South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Registered Childrens Nurse

The closing date is 26 February 2026

Job summary

Join our Ophthalmology team and be part of something exciting! Were preparing to move into our brand-new Eye Hospital in Sunderland in Spring 2026, ensuring the region continues to have the only dedicated standalone eye hospital. This state-of-the-art facility will strengthen our reputation as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care across the NHS. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and innovation are at the heart of what we do. We embrace new technology and encourage staff to get involved in projects that shape the future of eye care. If you share our vision for Excellence in all that we do, wed love to hear from you. Were looking for an enthusiastic NMC-registered Childrens Nurse to join Haygarth Warda 24/7, 22-bedded service delivering holistic care for patients with a wide range of ophthalmic conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes nurses, healthcare assistants, ophthalmologists, ward doctors, and admin staff. When we move to the new hospital, well manage an 8-bed inpatient ward, a 10-bed day surgery admissions unit, a treatment and investigations unit, and an outpatient pre-assessment area. As a childrens nurse, youll support young patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working closely with clinicians to deliver outstanding care.

Main duties of the job

STSFTs Ophthalmology Directorate is nationally and internationally recognised for excellence in ophthalmology, offering specialities in Cataract, Medical Retina, Glaucoma, Ocular Motility, Paediatrics, and Oculoplastic Surgery. We are seeking a dynamic, motivated Band 5 NMC-registered Childrens Nurse to join our team. You will deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to children undergoing ophthalmic assessment, treatment, and surgery. Duties include comprehensive nursing assessments, monitoring pre- and post-operatively, safe medication administration, and recognising clinical deterioration. Youll support paediatric clinics with visual acuity testing, instilling drops, assisting minor procedures, and managing patient flow. Day-case responsibilities include pre-op preparation, post-op recovery, discharge planning, and family education. Safeguarding and family-centred care are key, ensuring cultural and emotional needs are met while escalating concerns appropriately. Youll work collaboratively with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, anaesthetists, and the wider MDT, participating in handovers and ward rounds. Professional development is encouraged through training, supervision, and supporting students. Adherence to infection control, safety standards, and governance processes is essential, alongside promoting dignity, compassion, and our Trust values.

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.

Date posted

12 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year PRO RATA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9155-OPNM-0226-11

Job locations

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR2 9HP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Registered Childrens Nurse - 27 Hours Per Week

To be responsible and accountable for the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for to their care. To always work to the NMC Code To supervise non-registered staff as stipulated by the NMC under the requirements of delegation Provide effective leadership and assist with the management and organisation of the ward/department in the absence of the Ward manager or Junior Sister / Charge Nurse To comply with the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

Job description

Job responsibilities

Registered Childrens Nurse - 27 Hours Per Week

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information
Able to work without supervision
Competent in the use of IT such as Microsoft Office
Evidence of CPD
Knowledge of national health and social care policy
Knowledge of evidence based guidelines e.g. NICE guidelines, NPSA alerts, current nursing legislation

Physical skills

Essential

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

Experience

Essential

Experience of working in an acute hospital or community healthcare
setting

Desirable

Recent experience of working as a registered nurse

Qualifications

Essential

NMC Registered Childrens Nurse or evidence of qualification if newly qualified

Desirable

Degree in Nursing
Clinical Teaching experience
Mentorship preparation
Teaching qualification

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information
Able to work without supervision
Competent in the use of IT such as Microsoft Office
Evidence of CPD
Knowledge of national health and social care policy
Knowledge of evidence based guidelines e.g. NICE guidelines, NPSA alerts, current nursing legislation

Physical skills

Essential

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

Experience

Essential

Experience of working in an acute hospital or community healthcare
setting

Desirable

Recent experience of working as a registered nurse

Qualifications

Essential

NMC Registered Childrens Nurse or evidence of qualification if newly qualified

Desirable

Degree in Nursing
Clinical Teaching experience
Mentorship preparation
Teaching qualification

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).