Overview
Are you a qualified neonatal nurse looking to take the next step in your career? We are seeking skilled neonatal nurses to join us as we prepare for the reopening of our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in April 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new chapter for our services, where you will play a key role in shaping a positive, collaborative and forward-thinking culture from day one. You will provide outstanding care for preterm and unwell infants while supporting and empowering their families. As a fully integrated Trust we offer opportunities to rotate across sites should you wish to broaden your skills and experience. Flexible working over a rota that includes nights and weekends is expected, and both full-time and part-time positions are available.
Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver high-quality neonatal nursing care to preterm and sick infants, ensuring safe and effective clinical practice.
- Support and teach parents and families, providing reassurance, guidance, and clear communication during what can often be an emotional time.
- Assess rapidly changing clinical conditions, using specialist neonatal skills to plan and adapt care appropriately.
- Act as a role model and mentor to junior staff, students and newly qualified nurses, supporting learning and professional development.
- Manage the neonatal unit on a shift-by-shift basis, including coordinating staffing, ensuring safe environments and maintaining accurate records.
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to service improvement, safeguarding processes and maintaining high standards of care.
- Participate in neonatal emergency response, including attending deliveries and supporting resuscitation when required.
- Informal visits and conversations are warmly encouraged – contact us to learn more or arrange a visit.
Clinical Care & Expertise
- Use advanced neonatal skills such as neonatal life support, blood gas interpretation, venepuncture and cannulation.
- Monitor infants’ clinical status, interpreting data to identify changes and escalating or intervening promptly.
- Manage the care of babies requiring palliative support, offering compassionate guidance to families and colleagues.
- Ensure all equipment is safe, functional and appropriately used by staff.
Family Support & Communication
- Communicate sensitive clinical information with empathy, clarity and professionalism.
- Empower parents by teaching them essential care skills and involving them as key partners in their baby’s journey.
- Liaise with wider professionals – including medical staff, clergy, social workers and health visitors – to coordinate holistic support for families.
Leadership, Education & Teamworking
- Lead the unit team during shifts, ensuring safe staffing levels and effective delegation.
- Mentor students and junior staff, contributing to teaching, assessments and professional development.
- Promote an inclusive and collaborative culture, supporting staff wellbeing and positive team dynamics.
Governance, Safety & Service Development
- Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and ensure early identification and escalation of concerns.
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records using systems including BadgerNet and electronic clinical platforms.
- Contribute to clinical governance, policy development, incident reporting and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies on health and safety, infection control, confidentiality, sustainability and equality.
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse part 1, 7 or 10 of the NMC register.
- Specialist Neonatal Intensive Care Qualification.
- Degree or working towards a degree.
- Teaching/Mentorship qualification.
- Post- registration experience in neonates.
- Teaching ability and experience.
- Ability to undertake complex drug and fluid calculations.
- Knowledge of relevant NHS legislation including Clinical Governance, COSHH, Risk Management, Infection Control, Waste Management, Manual Handling, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
- Current knowledge of evidence-based practice in neonatal nursing.
- Knowledge of safeguarding children policies.
- Understanding of the legal and ethical issues relating to babies and children.
Reopening & Service Improvements
SCBU has been temporarily closed to prioritise safety improvements, and reopening in April 2026 marks a fresh, strengthened beginning for maternity services. Joining the team now means you will be part of a safer, stronger service shaped by significant improvements. The Trust has taken several positive steps ahead of reopening, including the appointment of five new Somerset paediatric consultants (joining between Nov 2025 and Mar 2026) and the integration of midwifery and neonatal nursing teams into a single SFT team, sharing learning and improving pathways and experience.
Benefits
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life.
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential.
- Access to the Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts and NHS-specific perks.
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