Job Description

Paediatric Day Surgery (PDSU) is a 6-bedded unit situated on Kingfisher ward, caring for children, young people and their families requiring pre and post operative care. The post holder will be one of two senior Band 6 nurses responsible for delivering a high standard of specialist evidence based care to children and their families.



The post holder will be a key member in relation to development of practice in the Paediatric Day Surgery Unit. They will be working independently/autonomously without direct supervision, accountable for own professional actions.



The applicant must have an interest in day surgery, good communication and leadership skills, and experience in managing small teams. You will need to be flexible and able to contribute to the delivery of a high standard family-centred care. We will provide support and encouragement to enable you to develop and achieve your full potential.



The post holder will be one of two Sisters ensuring a high standard of care in PDSU. This will be demonstrated through infection control compliance, audit, service user feedback, risk management, complaints, staff satisfaction and development.



Support the operational and clinical running of PDSU to ensure the service is run effectively and efficiently. This includes patient flow, environment and equipment.



Strong communication skills- to ensure safe, quality and effective care throughout the CYP surgical pathway. This includes liaising with speciality leads/Anaesthetist to ensure timely review and management of CYP with complex behavioural, medical comorbidities or complex procedures.



Strong knowledge and skills within PDSU and be competent with preoperative assessment and individualised care planning, ensuring adequate support and information is given to prepare CYP and their carers for the perioperative journey.



Role model positive leadership and ensure staff are supported, team work promoted and staff developed including appraisals, competency and training with clear records and workforce planning.



The post holder should be experienced with team leadership and display strong team-working values, which extends to the senior nursing team across family services. Be proactive in establishing positive links, networking and collaboration with all areas and services across the Trust along the paediatric elective surgery journey, paediatric ward and Support Services.



Family Services Division work as a team and there is an expectation of professional / leadership support across the division at all times. This includes providing support and cover during periods of leave. We operate a visible leadership approach with senior staff being accessible and available to the clinical teams.



Family Services has a management team including a Divisional Director and Divisional Manager. Senior posts include Senior Sister, Paediatric Matron, Head of Children's Therapy and Head of Midwifery. There are clinical leads in every department including SCBU, Community, Day Surgery and Child Protection.



We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.



Our DCHFT and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.



Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.



For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.