University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

SoNAR Sister

The closing date is 18 March 2026

Job summary

We are seeking highly motivated experienced QISNeonatal Transport Nurse to join our specialist team; SoNAR (Southwest Neonatal Advice and Retrieval service). This role is ideal for a nurse who thrives in high-acuity environments and is passionate about delivering safe, family-centred care to critically ill and premature infants during inter-hospital transfers. The Plymouth SoNAR service works in partnership with the Bristol SoNAR service bringing opportunity for shared learning experiences.

This is a dual role advert and applicants will be expected to also work within the NICU. This is a progressive level 3 service currently providing 14 IC / HD beds, 8 SC and 18 TC cot's, serving the population of Devon and Cornwall. As part of the SW ODN, we enjoy collaborative working with our regional colleagues.

Our accomplished nursing establishment, ANNP team, Outreach Service and support staff facilitate the delivery of highly specialised care in partnership with parents upholding the ethos of Family Integrated Care. We have an established Clinical Education team who provide a supportive and progressive environment with a strong commitment to preceptorship and CPD. We also offer exciting career development opportunities into Enhanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner roles via MSc pathways, in partnership with the University of Plymouth.

Main duties of the job

This role is an exciting opportunity for those who have consolidated their qualified in speciality training and looking to take the next steps in developing their leadership attributes.

Successful candidates will be expected to deliver expert neonatal intensive care during emergency and planned transports. Assess, stabilise, and manage critically ill neonates prior to and during transfer.Work collaboratively with medical, nursing, and ambulance services.Provide clear communication and support to families and external hospitals during transfers.Maintain high clinical, safety, and governance standards.Participate in training, simulation, and ongoing professional development

You will be responsible for theday to day management and clinical leadership of the neonatal unit. Evidence of working at degree level and the desire to develop within a management role are essential. You will have excellent clinical and communication skills, an ability to inspire and support staff whilst acting as a professional role model.

If you would like any further detail please contact Rebecca Dixon SoNAR Lead Nurse telephone: 01752 432379 or r.dixon9@nhs.net further information.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

04 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year £38,682 - £46,580 £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

216-GT-DA7797426

Job locations

University Hospital Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 6DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Demonstrate an enhanced level of knowledge and clinical nursing practice by delivering evidenced based care

Where applicable deliver enhanced clinical practice skills in the care of neonates. E.g. Arterial blood gas sampling

Competent in the use of medical devices and responsible for the correct use of specialist equipment by the multidisciplinary team

Promote a positive and professional working environment

Provide clinical supervision to staff with the support of the senior management team

Liaise with, and report to the multidisciplinary team in the provision of family centred care

Identify, manage and refer appropriately, infants requiring Safeguarding assessment

Encourage parents and carers to be actively involved in the planning and delivery of care to their infant

Promote health education within the clinical area for families

Assist in the provision of family support and bereavement services

Co-ordinate and manage the discharge/ transfer process of infants to other care services

For further details please see attached JD & PS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Demonstrate an enhanced level of knowledge and clinical nursing practice by delivering evidenced based care

Where applicable deliver enhanced clinical practice skills in the care of neonates. E.g. Arterial blood gas sampling

Competent in the use of medical devices and responsible for the correct use of specialist equipment by the multidisciplinary team

Promote a positive and professional working environment

Provide clinical supervision to staff with the support of the senior management team

Liaise with, and report to the multidisciplinary team in the provision of family centred care

Identify, manage and refer appropriately, infants requiring Safeguarding assessment

Encourage parents and carers to be actively involved in the planning and delivery of care to their infant

Promote health education within the clinical area for families

Assist in the provision of family support and bereavement services

Co-ordinate and manage the discharge/ transfer process of infants to other care services

For further details please see attached JD & PS

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience within a similar role
  • Competent clinical and practical skills
  • Intravenous Therapy competency

Desirable

  • Management and leadership skills
  • Enhanced clinical practice skills
  • Demonstrable neonatal transport experience

Qualifications

Essential

  • First Level Qualification - RGN, RSCN, RN Child Branch,
  • Current Registration with NMC
  • Recognised Qualified in Speciality course

Desirable

  • Degree in Nursing
  • Working towards MSc

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

  • An understanding of customer care in the clinical setting
  • Competent in numeracy and literacy
  • Works within sphere of responsibilities and acknowledges limitations

Desirable

  • Participation in research and audit projects
  • Undertake nursing projects and apply findings to practice
Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience within a similar role
  • Competent clinical and practical skills
  • Intravenous Therapy competency

Desirable

  • Management and leadership skills
  • Enhanced clinical practice skills
  • Demonstrable neonatal transport experience

Qualifications

Essential

  • First Level Qualification - RGN, RSCN, RN Child Branch,
  • Current Registration with NMC
  • Recognised Qualified in Speciality course

Desirable

  • Degree in Nursing
  • Working towards MSc

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

  • An understanding of customer care in the clinical setting
  • Competent in numeracy and literacy
  • Works within sphere of responsibilities and acknowledges limitations

Desirable

  • Participation in research and audit projects
  • Undertake nursing projects and apply findings to practice

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 6DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 6DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

SoNAR Lead nurse

Rebecca Dixon

r.dixon9@nhs.net

01752432379

Details

Date posted

04 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year £38,682 - £46,580 £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

216-GT-DA7797426

Job locations

University Hospital Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 6DH


Supporting documents

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