Neonatal Band 6 Lead Nurse & Shift Coordinator

Go back West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Band 6 - Junior Sister/Charge Nurse, Woodland Neonatal Unit, WACS

The closing date is 05 April 2026

We have an opportunity for a Band 6 Junior Sister/Charge Nurse to join the Woodland Neonatal Unit, Watford.

The Woodland Neonatal Unit at Watford Hospital is a busy local neonatal unit (LNU) within the East of England Neonatal network. The unit admits babies who require intensive care, high dependency and special care. In addition, we manage a 6 bedded Transitional Care Unit in postnatal ward.

We are committed to the provision of high-quality evidence-based practice to meet the needs of parents and babies incorporating family centred care.We are looking for full time or part time Band 6 Neonatal Nurses, who want to work with our well established friendly neonatal team, to deliver the highest standards of neonatal care.

Main duties of the job

The post requires experience, knowledge and skills of working in a neonatal unit at senior level. Previous Band 6 or management experience is desirable. The successful candidate will lead/coordinate shifts, be able to work well independently and within the team and support junior staff as well as pre-registration student nurses.

The applicant will be required to work shifts (Long day-07:30-20:00 and Nights 19:30-08:00) on weekdays and weekends. Full details will be discussed at interview

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, 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 closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, 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 require support or guidance please 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.

Job responsibilities

The successful applicant will be responsible for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care without supervision.

They will take charge of the Neonatal unit on a regular basis, acting as shift co-ordinator and will undertake designated management roles.

Will actively participate and promote practice development and the creation of a learning environment and provide clinical, educational and emotional support to parents/carers.

They will take an admission nurse role and will be expected to attend deliveries that requires a neonatal nurse to stabilise a premature and unwell baby.

They will need to be able to provides clear clinical leadership to staff, deputising for the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in her/his absence.

Person Specification Education

• Registered Nurse (RGN/Midwife/Child) with NMC.
• Current NLS certification.
• Teaching and assessing qualification and or mentorship module Safeguarding Children training (Level1-3).
• Degree in Children's/Neonatal Nursing.

Knowledge

• Have neonatal nursing knowledge, integrating theory and practice.
• Knowledge of handling complaints and clinical incidents.
• Knowledge of safeguarding children.

Experience

• Previous experience at Band 6 level, Shift leading/Nurse in charge role.
• Attending emergency situations within neonatal and maternity setting.
• Experience with Badgernet EPR or any EPR

Skills

• Excellent level of neonatal clinical skills.
• Excellent leadership skills.

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.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust