Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Neonatal Unit Sister/Charge Nurse
The closing date is 20 November 2026
Job summary
Are you a neonatal nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in clinically challenging environments where your leadership, autonomy, and compassion truly make a difference? If so, we would love to hear from you!

About us
Our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is a busy, friendly Level 1 neonatal unit providing high-quality, family-centred care to babies and their families at the very start of their neonatal journey. The unit comprises 10 cots, including:

• 2 HDU cots
• 4 Special Care cots
• An established 4-bedded Transitional Care unit

We care for babies from 32 weeks gestation, provide stabilisation for more premature or critically unwell term neonates, and work closely with the Peninsula Neonatal Transport Team. As part of the Southwest Neonatal Network, we offer excellent exposure to wider neonatal pathways and best practice.

Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity for a newly qualified or experience motivated and innovative Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse to join a supportive and inclusive team.
You will take charge of shifts, work autonomously, and play a key role in shaping care delivery while maintaining a calm, professional presence in a dynamic clinical environment.
You will be supported to grow clinically, professionally, and as a leader, as we actively invest in developing our future neonatal leadership workforce.

What makes this role special?

• Autonomous working with senior clinical responsibility
• Exposure to all levels of neonatal care within a Level 1 setting
• Opportunity to use and maintain ITU-level skills through stabilisation and emergency care
• A strong family interface, giving babies and parents a positive, supportive start to their neonatal journey
• Close working with public health, community maternity, 0-19, health visiting, and child health teams
• You will be motivated to develop as a neonatal leader and educator

About us
You'll be joining a unit where you are known, supported, and valued, development is encouraged rather than delayed, leadership potential is actively nurtured, and every shift makes a real difference to babies, families, and the future of neonatal care.
We offer weekly simulation training with opportunities to both teach and learn, alongside genuine career progression with structured development from Band 6 into advanced neonatal and leadership roles.
You will work within a friendly, supportive culture where every voice matters, including families as active partners in their care plans, with flexible working patterns across days, nights, and long shifts (07:30-20:00 and 19:30-08:00) to support work-life balance wherever possible.
For information on our organisation benefits, browse our interactive booklet.
Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.
Details
Date posted: 06 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 388-8368679-FC&I
Job locations: Special Care Baby Unit; ChildHealth. Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust. Newton Road, Torbay, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• Take charge of the unit, coordinating care delivery and staffing safely and effectively
• Lead by example, promoting high standards of compassionate, evidence-based neonatal care
• Communicate effectively with the MDT, families, and external partners to support seamless care
• Support and develop colleagues, acting as a role model at all times
• Administer medications safely in line with Trust policies and NMC guidelines
• Respond positively to change and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Promote learning, reflection, and continuous improvement across the team
• Support the Ward Manager and Band 6 colleagues, with opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities including: Sickness management, Appraisals, Staff support and development (following induction and training)

The successful candidate will be a qualified NMC Registered (Level 1) individual who is Qualified in Specialty (QIS) or willing to work towards this. You will have experience in neonatal care, with confidence in leadership and clinical decision-making and be passionate about delivering family-centred care.
Full details can be found in the job description and person specification.
Please clearly demonstrate how you meet the role requirements in your supporting information.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential

• NMC Registered (Level 1)
• Evidence of meeting PREP requirements
• Able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care
• Knowledge of clinical governance
• Knowledge of individual responsibility to health and safety and clinical risk

Desirable

• Post graduate diploma degree in relevant subject or equivalent level experience
• Mentorship
• Leadership experience or training
• Awareness of the NHS plan and current initiatives
• Knowledge of ICO initiatives within Torbay Trust
• Negotiation skills
• Diverse and adaptable communication skills to enable effective communication with the MDT

Specific skills
Essential

• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritise care
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Excellent telephone / bedside manner / customer skills
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Flexibility on working hours and location
• Able to work at short notice and at busy times including school holidays / outside of normal office hours

Desirable

• To be an effective leader and role model
• Ability to be able to reflect and encourage others to do so to enhance their practice
• To be able to work under pressure and make safe clinical decisions

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer contact details: Unit manager Tracey Hardy, tracey.hardy9@nhs.net, 01803656874