Registered Mental Health and Learning Disability Nurse

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Pedrafita do Cebreiro; On-site; EUR 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Scotland's State Hospital is seeking qualified registered nurses (Mental Health or Learning Disability) to join its multidisciplinary team, delivering person-centred care within a high-security environment. You will balance risk management with compassionate care, communicating clinical decisions effectively and maintaining professional standards.

The role requires availability for a two-week induction starting 15 June 2026 and a 4-on/2-off rota including night shifts.

Qualifications

• Registered nurses specialising in Mental Health or Learning Disability are invited to apply.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with patient-centred care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality nursing care in a forensic healthcare setting.
• Communicate clinical decisions clearly and exercise professional judgement.
• Manage own workload and work autonomously within a team.
• Support ongoing professional development and learning.
• Work shifts include nights, with a 4 on/2 off rota.

Skills

Communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Clinical judgement

Pressure management

Education

Registered Nurse (NMC)

Job description

AfC Band 5 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,750.47 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,201.29 per annum (pro rata)

Hours - Full Time and Part time

Contract Duration – Permanent

Please note that successful candidates must be available to attend a two-week mandatory induction and training course commencing on 15June2026.

Post Details – An exciting opportunity has arisen for Qualified Registered Nurses (Mental Health or Learning Disability) to join our innovative and dynamic nursing team here at the State Hospital.

We are looking for conscientious individuals who are committed to delivering high quality nursing care to come and join our service. Registered nurses who specialise in Mental Health or Learning Disability are invited to apply for this position. You will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and you will play a key role in ensuring that our patients receive the highest standards of person-centred care in an environment that balances care provision with managing risk.

As a forensic healthcare practitioner, you must be able to work under pressure and demonstrate the ability to remain calm in challenging situations. Team working is essential balanced with the ability to work autonomously and manage your own workload.

You should have excellent communication skills and show an ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team relaying clinical decisions and exercising clinical judgement.

Whilst previous experience of forensic healthcare would be helpful this is not essential. The hospital offers excellent learning opportunities to support ongoing professional development.

We are seeking nurses who are committed, enthusiastic, and reflective in their practice, with a strong ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. If you are passionate about delivering safe, person-centred care and continuously striving for excellence, this is an ideal opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and values-driven environment.

Successful candidates will work 4 days on and 2 days off shift pattern, with rotas being generated up to 12 weeks in advance. Applicants will also be rostered to work Night Duty.

Please note that this vacancy is for all ward locations within the State Hospital.

For an informal discussion please contact Senior Charge Nurse, Yvonne Sutherland 01555 842245 or Kelly Hill on 01555 842104.

Closing Date – The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 5 April 2026.

Interview Date – Please note interviews will be in person at the State Hospital and take place week commencing 20 April 2026.

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process, please contact the HR Team on [e-mail] to discuss your requirements.

Other Important information - NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact [e-mail]

Right to Work – There is a legal requirement for anyone working in the UK to have the appropriate right to work, which is granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). As part of pre‑employment checks, NHSScotland Boards are required to verify this entitlement. Right to work can be demonstrated through several routes, including specific visa types and settled or pre‑settled status. Further information on acceptable evidence is available on the https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work. For some roles, sponsorship may be available through a Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, subject to the employer being a licensed sponsor and the role meeting the required salary thresholds. Further details can be found https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. Please note that The State Hospital is not licensed to issue Certificates of Sponsorship under current UKVI regulations. Applicants must therefore already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.