Job summary
Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICS

The Neonatal Unit at The Tunbridge Wells Hospital is a Level 2 unit comprising of 18 cots, caring for babies from 27 weeks gestation.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a purpose built Neonatal Unit, specialising in providing an environment promoting quality family centred care and we are proud to be Bliss accredited and BFI stage 2

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated member of staff to join our friendly, dedicated team.

We welcome and encourage applications from newly qualified nurses.

Main duties of the job
Experience would be an advantage although we offer further opportunity for training and development, and actively support any continuing professional development you may wish to undertake.

About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below

Details
Date posted: 16 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 359-8301204-T3
Closing date: 23 October 2026

Job responsibilities
We've provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.

Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust's 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.

Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

We welcome and encourage applications from newly qualified undergraduate nurses who will be receiving their PIN this year.

Person Specification
Qualification
Essential

• NMC registration or recent nursing graduate awaiting PIN.
• Evidence of a relevant post-registration professional development.

Desirable

• Diploma or equivalent, neonatal course
• Mentorship course/Qualified Practice Assessor

Experience/Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of current clinical evidence based practice
• Knowledge and understanding of current changes in the Acute and Social Services
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance
• Knowledge of current professional issues relating to nursing
• Understanding of equal opportunities
• Understanding of patient confidentiality
• Experience as student/registered nurse

Desirable

• Experience of multi-disciplinary working
• High dependency nursing care of the sick infant
• In speciality may be advantageous

Skills
Essential

• Ability to support and manage a case-load of patients including assessment, planning, monitoring and evaluation, including providing health promotion and education to patients and carers
• Ability to organise and deliver a high standard of nursing care
• Ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to liaise effectively with members of the Primary Health Care team and other agencies
• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise work
• Ability to act as a role model
• Computer skills

Employer details
Employer name: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Address: Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tonbridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
Neonatal Ward Manager, Charlotte Taylor
charlotte.taylor25@nhs.net
01892633359

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).