Job Description
About the Role
We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a Neonatal Staff Nurse to join our friendly and forward-thinking Level 1 Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Dorset County Hospital.
This role is ideal for:
- Nurses with previous NHS neonatal experience, or
- Newly qualified nurses, midwives, or adult nurses with a strong interest in neonatal care and family-centred practice.
You will provide hands-on care to newborn infants within the neonatal unit, as well as support babies requiring Transitional Care on the postnatal ward. Central to this role is working closely with families, recognising parents as partners in their baby’s care.
Our unit is actively involved in two exciting improvement programmes:
- UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative re-accreditation
- BLISS Family Integrated Care (FICare)
- Our Neonatal Unit
We are a dynamic and evolving Level 1 SCBU, proud of our strong reputation for compassionate, high-quality neonatal care.
Our focus is on:
- Family Integrated Care
- Safe, developmentally supportive neonatal nursing
- Continuous learning and professional growth
- Creating a calm, respectful, and inclusive environment for babies, families, and staff
Key Responsibilities
Working under the guidance of the Senior Neonatal Nurse in charge of the shift, you will:
- Deliver safe, effective, and compassionate neonatal nursing care
- Support infants and families within the neonatal unit and transitional care settings
- Maintain high standards of infection prevention and clinical safety
- Communicate effectively with parents, carers, and the multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrate situational awareness and respond appropriately to changes in an infant’s condition
- Contribute to a positive learning culture within the neonatal team
Why Join Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?
At DCHFT, we are proud of both the care we provide and the culture we are building.
Our mission is simple:
To provide outstanding care for people in ways that matter to them.
Our vision is to work collaboratively with health and social care partners to improve the wellbeing of our communities. We are committed to fairness, inclusion, and supporting staff to thrive in their roles.
We actively welcome applications from under-represented groups and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion across the Trust.
Trust Values
We are looking for nurses who demonstrate our core values in everyday practice:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Excellence
We value professionalism, kindness, honesty, and a genuine commitment to delivering the best possible patient care.
Person Specification
Education & Registration (Essential)
- Registered Nurse and/or Midwife
- Current UK professional registration
- Knowledge & Experience (Essential)
Open to:
- Newly qualified Children’s Nurses or Midwives
- Adult Registered Nurses with an interest in neonatal care
- Willingness to develop neonatal clinical skills and knowledge
Skills & Attributes (Essential)
- Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and families
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Good time-management and situational awareness
- A professional, respectful, and compassionate approach
- Motivation to progress from novice to expert in neonatal nursing
- Commitment to maintaining a positive and civil clinical environment
Use of AI in Applications
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to support their application. This is not discouraged. However, all information provided must be truthful and reflect your own experience, values, and suitability for the role.
Honesty, integrity, and authenticity are central to our recruitment process.
Pre-Employment Checks
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Visa & Right to Work Information
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to UKVI criteria.
NHS careers information
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
