Job summary
We are inviting anyone who ispassionate about advancing their nursing career in Paediatric High Dependency and Critical Care to apply for this band 5 post. This opportunity allows you to gain experience in a dynamic, high-acuity environment, working as part of a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
The Children's High Dependency Unit accepts acute and planned admissions. The unit consists of four beds and undertakes major orthopaedic, ENT and complex surgery as well as emergency medicine. The unit provides a high level of high dependency care including non-invasive ventilation and invasive stabilisation ventilation.
***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.***
Main duties of the job
1. Patient Assessment and Monitoring
- Conduct comprehensive and ongoing assessments of patients' physical, psychological, and emotional status.
- Monitor vital signs and interpret clinical data (e.g., cardiac monitoring, oxygen saturation, invasive and non-invasive blood pressure, fluid balance).
- Recognize and promptly respond to changes in a patient's condition, escalating concerns appropriately.
- Use advanced monitoring equipment and ensure accurate documentation of patient observations.
2. Clinical Care and Intervention
- Administer prescribed medications safely, including intravenous infusions and titrated drugs (e.g., inotropes, analgesics).
- Provide respiratory support such as oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation (e.g., CPAP, BiPAP), and airway management.
- Manage central lines, arterial lines, urinary catheters, and wound drains as per clinical protocols.
- Assist with procedures such as insertion of invasive lines, tracheostomy care, and bedside diagnostics.
- Deliver evidence-based nursing care tailored to individual patient needs.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Advanced assessment and critical thinking skills
- Competence in the use of high-dependency monitoring and equipment
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- Ability to prioritize and manage rapidly changing clinical situations
- Strong commitment to patient safety and evidence-based care
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Providing and delivering a high standard of nursing care by initiating and co-coordinating theassessment, planning, and evaluating of individual patients needs based on evidence. Reporting and documenting any relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes withother health care professionals in the multi-disciplinary team with on-going responsibility forpatient care as they occur. Promoting and delivering health education within the clinical area and advise patient, family,and others in health promotion issues. Engage; interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patients care,planning as outlined in the ward/unit philosophy. Demonstrating and undertaking evidence-based practice playing an active part in theintroduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care Supervising, assessing, mentoring and supporting junior Registered Nurses and Health CareProfessionals including bank and agency staff in the clinical setting. Increasing the level of knowledge and skills within the Ward/Directorate through sharing bestpractice and supporting others to develop their professional abilities. Implementing and sharing good infection control practice.
For further details please see attached JD&PS.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Providing and delivering a high standard of nursing care by initiating and co-coordinating theassessment, planning, and evaluating of individual patients needs based on evidence. Reporting and documenting any relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes withother health care professionals in the multi-disciplinary team with on-going responsibility forpatient care as they occur. Promoting and delivering health education within the clinical area and advise patient, family,and others in health promotion issues. Engage; interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patients care,planning as outlined in the ward/unit philosophy. Demonstrating and undertaking evidence-based practice playing an active part in theintroduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care Supervising, assessing, mentoring and supporting junior Registered Nurses and Health CareProfessionals including bank and agency staff in the clinical setting. Increasing the level of knowledge and skills within the Ward/Directorate through sharing bestpractice and supporting others to develop their professional abilities. Implementing and sharing good infection control practice.
For further details please see attached JD&PS.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Post registration demonstrable experience in a relevant clinical area
- Proven evidence of recent Continuing Professional development
- Intravenous therapy skills
- Proven knowledge of patient administration system
Desirable
- Venepuncture / Cannulation skills
- HDU/ICU demonstrable experience
- Ventilation skills
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse
- RSCN / Part 15 or relevant demonstrable experience
- Mentors Course
Desirable
- Relevant Degree
- Computer literate (ECDL)
- Relevant post basic leadership course
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels
- Effective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals
- Teaching and mentoring skills
- Ability to prioritise workload, instruct and direct others
- Organisational skills and able to work as a team leader
- Advocacy skills
Desirable
- Demonstrate potential management abilities
- Ability to facilitate change within the work area
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Post registration demonstrable experience in a relevant clinical area
- Proven evidence of recent Continuing Professional development
- Intravenous therapy skills
- Proven knowledge of patient administration system
Desirable
- Venepuncture / Cannulation skills
- HDU/ICU demonstrable experience
- Ventilation skills
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse
- RSCN / Part 15 or relevant demonstrable experience
- Mentors Course
Desirable
- Relevant Degree
- Computer literate (ECDL)
- Relevant post basic leadership course
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels
- Effective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals
- Teaching and mentoring skills
- Ability to prioritise workload, instruct and direct others
- Organisational skills and able to work as a team leader
- Advocacy skills
Desirable
- Demonstrate potential management abilities
- Ability to facilitate change within the work area
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.
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.
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).
