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Job summary

Main area
Neonatal
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent: Full time / part time / flexible working
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
216-GT-DA7797426
Employer
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospital Plymouth
Town
Plymouth
Salary
£38,682 - £46,580 £38,682 - £46,580 £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum Pro Rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
18/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust logo

SoNAR Sister

NHS AfC: Band 6

Job overview

We are seeking highly motivated experienced QIS Neonatal Transport Nurse to join our specialist team; SoNAR (Southwest Neonatal Advice and Retrieval service). This role is ideal for a nurse who thrives in high-acuity environments and is passionate about delivering safe, family-centred care to critically ill and premature infants during inter-hospital transfers. The Plymouth SoNAR service works in partnership with the Bristol SoNAR service bringing opportunity for shared learning experiences.

This is a dual role advert and applicants will be expected to also work within the NICU. This is a progressive level 3 service currently providing 14 IC / HD beds, 8 SC and 18 TC cot’s, serving the population of Devon and Cornwall. As part of the SW ODN, we enjoy collaborative working with our regional colleagues.

Our accomplished nursing establishment,  ANNP team,  Outreach Service and support staff facilitate the delivery of highly specialised care in partnership with parents upholding the ethos of Family Integrated Care. We have an established Clinical Education team who provide a supportive and progressive environment with a strong commitment to  preceptorship and CPD. We also offer exciting career development opportunities into Enhanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner  and Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner roles via MSc pathways, in partnership with the University of Plymouth. 

 

Main duties of the job

This  role is an exciting opportunity for those who have consolidated their qualified in speciality training and looking to take the next steps in developing their leadership attributes.

Successful candidates will be expected to deliver expert neonatal intensive care during emergency and planned transports. Assess, stabilise, and manage critically ill neonates prior to and during transfer. Work collaboratively with medical, nursing, and ambulance services. Provide clear communication and support to families and external hospitals during transfers. Maintain high clinical, safety, and governance standards. Participate in training, simulation, and ongoing professional development

You will be responsible for the day to day management and clinical leadership of the neonatal unit. Evidence of working at degree level and the desire to develop within a management role are essential. You will have excellent clinical and communication skills, an ability to inspire and support staff whilst acting as a professional role model.

If you would like any further detail please contact Rebecca Dixon SoNAR Lead Nurse telephone: 01752 432379 or [email protected] further information.

***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.***

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

§  Demonstrate an enhanced level of knowledge and clinical nursing practice by delivering evidenced based care

§  Where applicable deliver enhanced clinical practice skills in the care of neonates. E.g. Arterial blood gas sampling

§  Competent in the use of medical devices and responsible for the correct use of specialist equipment by the multidisciplinary team

§  Promote a positive and  professional working environment

§  Provide clinical supervision to staff with the support of the senior management team

§  Liaise with, and report to the multidisciplinary team in the provision of family centred care

 

§  Identify, manage and refer appropriately, infants requiring Safeguarding assessment

 

§  Encourage parents and carers to be actively involved in the planning and delivery of care to their infant

 

§  Promote health education within the clinical area for families

 

§  Assist in the provision of family support and bereavement services

§  Co-ordinate and manage the discharge/ transfer process of infants to other care services

For further details please see attached JD & PS

Person specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrable experience within a similar role
  • Competent clinical and practical skills
  • Intravenous Therapy competency
Desirable criteria
  • Management and leadership skills
  • Enhanced clinical practice skills
  • Demonstrable neonatal transport experience

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • First Level Qualification – RGN, RSCN, RN Child Branch,
  • Current Registration with NMC
  • Recognised Qualified in Speciality course
Desirable criteria
  • Degree in Nursing
  • Working towards MSc

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential criteria
  • An understanding of customer care in the clinical setting
  • Competent in numeracy and literacy
  • Works within sphere of responsibilities and acknowledges limitations
Desirable criteria
  • Participation in research and audit projects
  • Undertake nursing projects and apply findings to practice

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Disability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Rebecca Dixon
Job title
SoNAR Lead nurse
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01752 432379
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