University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse
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Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse – Specialty Neonatal Nurse (SCBU, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, qualified neonatal nurse with a specialist background to join our team at our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester, as a Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse (full-time and part-time opportunities available).
We are a Level 1 neonatal unit with:
- 12 cot spaces
- 2 high dependency cots
- 10 special care cots
- An evolving focus on Family Integrated Care to support parents in learning to care for their babies before discharge
Key responsibilities will include:
- Clinical leadership – Acting as the primary ward lead in the absence of the Ward Sister
- Supervising & mentoring junior staff, ensuring best-practice care standards for neonates and families
- Collaborating with Ward Sister on staffing, workload management, and trust policy adherence
- Supporting workforce development, including recruitment, selection, and bespoke training plans
- Supporting (Leads towards) a specialist Family Integrated Care approach for smooth transitions to home care via our neonatal outreach teams
- Contributing to service improvements and ensuring trust objectives are met
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Person Specification
Essential:
- Qualification as a specialty neonatal nurse
- Current neonatal nurse registration with the NMC (UK scope of practice)
- Evidence of endorsed clinical skills and preference for those with protracted neonatal experience (Level 1 NCM*)
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and coach junior colleagues
- Knowledge of neonatal unit policies and procedures
- Strong communication, organisational, and time-management skills
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) in nursing
Desirable:
- Experience in a Family Integrated Care model
- Basic leadership/development training (e.g., NHFS or similar)
- Relevant certifications (e.g., ECMO, NPA for Neonates)
What’s on Offer
Professional Growth
- Support in refining leadership skills and academic career development
- Opportunities to attend regional NC miles conferences (e.g., Royal College of Midwives & Society of Neonatal Officers training)
- Mentorship within our innovation-focused, Outstanding for Caring CQC-rated Trust
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Culture & Values
UHSussex embraces diversity as a strength, helping us attain Excellence in Care through:
- Established staff networks for intersectionality, well-being, and belonging
- Inductory buddy schemes for new starters
- Recognition as a Disability Confident Level 3 & Veteran Aware Employer
How to Apply
Please reach out to:
- Rachael Rye (Ward Sister, SCBU, SRH)
- Email: rachael.rye@nhs.net
- Phone: 01243 831442
- Pre-interview unit visits can be arranged via phone: 01243 788 122 ext 32982
Additional Resources:
Hired qualified and experienced neonatal specialists who thrive as collaborative team players, proud of the opportunity to elevate care standards at Chichester’s SCBU.
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