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Job summary

Main area
Paediatric Staff Nurse
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity leave cover and Secondment cover)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
387-W&C5852-HN
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Town
Brist
Salary
£32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro rata for part time roles
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
23/08/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Experienced Paediatric Staff Nurse - Ocean Ward

NHS AfC: Band 5

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Ocean Unit is a busy 10-bed Day Unit and Outpatient Department providing specialist care for children and young people with a wide range of haematological and oncological conditions, as well as patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). As the Principal Treatment Centre for the South West, we deliver highly specialised services to children requiring expert oncology, haematology and transplant care.

Children attend the Ocean Unit for a variety of treatments and procedures, including consultant reviews, chemotherapy administration, blood tests, blood transfusions and other blood products. The unit also supports a range of day-case procedures, including intrathecal chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirates and lumbar punctures.

In line with the NHS 10 Year Plan, the department is undergoing significant service transformation, with an increasing focus on delivering care in outpatient and ambulatory settings wherever clinically appropriate. This enables children and families to receive high-quality specialist care while minimising unnecessary hospital admissions.

We recognise that every child's cancer journey is unique. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to delivering compassionate, family-centred care, working closely with children, young people and their families to develop personalised treatment plans that reflect their individual needs, preferences and goals.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated and passionate multidisciplinary team as we continue to develop and enhance our specialist services.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

  • Significant experience in the administration of systemic anti-cancer therapy (chemotherapy).
  • Experience within a paediatric haematology, oncology and/or bone marrow transplant setting.
  • A committed, organised, enthusiastic and forward-thinking approach to patient care.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and time management skills.
  • The ability to prioritise workload effectively, solve problems and use initiative in a busy clinical environment.
  • A commitment to maintaining and developing clinical competence through continuing professional development.
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, high-quality, family-centred care.
  • Evidence of effective clinical leadership and professional credibility within paediatric haematology, oncology or bone marrow transplantation.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.  

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.  

 Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

 

Person specification

Qualifications & Registration

Essential criteria
  • RSCN/ RN child branch (NMC registered) or equivalent
  • Current NMC registration
Desirable criteria
  • Work towards relevant university accredited post basic study programmes e.g. teaching and assessing course

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential criteria
  • Broad knowledge and experience of clinical nursing practice within a hospital environment
  • Demonstrate competence in clinical skills relevant to the clinical area
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate effectively with patients, carers and MDT
  • Computer skills
  • Competence in calculations for safe administration of medicines/fluids
  • Ability to take the lead, initiate and ensure appropriate action in response to the deteriorating patient
  • Clinical decision-making ability (A), (I) Teaching/supervisory skills
  • Teaching/supervisory skills
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision
  • Be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard

Experience

Desirable criteria
  • Experience of taking charge
  • Experience of teaching

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria
  • Self-motivated
  • A team player
  • Act in a professional manner
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

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
Sarah Cowan
Job title
Ward Sister
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0117342 8288