Staff Nurse

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, compassionate and dedicated nurse to join County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT).

CDDFT provides specialist neonatal care for babies and their families across two dedicated special care baby units based at the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) and Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH). Working closely with Midwifery and Paediatric services, our units offer high-quality, family-centred care for infants from 32 weeks' gestation onwards. The UHND unit comprises 12 cots, while the DMH unit has 8 cots. In addition to providing ongoing neonatal care, both units are equipped to stabilise critically ill babies prior to transfer by the regional neonatal transport team.

Both sites also benefit from well-established Neonatal Transitional Care services. These services enable mothers and babies to remain together on the maternity wards, while receiving the additional care and support they require from the neonatal nursing team.

We are seeking a nurse who is able to work effectively as part of our experienced and committed neonatal team. Applicants must hold a Registered Children’s Nurse (RN Child) or Registered Sick Children’s Nurse (RSCN) qualification, together with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Please note: We have permanent and fixed term to cover maternity leave roles available.

Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to babies requiring special care and high dependency support within our neonatal service. Working collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating individualised care, while actively delivering a family-integrated care approach.

The role requires the ability to provide a supportive, compassionate, and reassuring environment for families during what can often be a challenging time. The successful applicant will also be expected to attend and contribute to emergency situations within the Maternity and Emergency Departments, working alongside the neonatal team to stabilise and provide care for preterm and/or critically unwell newborn infants.

The post holder should demonstrate excellent clinical skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. They will be expected to practice autonomously within their scope of competence, whilst receiving support and guidance from the nurse in charge.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop neonatal knowledge and expertise within a supportive and progressive neonatal service committed to delivering exceptional care for babies and their families.

About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job responsibilities
We are delighted to invite applications for a Band 5 Neonatal Staff Nurse position within the Special Care Baby Units at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate, motivated and enthusiastic registered nurse to join our dedicated neonatal team and contribute to the delivery of outstanding care for babies and their families.

Based across our special care baby units at the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital, the successful candidate will provide high-quality care to babies requiring special care and high dependency support. The role involves assessing patient needs, planning, implementing and evaluating individualised care, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality and family-centred care are maintained.

Working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team, you will support parents throughout their neonatal journey, promote breastfeeding and informed parental choice, and contribute to the delivery of Family Integrated Care. The post holder will be responsible for monitoring patient acuity, recognising and escalating concerns appropriately, and ensuring effective communication regarding changes in patients' conditions and treatment plans.

As a Trust committed to developing its workforce, we offer a comprehensive programme of education, training and professional development. Successful candidates will be supported to undertake the Qualification in Specialty (QIS) and will have access to in-service training, clinical supervision, mentorship opportunities and continuing professional development programmes. There are also opportunities to become involved in quality improvement initiatives, clinical audit, research and innovation activities, enabling staff to continually enhance their knowledge, skills and career progression within neonatal nursing.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to support the learning and development of student nurses, newly appointed staff and colleagues, fostering a positive learning environment and contributing to the future workforce of neonatal services.

We are seeking applicants who are Registered Children's Nurses or Registered Sick Children's Nurses with current NMC registration. Previous neonatal experience is desirable, although applicants with experience in paediatric, intensive care or related clinical settings will also be considered. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, a commitment to providing compassionate family-centred care, and a willingness to develop their neonatal expertise.

At CDDFT, you will join a supportive and experienced team that is committed to clinical excellence, ongoing professional development and delivering exceptional care to babies and their families. This role offers an exciting opportunity to build a rewarding career in neonatal nursing while making a meaningful difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable patients.

If you are passionate about neonatal nursing and are looking to develop your career within a forward-thinking and supportive neonatal service, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please note this is a rotational post to cover neonatal services across the trust.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of working within a neonatal unit as a student or qualified nurse
• Experience of delivering high standards of patient-centred care
• Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment

Desirable

• Post-registration experience within a neonatal setting
• Experience within Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU) or other acute paediatric environments
• Experience supporting students, junior staff or new team members

Statutory Registration
Essential

• Registered Nurse (Child) on part 1 of the NMC register
• Valid UK NMC PIN

Special Requirements
Essential

• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the service, including working across Trust sites
• Willingness to undertake the Qualification in Specialty (QIS) in Neonatal Care if not already achieved
• Driving posts must have valid Full UK driving licence

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care
• Understanding of family-integrated care and the importance of involving parents in care planning and delivery
• Ability to promote and support infant feeding and informed parental choice
• Knowledge of safe medicines management and clinical governance principles
• Ability to recognise and escalate concerns appropriately
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively
• Ability to accurately document and communicate changes in patient condition and treatment plans
• Commitment to maintaining professional standards in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct

Desirable

• Knowledge of common neonatal conditions and their management
• Understanding of neonatal stabilisation and emergency care
• Awareness of quality improvement, audit and research within clinical practice

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Children's Nurse (RN Child), or Registered Sick Children's Nurse (RSCN)
• Current NMC registration
• Willingness to undertake the Qualification in Specialty (QIS) in Neonatal Care if not already achieved

Desirable

• Qualification in Specialty (QIS) in Neonatal Care.
• Teaching and Assessing in Clinical Practice qualification.
• Diploma or additional relevant neonatal qualifications.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).