Job summary Do you want to be a part of an exciting and dynamic Neonatal Team? We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Neonatal Nurse. A vacancy has arisen for a Band 7 Practice Educator to join our current team on Walnut to provide senior nursing leadership and clinical Practice Development expertise. Walnut is a busy SCU with twenty-two cots, three of which are currently designated as high dependency and four as transitional care. Our birth rate is rising with around 5000 deliveries per year and we are business planning to become a LNU. We are seeking a senior Practice Educator and Preterm Nurse Lead to support nursing practice in the clinical environment. You will be well supported in your role by a Neonatal Matron, another PDN nurse and a senior nursing team of six clinically based Band 7 Senior Sisters. The Band 7 Senior Sisters lead a team of qualified Neonatal Nurses, Registered Children's Nurses, Registered Nurses, Nursery Nurses, Neonatal Support Workers and Neonatal Ward Administrators in caring for neonates. Main duties of the job The post holder co-ordinates, manages and is responsible for clinical practice development within Walnut and Neonatal Outreach. Responsible for ensuring that delivery of care to neonates is evidence based, and is also responsible for the delivery of training in relation to neonatal care. The post holder will also act as the neonatal lead nurse for preterm perinatal optimisation and will work with the preterm midwife to ensure women and families who are identified to be potentially at risk of preterm birth are offered information and support, including from charities such as BLISS. They will have continuing responsibility throughout the 24-hour period for the evidence-based assessment of care needs, the development of programmes of care and the setting of standards of care on Walnut Ward (SCBU). They will also have continuing responsibility for the management of the ward as a total resource, including deployment, teaching and supervision of staff. You will work closely with the nursing, medical and midwifery team to ensure a high standard of nursing care, patient safety and experience through your Practice Development expertise. About us We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. Due to the government regulations for mandatory vaccinations for COVID-19 for NHS employees, it has been necessary to take significant steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. In order to comply with our duty of care, we require all of our staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Your vaccination status will be a condition of your employment and evidence of vaccination will be obtained during the recruitment process, unless you are medically exempt. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues. Date posted 10 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £48,270 to £54,931 a year per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 252-7026075 Job locations Darent Valley Hospital Darenth Wood Road Dartford DA2 8DA Job description Job responsibilities General responsibilitiesClinical ResponsibilitiesManagerial responsibilitiesProfessional responsibilitiesEducation and development responsibilities For a detailed description of the Job roles and responsibilities please see the attached job description. Job description Job responsibilities General responsibilitiesClinical ResponsibilitiesManagerial responsibilitiesProfessional responsibilitiesEducation and development responsibilities For a detailed description of the Job roles and responsibilities please see the attached job description. Person Specification Educational achievements, qualifications and training Essential Registration on the NMC register as a Children's or Adult Nurse Diploma or degree in relevant subject Neonatal QIS Mentorship qualification Evidence of CPD NLS qualification Desirable Masters degree or equivalent Management qualification Evidence of further study Child protection qualification BFI Training FINE Training Experience Essential At least four years post registration neonatal nursing experience, of which one year should be at Band 6, working in an acute neonatal care environment Understanding of Clinical Governance and Quality issues pertinent to paediatric and neonatal nursing Previous management experience Substantial safeguarding children experience Desirable Experience of other care setting Previous practice development experience Neonatal ITU experience Knowledge and skills Essential Comprehensive and contemporary theoretical and practical knowledge of neonatal nursing Understanding of Clinical Governance and Quality issues pertinent to paediatric and neonatal nursing Good communicator both written and verbally Collaborative working skills Highly competent clinical practitioner Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to use a range of strategies for determining and meeting practice development needs Knowledge of pre and post registration education requirements for paediatric and neonatal nursing Presentation skills Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure Innovative Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team Teaching skills Ability to lead and manage change Desirable Cannulation /phlebotomy skills oAbility to lead and manage a team in relation to practice development Person Specification Educational achievements, qualifications and training Essential Registration on the NMC register as a Children's or Adult Nurse Diploma or degree in relevant subject Neonatal QIS Mentorship qualification Evidence of CPD NLS qualification Desirable Masters degree or equivalent Management qualification Evidence of further study Child protection qualification BFI Training FINE Training Experience Essential At least four years post registration neonatal nursing experience, of which one year should be at Band 6, working in an acute neonatal care environment Understanding of Clinical Governance and Quality issues pertinent to paediatric and neonatal nursing Previous management experience Substantial safeguarding children experience Desirable Experience of other care setting Previous practice development experience Neonatal ITU experience Knowledge and skills Essential Comprehensive and contemporary theoretical and practical knowledge of neonatal nursing Understanding of Clinical Governance and Quality issues pertinent to paediatric and neonatal nursing Good communicator both written and verbally Collaborative working skills Highly competent clinical practitioner Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to use a range of strategies for determining and meeting practice development needs Knowledge of pre and post registration education requirements for paediatric and neonatal nursing Presentation skills Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure Innovative Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team Teaching skills Ability to lead and manage change Desirable Cannulation /phlebotomy skills oAbility to lead and manage a team in relation to practice development Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Address Darent Valley Hospital Darenth Wood Road Dartford DA2 8DA Employer's website https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)