Senior Neonatal Nurse(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Reference Information Requirement

Applicants must provide references covering at least the last three years of employment. Ideally, these references should come from two different employers and must include:

• Full name of the referee
• Workplace address
• Contact telephone number
• Official work email address
• Confirmation that they were your line manager or supervisor
• Incomplete reference sections may result in the application not being processed.

DBS Check Requirement

• This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Successful applicants will:

• Pay for their DBS certificate via salary deductions over a maximum of three months
• Be required to register with the DBS Update Service

Salary and Pay Scale

Candidates who are new to the NHS will normally start at the minimum point of the Band 6 pay scale, in line with NHS Terms and Conditions of Service.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Senior Neonatal Nurse to join the team at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.

In this role, you will take a leading part in providing specialist neonatal care for newborn babies, supporting their families, and guiding junior nursing staff within the neonatal unit.

You will play a key role in ensuring that care delivery follows national neonatal standards, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based practice.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Assess neonatal patients and determine their clinical care needs.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate individualized neonatal care.
• Ensure care aligns with national neonatal care standards and local hospital protocols.
• Act as an advocate for infants and their families.
• Medication and Equipment Safety
• Administer, manage and store medications safely within the neonatal unit.

Monitor and maintain clinical equipment including:

• Ventilators
• Infant Flow Drivers
• Incubators
• Blood gas analyzers
• Intravenous infusion devices
• Emergency resuscitation equipment
• Respiratory support systems

Leadership and Team Support

• Take charge of neonatal clinical shifts when required.
• Provide clinical advice and support to junior nurses and multidisciplinary staff.
• Participate in recruitment, induction and training of new staff.
• Contribute to staff appraisals and professional development planning.

Patient and Family Communication

• Maintain clear and compassionate communication with parents and carers.
• Support families through education and health promotion.
• Address concerns or complaints professionally and escalate when necessary.

Governance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with NMC guidelines.
• Ensure patient confidentiality and information governance compliance.

Use hospital systems such as:

• BadgerNet (neonatal and maternity system)
• ICE system
• Microsoft Office tools
• NHS intranet and communication systems
• Guidance on confidentiality in healthcare
• Quality Improvement and Safety

The post holder will:

• Participate in clinical audits and research activities.
• Support evidence-based improvements in neonatal care.
• Ensure infection prevention and cleanliness standards are maintained.
• Identify and manage risks affecting patients, staff and visitors.

About Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust delivers hospital and community services across the North East of England.

Key facilities include:

• Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• Blaydon Urgent Care Centre
• Bensham Hospital
• The Trust employs approximately 4,800 staff and provides over 440 hospital beds to serve the local population.

The organisation operates according to its core values known as ICORE:

• Innovation
• Care
• Openness
• Respect
• Engagement

Staff wellbeing is supported through the Trust’s Balance programme, offering wellbeing initiatives designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Diversity, Inclusion and Staff Support

The Trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Staff networks include:

• BAME Network
• D-Ability Network
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Women’s Network
• Armed Forces Network
• These groups help promote equality and support across the organisation.

Qualifications (Essential)

Applicants must have:

• Registered Nurse qualification (Adult or Child branch)
• Nursing Degree
• Neonatal Intensive Care Course (QIS)
• Neonatal Advanced Life Support certification
• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Experience (Essential)

Minimum 3 years post-registration experience in:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
• Decision Making and Accountability

The Senior Neonatal Nurse is expected to:

• Make independent clinical decisions when appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure high standards of neonatal nursing practice.

Visa Sponsorship Information

Applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome, provided the role meets eligibility criteria.

Applicants are advised to review the official UK visa requirements before applying

Overseas applicants may also need to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more within the last 10 years.

Recruitment Process

Candidates who have not been contacted within four weeks after the closing date should assume their application has been unsuccessful.