South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

The closing date is 25 November 2026

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Neonatal Unit for a Neonatal Junior Sister/Charge Nurse (Band 6). We are seeking an adaptable and forward-thinking individual who is passionate about neonatal care and committed to professional development.

This Post is ideal for a Neonatal Nurse who is looking to take the next step in their leadership journey within a supportive and dynamic environment. You will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operational management of the Unit, working closely with the senior leadership team.

You will be expected to demonstrate strong clinical expertise and leadership, acting as role model for best practice and supporting the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver care in line with national neonatal standards. This includes contributing to the coordination of the Unit, ensuring appropriate staffing and skill mix, and supporting the management of activity, admissions and transfers in and out of the Neonatal Unit.

We are a compassionate team, who are committed to ensuring babies have the best outcomes and quality care. Family Integrated Care (FiCare) is at the heart of everything we do, working in partnership with families to ensure they are fully involved at every stage of their babys journey.

Youll be fully supported by our Neonatal Ward Manager, to give you the structure and mentorship to flourish in this exciting leadership position.

Main duties of the job
You will provide clinical leadership, expertise, advice and support to the nursing and multi-disciplinary team. You will ensure care is delivered in line with neonatal nursing standards and local guidance.

You will act as the clinical coordinator in the absence of a Neonatal Coordinator within the Unit, ensuring safe staffing as well as ensuring safe and effective bed flow and acuity throughout the Department.

The Junior Sister / Charge Nurse will be a role model, demonstrating both excellent communication and nursing skills. Successful Applicants will play a vital role within the Team in both staff and service development.

About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details
Date posted: 11 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year pro-rata for part-time
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9155-FCNM-1126-13
Job locations: Trust Headquarters, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
To be responsible and accountable for the safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for all patients in ward / department area.
PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience as a Band 5.
• Experience of leading a team.
• Evidence of innovation in practice.
• Experience of coordinating a team in caring for patients from admission to discharge.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Experience within past 24 months.

Desirable

• Experience of line management of staff.
• Experience of ward management / shift coordinating.
• Familiar with inter hospital transfer.
• Experience with complex discharge planning including safeguarding.

Qualifications
Essential

• Current NMC Registration (RN / RSCN/ RN CHILD).
• Degree in Nursing studies or healthcare related subject (UK equivalent) or evidence of currently working towards this.
• Mentorship Certificate / Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Post Qualifying Specialist Neonatal Course (QIS)/ ENB 405.
• Recognised Neonatal Resuscitation and or stabilisation Course / Neonatal Life Support (NLS).

Desirable

• Management and leadership training.
• ILM qualification.

Physical Skills
Essential

• Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Awareness of national Health and Social Care policy.
• Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
• Thorough understanding of expanded roles / professional practice issues.
• Clinical teaching experience.
• Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
• Able to work without supervision.
• Competent in the use of IT packages.
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to Post.
• Up to date knowledge of neonatal conditions, pathologies.
• Mastery of Neonatal Intensive Care equipment.
• Aware of current research evidence.

Desirable

• Understanding of budget and financial control systems.

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: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Trust Headquarters, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Emily Cameron, emily.cameron2@nhs.net, 01915656256

Supporting documents
Discover Sunderland, Staff Benefits, Trust Vision and Values, Equality Diversity and Inclusion at our Trust

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