Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Staff Nurse - Children's Unit
The closing date is 22 November 2026
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Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a compassionate and motivated Registered Children's Nurse to join our dedicated team within the Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital. As a Band 5 Nurse, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to children and young people with acute and chronic physical and mental health needs.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care, ensuring the highest standards of clinical practice and patient experience. You will support children, young people and their families throughout their healthcare journey, acting as an advocate and delivering care that is safe, effective and centred around their needs.

This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development, clinical leadership and involvement in service improvement initiatives within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Main duties of the job

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to children and young people using evidence-based practice.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care programmes.
• Make informed clinical decisions and escalate concerns appropriately to ensure patient safety.
• Administer medications safely in accordance with local and national guidelines.
• Monitor patient conditions, interpret clinical information and respond effectively to deterioration.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families and carers, providing support, education and advice.
• Work collaboratively with medical, nursing and allied health professionals to deliver coordinated care.
• Support safe admission, transfer and discharge planning processes.
• Supervise, support and mentor healthcare support workers, assistant practitioners and student nurses.
• Maintain accurate, timely and professional patient records.
• Participate in clinical audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives.
• Act as nurse in charge when required, coordinating patient care and supporting the wider team.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?
Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details
Date posted: 12 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 184-OL-GR-6244
Job locations: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
The Children's Unit provides assessment, care and treatment for children and young people with acute or chronic physical and mental health conditions. As a Registered Children's Nurse, you will be responsible for delivering safe, compassionate and effective care while maintaining professional standards in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code.

You will develop strong therapeutic relationships with children, young people and their families, communicating sensitive and complex information in a clear and supportive manner. Working closely with multidisciplinary colleagues, you will ensure patients receive coordinated, holistic care throughout their hospital journey.

The successful candidate will demonstrate sound clinical judgement and be able to recognise and respond to changing patient needs. Responsibilities will include undertaking clinical assessments, delivering treatments and interventions, administering medications, monitoring patient progress and evaluating outcomes to ensure the highest standard of care.

You will contribute to maintaining and improving clinical standards by participating in audits, quality improvement projects, research activity and the implementation of evidence-based practice. The role also includes supporting the development of nursing services through engagement with clinical guidelines, service developments and policy implementation.

As an experienced and professional practitioner, you will act as a role model for colleagues and students, providing supervision, mentorship and constructive feedback to support learning and development within the team.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: Degree or equivalent in nursing.
• Essential: Registered Nurse with active NMC registration.
• Essential: Registered Sick Children's Nurse

Experience

• Essential: Have a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Essential: Have experience in a relevant clinical setting.
• Desirable: Previous experience supervising junior colleagues or students.

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.

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

Employer details
Employer name: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Hiring Manager, Suzy Mason, suzy.mason@somersetft.nhs.uk, 01823342573

Supporting documents
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