Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse UK Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Join Our Paediatric Team at Dorset County Hospital – Junior Sister (Kingfisher Ward)
Are you an experienced Children’s Nurse ready to step into a leadership role?
Kingfisher Ward is a vibrant, 24/7 general paediatric unit caring for babies, children, and young people aged 0–17. We manage a wide range of medical, surgical, and psychological conditions. Our dedicated Paediatric Assessment Area supports smooth admissions and encourages early discharges, while we also have three higher-observation beds for children needing enhanced care on the ward.
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate leader to work closely with the Senior Sister, helping deliver outstanding, evidence-based nursing care and ensuring the ward runs smoothly and efficiently every day.
Visa Sponsorship Information
This position is eligible for sponsorship under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa route, managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We warmly welcome applications from overseas candidates who require visa support to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be considered for those who meet the full UKVI eligibility criteria.
For official UK government guidance on the Skilled Worker visa, including eligibility, job requirements, and the application process, visit:
You can also find more details on joining DCHFT from overseas, including visa support and settling in the UK, on our dedicated page: Joining us from Overseas. For any specific questions about international recruitment, email international.recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the senior team, you’ll play a central role in:
- Delivering and maintaining high-quality, evidence-based nursing care—demonstrated through strong clinical standards, infection prevention, audits, patient/family feedback, risk management, and handling compliments or concerns.
- Overseeing daily ward operations, including effective patient flow, responsible use of equipment, and managing supplies to keep everything running smoothly.
- Providing strong, positive leadership: supporting and developing the team through appraisals, competency assessments, training plans, workforce planning, and addressing performance matters when needed.
- Building great collaboration across Family Services and the wider Trust—working closely with areas like the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), Community Paediatrics, Emergency Department, Day Surgery, and support teams.
- Fostering a supportive, teamwork-focused environment where everyone can thrive.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Registered Children’s Nurse (Part 1: Children sub-part of the NMC register).
- Proven experience in teaching and supporting learning in a clinical setting.
- At least 2 years of post-registration experience in paediatrics or a related field.
- Solid understanding of key professional nursing issues and ongoing commitment to your own professional development.
Desirable
- Previous Band 6 (or equivalent senior) experience is advantageous.
Skills & Attributes
- Confident, proficient clinical practitioner with strong evidence-based practice skills.
- Excellent at building and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, patients, families, and visitors.
- Strong time management and organisational abilities.
Capable of developing and putting into practice nursing protocols grounded in the latest evidence.
Desirable extras
- Familiarity with clinical governance, audit, or quality improvement processes.
- An area of special clinical interest or expertise.
- Emerging leadership experience and critical thinking skills.
- Awareness of child protection responsibilities and safeguarding issues.
Why Join Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?
We are proud to deliver outstanding care in ways that truly matter to our patients and families. Our mission is to partner with others to provide compassionate, high-quality services while creating an environment where our people can flourish.
Our vision: Healthier lives, empowered people, thriving communities.
Guided by our core values—Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Excellence—we actively celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
To learn more about working here, explore our staff benefits, or understand our recruitment process, visit:
- Join DCHFT
- DCHFT Staff Benefits (search for current details)
- Our Recruitment Process
For the full job description and person specification (including how to tailor your application), check the attached documents on the original advert or contact Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you need help accessing them.
We value genuine, authentic applications that reflect your real experiences—while AI tools can help with formatting, please ensure your submission is honest and personal.
If this sounds like the right next step for you, we’d love to hear from you. Help us make a real difference in children’s lives at Dorset County Hospital.
Applications close soon apply early to avoid disappointment, as we may close the vacancy early or amend dates. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email, so keep an eye on your inbox. If you haven’t heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume you haven’t been shortlisted on this occasion. For queries or feedback, call 01305 254655.
