Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Neonatal Sister/Charge Nurse

The closing date is 02 February 2026

Job summary

Please Note:

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK independently, with a visa or immigration status that allows them to fulfil the full duration and type of contract offered. The Trust is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Do you want to be a part of an exciting and dynamic Neonatal Team? We are looking for enthusiastic, self motivating and forward thinking experienced Neonatal nurses for our Special Care Baby Unit. We currently have 22 cots, 3 of which are HDU, 4 Transitional care. We have a supportive Neonatal Matron and a Team of Band 7 Senior Sisters including PDN's, Research nurse and Infant Feeding Lead. We are part of a large Neonatal workforce which includes Neonatal Outreach, Neonatal/Paediatric Consultants and AHP's.

We are seeking experienced Neonatal nurses to increase our QIS staffing. We have had excellent feedback from GIRFT and PEER review, we have also been awarded Silver Bliss accreditation and working towards BFI status.

The ideal applicant will have already achieved neonatal QIS. However, we would also welcome applications from B5 nurses with relevant paediatric/ neonatal experience who would be prepared to undertake a training programme, including Neonatal QIS qualification leading to Band6.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is responsible for coordinating the evidence based assessment of care needs, and carrying out these tasks. The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care without supervision, and to coordinate training, supervision and mentorship of qualified and unqualified staff, under the guidance of the Senior Sister/Charge nurse. As the designated deputy the post holder is expected to deputise for, manage and coordinate the ward in the absence of the Senior Sister/Charge nurse.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Details

Date posted

20 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

Depending on experience Dependant on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

252-7715026

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities include assessment of care needs and ensuring these are implemented whilst working in partnership with babies and their families. To be a support to families, carers, siblings and colleagues, ensuring any spiritual, psychological and emotional needs are met.

Post holder will ensure the smooth running of the ward, liaising with all members of the multidisciplinary teams to provide adequate discharge planning and support for families.

Follows and adheres to the NMC code of conduct, promotes and maintains a professional appearance and manner at all times in accordance with Trust policy.

Completes all mandatory training as outlined on Engage and by the Senior nursing team, encourages colleagues complete mandatory training and when needed help to deliver training.

Identifies in partnership with the Senior nurse/Charge nurse areas of practice where their role can be extended, to enhance the service provided for babies and their families. Participates in and co-ordinates teaching, research and audit projects.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities include assessment of care needs and ensuring these are implemented whilst working in partnership with babies and their families. To be a support to families, carers, siblings and colleagues, ensuring any spiritual, psychological and emotional needs are met.

Post holder will ensure the smooth running of the ward, liaising with all members of the multidisciplinary teams to provide adequate discharge planning and support for families.

Follows and adheres to the NMC code of conduct, promotes and maintains a professional appearance and manner at all times in accordance with Trust policy.

Completes all mandatory training as outlined on Engage and by the Senior nursing team, encourages colleagues complete mandatory training and when needed help to deliver training.

Identifies in partnership with the Senior nurse/Charge nurse areas of practice where their role can be extended, to enhance the service provided for babies and their families. Participates in and co-ordinates teaching, research and audit projects.

Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • Registration with NMC as adult nurse, children's nurse or midwife.
  • Neonatal QIS
  • Mentorship qualification
  • NLS
  • Committed to personal professional development and evidence of further study o
  • Willing to discuss role with a view to expanding practice

Desirable

  • Nursing degree
  • BFI Training
  • Leadership and Management

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Committed to developing role as Sister/ Charge Nurse
  • Able to take charge of the ward and deputise for the Senior sister/Charge Nurse
  • In depth knowledge of child protection
  • Good communicator both written and verbally
  • Able to maintain confidentiality
  • Able to prioritise
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Teaching skills

Desirable

  • Cannulation/ phlebotomy skills
  • Good understanding of FI care

Experience

Essential

  • At least 2 years' neonatal experience at band 5 and one year post QIS experience. o
  • Previous management experience in clinical environmen

Desirable

  • Experience of other care settings o
  • Experience of being in charge in neonatal setting

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • o Has commitment 2
  • Innovative
  • Ability to work on own and as part of a team
  • Flexible in working patterns and shifts as required
  • Enthusiastic
  • Approachable
  • Self-awareness to recognise own limitations and seek support and advice when needed
  • Adaptable

Desirable

  • Able to see a clear career plan for sel
Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • Registration with NMC as adult nurse, children's nurse or midwife.
  • Neonatal QIS
  • Mentorship qualification
  • NLS
  • Committed to personal professional development and evidence of further study o
  • Willing to discuss role with a view to expanding practice

Desirable

  • Nursing degree
  • BFI Training
  • Leadership and Management

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Committed to developing role as Sister/ Charge Nurse
  • Able to take charge of the ward and deputise for the Senior sister/Charge Nurse
  • In depth knowledge of child protection
  • Good communicator both written and verbally
  • Able to maintain confidentiality
  • Able to prioritise
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Teaching skills

Desirable

  • Cannulation/ phlebotomy skills
  • Good understanding of FI care

Experience

Essential

  • At least 2 years' neonatal experience at band 5 and one year post QIS experience. o
  • Previous management experience in clinical environmen

Desirable

  • Experience of other care settings o
  • Experience of being in charge in neonatal setting

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • o Has commitment 2
  • Innovative
  • Ability to work on own and as part of a team
  • Flexible in working patterns and shifts as required
  • Enthusiastic
  • Approachable
  • Self-awareness to recognise own limitations and seek support and advice when needed
  • Adaptable

Desirable

  • Able to see a clear career plan for sel

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.

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.

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

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Neonatal PDN and Preterm Lead

Rebecca Law

rebecca.law8@nhs.net

01322428795

Details

Date posted

20 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

Depending on experience Dependant on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

252-7715026

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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