Job summary PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLE WILL NOT BE SPONSORED. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK independently, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position We are seeking a dynamic, committed and experienced Associate Practitioner/Neonatal Nursery Nurse to join our team on Walnut Ward (Special Care Baby Unit). Your primary role as a Band 4 Associate Practitioner/Nursery nurse within our team will be to care for babies in Transitional Care and on our post-natal wards, but you will also care for babies on the neonatal unit. We are in the process of planning a dedicated Transitional Care unit so this role will be focused there once operational, but will also rotate to the Neonatal Unit. Walnut is a busy level one neonatal unit. We have twenty two cots, three of which are currently designated as high dependency and four as transitional care. Our birth rate is rising, with 4,800 deliveries, and this is anticipated to continue to rise. Main duties of the job We are looking to recruit registered Nursing Associates to work both on our Neonatal Transitional Care and Neonatal unit. To be the ideal candidate for this post, you will have substantial experience of working with neonates at Band 4 on a neonatal unit in an acute hospital setting. Experience of working in an acute transitional care environment would be an advantage. We are looking for skills such as naso-gastric tube feeding, blood glucose monitoring and the ability to care for a group of babies with minimal supervision. Ideally you will be a RNA or educated to NVQ level 4, or have a foundation degree. You will be well supported in your role by a senior nursing team, six of whom are clinically based and one Practice Development Nurse. 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. The ward operates a shift system of 11.5 hour shifts, and the post requires full rotation to include nights and weekends. 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. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community. We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care. If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. 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 08 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £27,857 to £30,570 a year incl HCAS per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 252-7050439 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 Good standard of general education and English. NVQ qualification at level 4 or Nursery Nurse qualification or Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Desirable Evidence of further study or desire to study to foundation degree level Experience Essential Substantial experience of working on a neonatal ward or in a transitional care setting at band 4 Knowledge of child development and child protection Knowledge and experience of nutrition and feeding babies Able to act as an advocate for the woman and baby Desirable Experience of working as a Health Care Assistant in another care setting Previous experience as a nursery nurse Job related aptitude and skills Essential Naso-gastric tube feeding skills Breastfeeding support skills Blood glucose monitoring skills Ability to work independently and as part of multi disciplinary team Able to maintain confidentiality Good communicator both verbally and writte Desirable Computer skills Person Specification Educational achievements, qualifications and training Essential Good standard of general education and English. NVQ qualification at level 4 or Nursery Nurse qualification or Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Desirable Evidence of further study or desire to study to foundation degree level Experience Essential Substantial experience of working on a neonatal ward or in a transitional care setting at band 4 Knowledge of child development and child protection Knowledge and experience of nutrition and feeding babies Able to act as an advocate for the woman and baby Desirable Experience of working as a Health Care Assistant in another care setting Previous experience as a nursery nurse Job related aptitude and skills Essential Naso-gastric tube feeding skills Breastfeeding support skills Blood glucose monitoring skills Ability to work independently and as part of multi disciplinary team Able to maintain confidentiality Good communicator both verbally and writte Desirable Computer skills 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. 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)