Charge Nurse

NHS; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Hailsham is looking for a motivated Band 6 Charge Nurse to join their dynamic team in a Medium Secure Unit. The role emphasizes patient-centred care while leading a clinical team. Ideal candidates should have a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, relevant experience in acute mental health care, and the ability to supervise junior staff. This position offers a supportive work environment, career growth opportunities, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care.

Benefits

£2,000 Golden Hello or Relocation Incentive

Ongoing training and career development

Supportive and inclusive team environment

Qualifications

• Must have significant post-qualifying experience relevant to the care group.
• Experience working with people with acute mental health problems.
• Experience supervising staff and working within a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the clinical team, ensuring safe, patient-centred care.
• Oversee assessments, care planning, and therapeutic interventions.
• Manage incidents effectively and maintain high standards of care.

Skills

Teamwork

Patient-centred care

Relational security

Trauma-informed care

Education

Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Registered Nurse with current registration

Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent

Job description

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Medium Secure Unit at the Hellingly Centre, part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Band 6 Charge Nurse to join Oak Ward.

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded male admissions MSU, specialising in the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and complex mental health needs. We are a patient-centred service offering a full programme of therapeutic groups and structured leisure activities. As part of the wider Provider Collaborative network, we utilise the Secure Recovery Model to guide patient involvement in their care, using evidence-based strategies to support meaningful participation and progress.

We welcome applications from NMC-registered nurses with relevant MSU experience. You will be joining a supportive and skilled MDT team committed to delivering high-quality care. The successful candidate will provide patient-centred care, take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the ward, and undertake a range of direct clinical duties.

In this role, you will assist the Ward Manager & CNS in leading on clinical and risk management, with a strong focus on relational security, patient choice, collaboration, transparency, and trauma-informed care.

This post offers the Trust's £2,000 Golden Hello or Relocation Incentive for Band 6 Nurses & Practitioners, (pro rata and subject to terms and conditions; please see attached Protocol Document for full details).

Main duties of the job

As a Charge Nurse on a Medium Secure Ward, you will lead the clinical team during shifts, ensuring safe, patient-centred care for individuals with complex mental health needs. You will oversee assessments, care planning, reviews, and therapeutic interventions while contributing to MDT discussions and risk management. A key part of the role is promoting relational security, trauma-informed practice, and a strong recovery focus. You will supervise and support junior staff, ensure legal and governance compliance, manage incidents effectively, and help maintain a high standard of daily ward operations and service improvement.

Work a flexible shift pattern which includes Long Days (07:00 - 19:30) and Nights (19:00 - 07:30) including weekends and bank holidays.

About us

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded medium secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that includes 2 other MSU Male Wards, a Female MSU Ward, & an LSU Male Ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive, & forward-thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care.

By joining us, you'll benefit from

A Supportive & Inclusive Team - Work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued, & teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.

Career Growth & Development - We invest in our staff with ongoing training, development programs, & career progression opportunities, helping you build a long-term future with us.

Job Satisfaction - Be part of a service that actively encourages patient engagement, rehabilitation, & personal development, allowing you to see the real impact of your work.

Work-Life Balance - We offer rotational shifts, including weekends & bank holidays, ensuring flexibility & a structured working pattern to help maintain a healthy balance.

A Commitment to Excellence - Our ongoing vision is to provide safe, effective, & high-quality care, always putting the needs of our patients first while maintaining safe working practices & clinical leadership to enhance patient experience.

Be part of a team that makes a difference

If you're looking for a meaningful career in an organisation that supports, develops, & values its staff, apply today & be part of a team that makes a difference.

Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Please apply using the link in this advert, or for more information explore the attachments

We encourage future applicants to arrange informal visits. Come and see our excellent service!

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
• Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role.
• Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent
• Evidence of continuous professional development

Knowledge/Experience

• Significant post qualifying experience relevant to the care group
• Experience of working alongside people with severe mental health problems particularly in their acute phase of illness
• Experience of supervising staff
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of conducting clinical assessments including risk assessments
• Experience of partnership working within and across various statutory and non statutory teams and agencies
• Experience of working within the CPA process
• Understanding of clinical governance

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.