Charge nurse

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Hertford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A health organization in the UK seeks a dedicated professional to provide clinical leadership and support to junior staff in a unit for older individuals with dementia and mental health needs. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mental Health or Learning Disability Nursing and strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing clinical care and team dynamics. Opportunities for professional development and a commitment to high-standard, person-centered care are integral to this role.

Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a multiprofessional team.
• Confidence to work autonomously, use own initiative, and make decisions in complex situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide local clinical leadership to the team under the direction of the team leader.
• Teach other nursing and non-nursing personnel.
• Manage ward/unit resources and the clinical environment during your shift.

Skills

Effective communication

Leadership skills

Risk assessment

Supervision skills

Coping with distressing circumstances

Education

RMN/RLDN or Dip/BSc (Hons) in Mental Health/Learning Disability Nursing

Post-registration experience at Band 5

Job description

The post holder will be responsible for the supervision of junior staff and students, as well as contributing to departmental projects and Trust improvement projects. We will support you in developing your clinical skills and are committed to staff development through regular supervision, appraisals, CPD support and opportunities for career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide local clinical leadership to the team under the direction of the team leader.
• Be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care for service users.
• Teach other nursing and non‑nursing personnel.
• Be a role model through your own good practice.
• Maintain clinical standards and team systems under the direction of the team leader.
• Assist the team leader in maintaining effective team‑working processes, including outcome measures.
• Deputise for the team leader in their absence.
• Manage ward/unit resources and the clinical environment during your shift.
• Ensure all staff comply with the Trust's Anti‑Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and Diversity.
• Participate in ward rounds, handovers and report on progress and effectiveness to the appropriate MDT.
• Prepare reports as required.
• Act as deputy manager to junior staff, providing leadership and support.

Key relationships: the post holder must foster good working relationships with all grades of staff within the MDT and the wider Trust, maintaining a friendly yet professional approach.

Seward Lodge is a 16‑bedded unit dedicated to providing care and treatment for older people with dementia and mental health needs. This is an opportunity to join a team that delivers high‑standard person‑centred care, where leadership skills, effective time management, integrated working skills and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• RMN/RLDN or Dip/BSc (Hons) in Mental Health / Learning Disability Nursing (ENB 998 / Preceptorship and Mentorship). ENB.
• Post‑registration experience at Band 5.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience of working in other clinical settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a multiprofessional team.
• Confidence to work autonomously, use own initiative, and make decisions in complex situations.
• Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, requiring persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassuring skills.
• Ability to deal with distressing circumstances and challenging behaviour.
• Experience of risk assessment and management.
• Ability to cope with an unpredictable work pattern and frequent interruptions.
• Understanding of the legal framework: MHA, MCA, DoL, safeguarding and social factors involved in care.
• Supervision skills.
• Specific clinical skills applicable, e.g. brief therapy, cognitive therapy and anxiety management (desirable).
• Experience in implementing quality improvement initiatives (desirable).

Visa and Registration

• Candidates who require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the United Kingdom must assess their eligibility by reviewing the criteria on the UK government website.
• You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

All staff should comply with the Trust's Anti‑Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and Diversity.