Job Description

We are inviting anyone who is passionate about advancing their nursing career in Paediatric High Dependency and Critical Care to apply for this band 5 post. This opportunity allows you to gain experience in a dynamic, high-acuity environment, working as part of a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering exceptional patient care.



The Children's High Dependency Unit accepts acute and planned admissions. The unit consists of four beds and undertakes major orthopaedic, ENT and complex surgery as well as emergency medicine. The unit provides a high level of high dependency care including non-invasive ventilation and invasive stabilisation ventilation.



Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.



1. Patient Assessment and Monitoring



Conduct comprehensive and ongoing assessments of patients' physical, psychological, and emotional status.

Monitor vital signs and interpret clinical data (e.g., cardiac monitoring, oxygen saturation, invasive and non-invasive blood pressure, fluid balance).

Recognize and promptly respond to changes in a patient's condition, escalating concerns appropriately.

Use advanced monitoring equipment and ensure accurate documentation of patient observations.



2. Clinical Care and Intervention



Administer prescribed medications safely, including intravenous infusions and titrated drugs (e.g., inotropes, analgesics).

Provide respiratory support such as oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation (e.g., CPAP, BiPAP), and airway management.

Manage central lines, arterial lines, urinary catheters, and wound drains as per clinical protocols.

Assist with procedures such as insertion of invasive lines, tracheostomy care, and bedside diagnostics.

Deliver evidence-based nursing care tailored to individual patient needs.



Key Skills and Attributes



Advanced assessment and critical thinking skills

Competence in the use of high-dependency monitoring and equipment

Excellent communication and teamwork

Ability to prioritize and manage rapidly changing clinical situations

Strong commitment to patient safety and evidence-based care



We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.



Providing and delivering a high standard of nursing care by initiating and co-coordinating the assessment, planning, and evaluating of individual patients needs based on evidence. Reporting and documenting any relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes with other health care professionals in the multi-disciplinary team with on-going responsibility for patient care as they occur. Promoting and delivering health education within the clinical area and advise patient, family, and others in health promotion issues. Engage; interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patient's care, planning as outlined in the ward/unit philosophy. Demonstrating and undertaking evidence-based practice playing an active part in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care Supervising, assessing, mentoring and supporting junior Registered Nurses and Health Care Professionals including bank and agency staff in the clinical setting. Increasing the level of knowledge and skills within the Ward/Directorate through sharing best practice and supporting others to develop their professional abilities. Implementing and sharing good infection control practice. Undertaking manual handling assessments and ensuring identified actions are met. Have a working knowledge of child protection issues / processes and take responsibility for the ongoing care of children in need. * Day to day direct supervision of team of patients and staff.