Band 6 Charge Nurse - Blackberry Hill Hospital, Bristol

Integrated Care System; Bristol; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health care provider in Bristol seeks a Band 6 Charge Nurse for Blackberry Hill Hospital. This role focuses on delivering high-quality care, leading a skilled team, and implementing innovative service improvements in forensic services. Successful candidates will enjoy a supportive environment that promotes continuous development and skills enhancement.

Qualifications

• Registered with the relevant part of the NMC register, no current investigations.
• Experience mentoring students and evidence of CPD.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and safeguarding skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide and supervise high standards of nursing care.
• Provide clinical leadership to Staff Nurses and Healthcare Assistants.
• Oversee clinical practice ensuring quality assessments and interventions.

Skills

Assessment skills

Medication management

Mental state evaluation

De-escalation skills

Education

Valid NMC Registration

Training in CBT or DBT

Job description

Band 6 Charge Nurse - Blackberry Hill Hospital, Bristol

Are you keen to develop your skills and CV further?

You are passionate about providing high-quality care as part of a skilled multi-disciplinary team?

We are looking for experienced staff who are motivated to:

• Be part of new developments, and be at the forefront of planning, implementing, and quality improvement plans
• Help us advance our services in the field of forensic services
• Contribute to developing and improving our secure services with innovative approaches while maintaining safety and security

Note: This post is open to newly qualified social workers. According to AWP trust policy, all newly qualified social workers (NQSW) will initially be recruited at Band 5, regardless of the advertised role banding. NQSWs are expected to complete their ASYE within 2 years, with possible extension under exceptional circumstances. Appointments to Band 6 will be automatic following successful ASYE completion. Those appointed at Band 5 can apply for Band 6 vacancies after completing their ASYE.

Main duties of the job

To provide and supervise high standards of nursing care, based on current evidence-based practice and AWP policies.

To provide clinical leadership to Staff Nurses and Healthcare Assistants, ensuring continuity of care and full policy implementation.

To supervise Band 5 staff and below in developing, implementing, and evaluating care plans, including conducting appraisals, supervision, and teaching.

For a full list of duties, please see the attached job description.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust), a diverse organization with over 5,000 staff providing inpatient and community mental health care across various locations serving approximately 1.8 million people.

We promote mental health and wellbeing, valuing diversity and encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Job responsibilities

1. Scope & Range

Operational responsibility for the clinical management of the unit and shift, ensuring support, development, and monitoring of care and service delivery.

To act as Nurse in Charge on a rota basis.

Oversee clinical practice, ensuring high-quality assessments, care planning, risk assessments, interventions, and evaluations.

Serve as a responsible point of contact for clinical quality, reporting, and improvement actions.

Facilitate a learning environment, coaching staff to develop advanced clinical skills.

Demonstrate competence in complex decision-making and clinical management.

Monitor standards, conduct audits, and lead quality improvement initiatives.

Ensure compliance with organizational and statutory guidelines and promote a culture of reflective learning and development.

Mentor and teach staff, supporting their professional growth and wellbeing.

2. Clinical Practice Leadership

Administer medicines following Trust and legislative guidance.

Lead shift management and ensure clinical activity quality.

Conduct comprehensive, person-centered assessments and ensure care plans are holistic and evidence-based.

Support patient participation and shared decision-making.

Maintain high standards for medication management, record keeping, and safety protocols.

Support psychosocial interventions and ensure high standards for clinical documentation.

Translate policy into practice, supporting safety and quality improvements.

3. Communication & Relationships

Communicate courteously with service users, carers, and visitors, demonstrating empathy and respect.

Lead by example in managing emotional and distressing situations, supporting team skills development.

4. Culture of Reflective Learning, Development, and Progression

Encourage a culture of curiosity, analysis, and constructive criticism.

Support onboarding and ongoing professional development, including training and supervision.

Promote the ward as a learning environment, fostering professional relationships and participation in relevant forums.

Ensure continuous improvement and evidence of professional development for revalidation.

Build strong relationships within and beyond the team to connect with wider mental health and learning disability care networks.

Person Specification

Valid NMC Registration

• Registered with the relevant part of the NMC register
• No current investigations by the NMC
• Skills in assessment, medication management, and mental state evaluation
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983
• Safeguarding knowledge and reporting skills
• Ability to build therapeutic relationships
• De-escalation skills
• Experience mentoring students
• Evidence of CPD
• Training in CBT, DBT, or other therapies

Experience at Band 5 Level

• Experience working as UNIC

Leadership Qualities

• Influence and enthusiasm
• Change management skills
• Promotion of quality and high standards
• Experience in teaching

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a DBS check due to the nature of the work.

Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per year (pay award pending)