• Job Description

  Req#: C9179-25-0451?language=en&page=277&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  We are looking for a self-motivated passionate paediatric or dual trained staff nurse to join our ward team in the day Surgery Unit at West Suffolk Hospital Foundation Trust. We are a busy and constantly developing 25 bedded unit with 8 dedicated paediatric beds covering 8 specialities and caring for paediatric and adult patients.

  The paediatric nurse is the child's advocate providing all the pre-and postoperative care throughout the child's journey. This includes pre-assessment and nurse-led discharge.

  Applicants will need post-registration experience in paediatric surgical nursing, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be committed to providing a high standard of family centred care.

  This is a permanent post working a flexible shift pattern to cover the day surgery ward service requirements between the hours of 07:30-18:00.

  If you have the necessary skills, experience and qualities to help us to put patients first, please contact Jemma Morris Ward Manager on 01284 713288 or Eloise Bird Paediatric Ward Sister 01284 713298 for an informal discussion or to arrange a visit.

  Main duties of the job

  The successful candidate will be expected to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care of the child pre and post-operatively, always acting as the child's advocate.

  Implement paediatric nurse-led discharge following agreed guidelines.

  Pre-assessment of children prior to surgery to ensure they and their parent/carers are prepared for surgery on the day and ensure they are fit for day surgery.

  Previous Surgical experience is desirable but training can be given.

  The successful applicant will need to be committed to the educational needs of the department and be expected to promote the high standards of patient care provided by the West Suffolk Hospital.

  The post holder will be required to work as a competent member of the Day Surgery team on the ward.

  Staff nurses are required to maintain a high standard of patient care under the direction of the senior members of the clinical staff.

  They are expected to take delegated responsibility in a given shift for a group of paediatric patients. With experience they may be expected to take charge of the ward in the absence of the Sister. There is an expectation to work in accordance with the standards set by the Nursing/Midwifery Professional Bodies, and in accordance with Trust Nursing Policies and Guidelines.

  About us

  #BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community

  We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.

  The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

  Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.

  We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.

  With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.

  We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.

  Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?

  Details

  Date posted

  05 September 2025

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 5

  Salary

  £31,049 to £37,796 a year pro rata per annum

  Contract

  Fixed term

  Duration

  12 months

  Working pattern

  Part-time, Flexible working

  Reference number

  179-7444350-S

  Job locations

  West Suffolk Hospital

  Bury St Edmunds

  IP332QZ

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Please see job description for full details.

  STAFF CAR PARKING

  Staff Car Parking on the West Suffolk Hospital Site is eligible for individuals working outside of the core hours, 07:00 18:30.

  For individuals working within the core hours, the Trust offers parking off site at the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, which is serviced by a regular shuttle bus to and from the Hospital. Details of the bus timetable can be found in the on-line starter pack on the West Suffolk Hospital website.

  This parking restriction does not apply if an individual is required to work on a weekend or if they are required to complete on call duties within their role.

  The closing date for this vacancy may change if we receive a strong response. Please ensure that you apply for any post you are interested in as soon as possible.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Please see job description for full details.

  STAFF CAR PARKING

  Staff Car Parking on the West Suffolk Hospital Site is eligible for individuals working outside of the core hours, 07:00 18:30.

  For individuals working within the core hours, the Trust offers parking off site at the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, which is serviced by a regular shuttle bus to and from the Hospital. Details of the bus timetable can be found in the on-line starter pack on the West Suffolk Hospital website.

  This parking restriction does not apply if an individual is required to work on a weekend or if they are required to complete on call duties within their role.

  The closing date for this vacancy may change if we receive a strong response. Please ensure that you apply for any post you are interested in as soon as possible.

  Person Specification

  Education and qualifications

  Essential

  • Registered Nurse (Child) or dual trained Adult Branch or adult nurse with paediatric competencies.
  • Mentorship course or willing to undertake.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

  Desirable

  • Relevant teaching qualification
  • Degree in nursing
  • PILS

  Experience and knowledge

  Essential

  • Evidence of continuous professional development linked to demonstrable competencies
  • Interest and commitment to philosophy of Day Surgery Unit.
  • Experience in a paediatric surgical environment

  Desirable

  • Experience in acute paediatric setting
  • Experience of mentorship / preceptorship, staff supervision and training.
  • Post qualification experience in a variety of surgical specialities.
  • Experience in audit research activities.

  Skills and abilities

  Essential

  • Ability to plan and prioritise care for patients.
  • Experience of nursing children in a surgical environment.
  • Effective interpersonal, organisational and team work skills
  • Decision making & time management skills.
  • Proficent IT skills.
  • Good communication skills, written and verbal.
  • Willingness to share knowledge and ability to mentor.
  • IV drug administration.
  • Able to practice in accordance with the NMC code of Conduct
  • Ability to work well both in a team and on own initiative.

  Desirable

  • Administration of intravenous drugs
  • Enhanced practice skills commensurate to area -Ward, Pre-assessment
  • Demonstrates leadership in a busy clinical environment

  Personal qualities

  Essential

  • Good timekeeping.
  • Flexible approach to working hours/duties.
  • Self-motivated and able to act on own initiative.
  • Act as role mode.
  • Able to work under pressure.
  • Commited to delivering high quality service.
  • Ability to show empathy and compassion to patients and relatives.
  • Professional and non-judgemental.

  Desirable

  • Evidence of analytical thinking and problem solving.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Trust & Departmental objectives.
  • Interest in academic development.

  Person Specification

  Education and qualifications

  Essential

  • Registered Nurse (Child) or dual trained Adult Branch or adult nurse with paediatric competencies.
  • Mentorship course or willing to undertake.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

  Desirable

  • Relevant teaching qualification
  • Degree in nursing
  • PILS

  Experience and knowledge

  Essential

  • Evidence of continuous professional development linked to demonstrable competencies
  • Interest and commitment to philosophy of Day Surgery Unit.
  • Experience in a paediatric surgical environment

  Desirable

  • Experience in acute paediatric setting
  • Experience of mentorship / preceptorship, staff supervision and training.
  • Post qualification experience in a variety of surgical specialities.
  • Experience in audit research activities.

  Skills and abilities

  Essential

  • Ability to plan and prioritise care for patients.
  • Experience of nursing children in a surgical environment.
  • Effective interpersonal, organisational and team work skills
  • Decision making & time management skills.
  • Proficent IT skills.
  • Good communication skills, written and verbal.
  • Willingness to share knowledge and ability to mentor.
  • IV drug administration.
  • Able to practice in accordance with the NMC code of Conduct
  • Ability to work well both in a team and on own initiative.

  Desirable

  • Administration of intravenous drugs
  • Enhanced practice skills commensurate to area -Ward, Pre-assessment
  • Demonstrates leadership in a busy clinical environment

  Personal qualities

  Essential

  • Good timekeeping.
  • Flexible approach to working hours/duties.
  • Self-motivated and able to act on own initiative.
  • Act as role mode.
  • Able to work under pressure.
  • Commited to delivering high quality service.
  • Ability to show empathy and compassion to patients and relatives.
  • Professional and non-judgemental.

  Desirable

  • Evidence of analytical thinking and problem solving.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Trust & Departmental objectives.
  • Interest in academic development.

  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).

  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).

  Employer details

  Employer name

  West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  West Suffolk Hospital

  Bury St Edmunds

  IP332QZ

  
  

  Employer's website

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

  Employer details

  Employer name

  West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  West Suffolk Hospital

  Bury St Edmunds

  IP332QZ

  
  

  Employer's website

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

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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