Job summary
Neptune ward are looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic Paediatric Band 5 nurse to join an already established team to help develop the service offered. Neptune ward care for a variety of patients from the age of 0-16 years with a wide array of presentations from emergency surgical intervention to acute illness.

Southend's Neptune ward are a dedicated and friendly team who are committed to continuous improvements in the service. The Band 5 Nurse will assist the Manager and fellow staff in the provision and maintenance of a seamless service and highest quality care to patients.

This includes assessing, planning, delivery and evaluation of Paediatric care for children and young people attending Neptune ward from admission through to discharge. The Band 5 nurse will have a structured orientation and receive on-going support to assist with progression within the role.

The appointable applicant will need to be Registered Nurse Child/Registered Sick Children's Nurse.

We are open to applications from Adult Registered Nurses with NHS experience who are interested in expanding their skills and developing into children's nursing.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.

Main duties of the job
The main duties of the Paediatric Band 5 role on Neptune include assessing, planning and evaluating safe and competent family-centred care to babies, children and teenagers throughout their inpatient stay. The nurse will work as part of the multidisciplinary team ensuring the delivery of a high standard of holistic individualised nursing care.

It is an essential requirement that the nurse will take reasonable care of the cleanliness of their working environment, adhere to infection control policies, procedures and guidelines, in particular ensuring that you use appropriate hand hygiene practices at all times.

You will adhere to the NMC code of Professional Conduct at all times and ensure compliance with hospital policies and procedures, as well as participate in all relevant aspects of the Governance process.

It is expected that the Nurse as a reflective practitioner will continue to develop their own capabilities and nursing knowledge in line with the trust's career pathway where education is supported. The Nurse will ensure they maintain an up-to-date portfolio of evidence.

Please note that this role will include working shift patterns including weekends, nights and bank holidays.

About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Details
Date posted: 05 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 a year per annum (pro rata for part time)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 390-WAC-SO-6478-A
Closing date: 11 November 2026

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: NMC Child registered/Adult registered with NHS experience
• Desirable: EPLIS/PILS
• Desirable: Working towards a nursing degree

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential: Experience of escalation and recognition of a sick deteriorating child
• Essential: Organisational skills - able to prioritise own case load
• Desirable: Intravenous administration competent
• Desirable: Phlebotomy and Cannulation
• Desirable: Experience of nursing in an acute Paediatric setting

Other

• Essential: Flexible to work in other areas of the Paediatric Department

Communication skills

• Essential: Able to communicate effectively (including with service users and members of the MDT)

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Southend, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-sea, SS0 0RY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Interim Ward Manager, Hannah Ramezanzadeh, hannah.ramezanzadeh1@nhs.net, 03004432874

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice is available on their website.