Charge Nurse

The State Hospital; Lanark; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Hospital in Carstairs invites applications for a Charge Nurse (Mental Health or Learning Disability) to join the nursing leadership team within our Admission and Assessment Ward. This key role provides visible clinical and operational leadership, ensuring safe, person-centred care while upholding high professional nursing standards.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team, lead ward-based nursing staff, manage complex patient care, and contribute to risk management, care planning,

Qualifications

• Charge Nurse role leading ward-based nursing staff.
• Experience in leadership, clinical governance and CPD required.
• Evidence of leadership and CPD such as ILM, Project Lift or QI training.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible clinical and operational leadership on the ward.
• Coordinate complex patient care and oversee risk management processes.
• Support service delivery, workforce management and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Organisational skills

Job description

Advertised location: Carstairs Advertised salary: Band 6 (£43,231 - £52,679) Employment type: Fixed-term or Secondment Charge Nurse AFC Band 6 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,365.11 per annum (pro rata) Hours – Full Time Contract Duration – 12-Month Secondment Please note that successful candidates must be available to attend a two-week mandatory induction and training course commencing on 7th December 2026

Post Details

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Charge Nurse (Mental Health or Learning Disability) to join the nursing leadership team within our busy Admission and Assessment Ward at the State Hospital.

This is a key leadership role within a fast-paced and dynamic clinical environment that supports patients through assessment, admission, transition, and ongoing therapeutic intervention. The successful candidate will provide visible clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred care while maintaining the highest standards of professional nursing practice.

Working as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, the Charge Nurse will lead and support ward-based nursing staff, coordinate complex patient care, oversee risk management processes, and contribute to patient assessment, care planning, and recovery-focused interventions. The role requires excellent communication, decision-making, and organisational skills, alongside the ability to manage competing demands, respond effectively to changing clinical priorities, and maintain professional composure within a challenging and often high-pressure environment.

The post holder will work closely with the Senior Charge Nurse to support service delivery, workforce management, clinical governance, and continuous quality improvement initiatives, ensuring the ward remains responsive to the needs of patients while promoting a therapeutic, safe, and secure environment.

You will collaborate with Senior Charge Nurses to ensure high standards of patient care and support service development through Clinical Supervision and Reflective Practice. Previous management experience is advantageous, although training will be provided. Evidence of Leadership and Continuing Professional Development (e.g., ILM, Project Lift, QI training) is required.

The successful candidate will work a shift pattern of four days on and two days off, including one full weekend off within a six-week rota cycle. Rotas are generated up to 12 weeks in advance to support planning.

At the State Hospital, we know diversity enhances our work and workplace culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our nursing workforce. These include candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities.

Right to Work

To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.

Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence

Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026.

Interview Date

Interviews will be in person at the State Hospital and take place week commencing 2nd November 2026.

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 16-18 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]