Job summary
University Hospital Southampton is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Sister / Charge Nurse - Children's Emergency Department (CED)
Contract type: Permanent/ Fixed term or secondment
Fixed Term Contract End Date: December 2027
Purpose for Fixed Term: Maternity Cover
Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of application.

Main duties of the job
We're looking for an enthusiastic and committed Registered Nurse to join our team as a Sister/Charge Nurse in the Children's Emergency Department. We have permanent part-time and full-time positions available, as well as a 22.5-hour-per-week part-time post offered on a 12-month fixed-term or secondment basis.

Within a large teaching hospital, we're also the regional children's major trauma centre. The purpose build service is a standalone department offering the following facilities - an 11-trolley acute illness and injury service, a safe room, eight bedded children short stay, children's X-ray within the service, a treatment/procedural room.

Our teams are enthusiastic, innovative, well-motivated and dedicated to high standards of care. We are keen to support, invest and challenge you within our supportive environment to develop you both clinically and professionally.

If you are a confident, well-organised, strong and a visible leader who thrives in a busy and diverse clinical environment then we would like to hear from you.

About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Details
Date posted: 05 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: Depending on experience £39,959 to £48,117 per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 188-SNM081126
Closing date: 19 November 2026

Job responsibilities
What you'll do

• To act as a role model to nursing staff, encouraging effective working relationships and the development of a cohesive nursing team, working with a common philosophy.
• To supervise the professional work of nursing staff and exercise good leadership skills.
• To maintain competence and knowledge within area of specialism, initiating changes benefiting the standard of care to patients and encouraging staff to do the same.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care, ensuring any changes are communicated to the relevant parties.

What we're looking for

• We are seeking to employ a band 6 childrens nurse with urgent care experience. Our service has a friendly and dynamic team and works in this fast-paced environment. If you are a motivated, passionate, committed, and enthusiastic team player keen to join the senior nursing team this is a role for you.
• The department has a reputation for innovation and development and welcomes new ideas. We offer excellent learning opportunities to support your commitment to your professional development and that of others.
• Children's Emergency Department is a 24-hour service, a degree of flexibility will be required to meet service requirements.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Successful completion of a post-registration course within relevant specialty, with demonstratable post-qualification experience following course completion

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Significant post registration experience / qualification / training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality.
• Ward management experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Experience in an acute hospital setting
• Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice
• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Desirable

• Experience in handling adverse events and complaints
• Appraisal skills
• Act in the role of Practice Assessor or supporting the progression of learners / supporting challenges as needed
• Some insight into budget management

Trust Values
Essential

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

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: University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address: University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
For questions about the job, contact: Senior Sister Children's Emergency & Trauma, Lucy Deverall, lucy.deverall@uhs.nhs.uk

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