216366 Senior Charge Nurse

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Senior Charge Nurse to oversee Day Surgery, Short Stay Unit, and Endoscopy Services. The role demands strong clinical leadership and the ability to maintain patient-centered care in a complex environment while fostering staff development and service improvement.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative working culture

Qualifications

• Significant clinical experience in day surgery, short stay nursing, and endoscopy.
• Proven leadership and staff management skills across multiple services.
• Calm and proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and operational management across three departments.
• Ensure high standards of clinical care and service efficiency.
• Contribute to workforce planning and service redesign initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical expertise

Problem-solving

Team development

Service improvement

Education

Registered Nurse

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, resilient nurse leader to take on the role of Senior Charge Nurse with responsibility for Day Surgery, Short Stay Unit, and Endoscopy Services at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

This post can be offered as a permanent position or as a secondment opportunity for development, depending on the candidate’s current circumstances and aspirations.

This is a complex and demanding role that will suit someone with strong clinical leadership experience and a comprehensive understanding of surgical and procedural care pathways.

The postholder will oversee three busy departments and play a critical role in maintaining safe, effective and person-centred care within the context of wider operational pressures.

About The Role

As Senior Charge Nurse, you will be a visible and accessible leader responsible for the daily running and strategic development of nursing services across the three units. This role requires a high level of professional credibility, sound decision-making, and the ability to lead and support multidisciplinary teams through challenge and change.

You will be working within an organisation that values continuous improvement and expects clinical leaders to actively shape service delivery while supporting staff development and patient experience.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and operational management across Day Surgery, Short Stay, and Endoscopy.
• Ensure high standards of clinical care, teamworking, and service efficiency.
• Support patient flow through effective bed utilisation and close working with hospital management teams.
• Contribute to workforce planning, quality improvement, and service redesign initiatives.
• Act as a key liaison between clinical and operational teams.
  
  

Candidate Profile

We Are Seeking a Registered Nurse With

• Significant clinical experience in at least two of the relevant areas: day surgery, short stay nursing, and endoscopy.
• Proven leadership and staff management skills, ideally across multiple services.
• A calm and proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• A commitment to service improvement, team development, and professional integrity.
  
  

This is not a beginner's leadership role. It requires someone with the confidence, knowledge and drive to step into a large and complex remit—and to do so with clarity, compassion, and focus.

What We Offer

NHS Dumfries & Galloway is committed to supporting its leaders with professional development, opportunities for innovation, and a collaborative working culture. You’ll be joining a team that recognises the importance of strong, values-driven leadership in delivering safe and sustainable services.

Informal enquiries please contact [e-mail]