Job Purpose
The Head Nurse for Children’s Services is responsible for the commissioning, establishment and operational leadership of all paediatric services, including Paediatric Inpatient Wards, PICU and Neonatal interfaces where applicable. This role will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality and family-centred care in line with Joint Commission International (JCI) standards within a new hospital environment.
The Head Nurse for Children's Services in Pediatrics plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of care for our youngest patients. This leadership position is not just about overseeing nursing staff; it is about creating an environment where both patients and healthcare professionals thrive. As a Head Nurse, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of pediatric care, implementing innovative practices and protocols that enhance patient outcomes and foster a culture of safety and compassion.
In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for mentoring and developing a dedicated team of nurses. You will lead by example, demonstrating clinical excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement. The position offers numerous opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized training programs and leadership workshops that will help you grow your skills and advance your career in pediatric nursing. Your contributions will not only impact the lives of children and their families but also inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
As a strategic leader, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive initiatives that improve patient care delivery and operational efficiency. Your expertise will be essential in navigating the complexities of pediatric healthcare, advocating for best practices, and implementing evidence-based strategies.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and their families while advancing your career in a supportive and progressive healthcare environment.
Key Working Relationships
- Chief Nurse
- Paediatric Consultants and Neonatal Teams
- PICU/NICU Clinical Leads
- Allied Health Professionals
- Quality, Infection Control and Safeguarding Teams
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Commissioning and Service Development
- Lead the nursing contribution to commissioning and activation of paediatric services
- Establish paediatric care pathways and clinical protocols
- Ensure readiness of facilities, safeguarding processes and child-friendly environments
Clinical Leadership
- Provide expert leadership across paediatric inpatient and critical care services
- Promote family-centred and developmentally appropriate care
- Ensure safe clinical practice and escalation processes for deteriorating children
Workforce and Team Management
- Recruit and develop paediatric nursing workforce
- Implement competency frameworks for paediatric and critical care nursing
- Lead education programmes including safeguarding and paediatric life support
Quality, Safety and Governance
- Ensure compliance with JCI standards and paediatric safety requirements
- Lead safeguarding governance and child protection processes
- Monitor clinical indicators and quality outcomes
Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day management of paediatric services
- Manage patient flow, bed capacity and coordination with emergency and ICU services
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the pediatric nursing team, ensuring high-quality patient care by providing guidance and support, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and professional growth.
- Develop and implement evidence-based nursing protocols and policies that enhance patient safety and care quality, utilizing clinical data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.
- Conduct regular training sessions and workshops for nursing staff to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge, ensuring they remain updated with the latest pediatric care practices and technologies.
- Oversee patient admissions and discharges, ensuring that all procedures are followed meticulously to maintain compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and execute individualized care plans for pediatric patients, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of nursing staff, conducting performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to promote continuous improvement and professional development.
- Manage departmental budgets and resources efficiently, ensuring that staffing levels and supplies are adequate to meet patient care needs without compromising quality.
- Engage with families and caregivers, providing education and support to help them understand their child's health conditions and treatment plans, fostering a partnership in care.
- Participate in hospital committees and initiatives aimed at improving pediatric care services, contributing your expertise to strategic planning and policy development.
Skills
4. Person Specification
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (Paediatric)
- Postgraduate qualification in Paediatric
- Leadership/Management qualification (desirable)
Experience
- Minimum 7–10 years paediatric nursing experience
- Leadership experience in paediatric inpatient or critical care settings
- Experience in commissioning or hospital set-up desirable
- Experience in JCI or equivalent accreditation desirable
Skills and Competencies
- Advanced paediatric clinical expertise
- Leadership and workforce management
- Safeguarding and child protection knowledge
- Communication with children and families
- Change management and service development
Language Requirement
French – ESSENTIAL (fluent spoken and written)
English – desirable