research experience.

Skills

• Assertive and confident.
• Personal and professional maturity.
• Recognition of own limitations.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and motivation.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust