Deputy Sister

Haringey GP Federation; Leicester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job description

Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse

The closing date is 01 March 2026

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Job Responsibilities

Leadership and supervision of staff through effective clinical leadership and management. Deputising for the Sister/Charge Nurse in coordinating the unit in their absence. Coordinate designated clinical area, allocating workload and staff appropriately. Responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based nursing care to neonatal patients and their families. Actively promote and contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality nursing care. Actively contribute to the improvement of services and the quality of care provision to meet the needs of patients, service users and their families. Act as a professional and competent role model, mentoring, teaching, assessing and supporting students and learners on placements and participate in the education, development and mentorship of other staff members.

Main Duties of the Job

Leadership and supervision of staff through effective clinical leadership and management. Deputising for the Sister/Charge Nurse in coordinating the unit in their absence. Coordinate designated clinical area, allocating workload and staff appropriately. Responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based nursing care to neonatal patients and their families. Actively promote and contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality nursing care. Actively contribute to the improvement of services and the quality of care provision to meet the needs of patients, service users and their families. Act as a professional and competent role model, mentoring, teaching, assessing and supporting students and learners on placements and participate in the education, development and mentorship of other staff members.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all
• being a great place to work
• partnerships for impact
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate
• we are proud
• we are inclusive
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

Detailed Job Responsibilities

Is 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 safe use of all technical equipment. Is an expert at interpreting any change in the clinical condition of the baby and takes appropriate action to liaise with the multi-disciplinary team to respond to changes. Recognise, prioritise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations. Is responsible for the safe transfer of babies within the hospital, for example to and from delivery suite, operating theatres and imaging. Demonstrates competency in the safe use of transport equipment. To undertake, with appropriate training, extended clinical skills, such as venepuncture and intravenous cannulation. Provide advice, education, support and information to parents and other family members / carers as required and involve them in the planning and delivery of care. Establish and maintain effective communication with parents and other family members / carers. Communicate with team members to receive and provide reports on the progress of patients throughout each shift. Facilitate effective communication and liaison with other disciplines as necessary to meet the needs of patients especially relating to ongoing care needs and discharge arrangements. Ensure that fully accurate, complete and contemporaneous nursing records are written and maintained for each patient in accordance with agreed policy. Actively participate in the development and implementation of new ways of working, implementing research based practice in order to promote ongoing care improvement. To work together with medical staff, ANNPs, other health care professionals including administrative staff in the delivery of high standards of effective neonatal care.

Continuing Education, Professional and Personal Development

Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific Induction and competency programmes appropriate to role. Ensure own compliance and compliance of others with regard to mandatory training and NMC professional re-registration requirements. Is responsible for maintaining up to date skills, knowledge and competence, and awareness of professional issues in relation to neonatal care. Undertake specialist education training as required that will allow health care to be delivered to the user through new ways of working. Act as a clinical expert and use own knowledge to develop and enhance the development, skills and competence of others. Work collaboratively with the Education and Practice Development team, Clinical Support Nurses and Multi Professional Teams to ensure that education and development opportunities are provided for the ward team to enable staff to be both confident and competent to perform their roles safely. Act as a clinical resource, mentor / assessor / supervisor / preceptor of learners and staff as required.

Maintaining a Safe Environment and Quality

Monitor health, safety and security of self and others and promote best practice in the ward area and whilst on transport duty. Ensure own actions assist with maintaining best practice and Standards for Better Health. Carry out duties in accordance with the Health and Safety at work Act 1971. Move and handle patients, equipment and goods in ways that promote the health of the patient and care team and are consistent with legislation. Is actively responsible for the maintenance of a clean and safe environment adhering to infection control policies, procedures and best practice. Responsible for maintaining safe and hazard free area of work.

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 providers 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 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
• Effective decision making and problem solving
• 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

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