neonatal nurse jobs with Pulse

Neonatal nurses are responsible for looking after newborn babies who require specialised medical attention. You might be supporting premature or sick infants with difficulties such as breathing problems or feeding challenges. You’ll be responsible for providing essential care, including:

• Monitoring vital signs
• Preparing, checking and administering medications
• Managing fluid intake
• Responding in emergencies, such as providing resuscitation

You’ll collaborate with other healthcare professionals to put together and deliver care plans, closely following and recording progress so that you can adapt accordingly. You’ll also support families and educate parents on care.

Agency neonatal nursing roles can provide you with more control over your career, as you can shape your working life according to your preferences and commitments. Operating on a temporary basis to fill gaps in staffing, you have the freedom to select shifts that suit your schedule, explore different healthcare environments and work with lots of teams.

This valuable, varied exposure to a range of healthcare providers, service users and health professionals makes it a great opportunity for neonatal nurses looking to expand their experience.

Agency neonatal nursing also typically pays higher hourly rates, with daily pay. This means you have regular access to your income and gain the financial flexibility to choose work that appeals to you.

There are various career progression paths you can take in neonatal nursing. They include:

• Advanced neonatal nurse practitioner (ANNP): This role involves a higher level of practice, providing comprehensive care to critically ill newborns. ANNP positions require additional education and training, such as a master’s degree in neonatal nursing. As an ANNP, you take on more responsibility, make independent decisions, and prescribe medication.
• Ward manager or neonatal nurse consultant: These roles involve leadership and managerial responsibilities in a neonatal unit. As a ward manager, you’ll oversee the daily operations, manage a team of nurses, and ensure high-quality care delivery. If you choose a nurse consultant role, you’ll provide expert advice, develop policies, and contribute to strategic planning.
• Research and education: As a neonatal nurse, you can pursue a career in research, working on studies that aim to improve neonatal care practices. This may consist of collaborations with universities, hospitals, or research institutions. Alternatively, you can choose to become an educator, teaching and mentoring future neonatal nurses.

For neonatal nurses working in permanent jobs within the NHS, your salary will typically start at a band 5 level on the NHS Agenda for Change scale. This ranges from £28,407 with less than two years of experience, to £34,581 with more than five years of experience. 

Neonatal nurses also have the opportunity to take on roles at a band 6 level and higher. These come with higher salaries, which can be found here.  

For private neonatal nurses as well as agency neonatal nurses, pay rates may be higher. 

*Salary information sourced from NHS Employers 

Thanks to our status as the preferred and sole supplier to many of our clients, Pulse can bring you exclusive neonatal jobs before they’re advertised with any other agency.

We’ll assign you a dedicated consultant who knows the nursing profession inside out. They’ll support you throughout your time with us, ensuring that you’re happy and have everything you need to thrive.

We also offer competitive rates of pay and your choice of payment method. You’ll receive a £500 referral bonus for successfully recommending your friends and we’ll help you take care of your professional development too, with revalidation guidance and eLearning tools to support your CPD.