Charge Nurse

The Methodist Church in Britain; Swindon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 27 days + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Career progression

Lease car scheme

Cycle to work scheme

NHS discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Oxford Health NHS Trust administers Marlborough House's 12-bed adolescent inpatient unit in Swindon, serving ages 11–18. The Charge Nurse will lead day-to-day ward operations, supervise staff, and act as senior nurse on out-of-hours shifts.

The role involves delivering nursing care, care planning within a multidisciplinary team, and involving young people and families in care decisions. Accurate records, recruitment support, and staff development are integral.

Qualifications

• RMN qualification required.
• Acute inpatient experience essential.
• Leadership or management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day ward operations and act as senior nurse on out-of-hours shifts.
• Deliver nursing care and care planning in a multidisciplinary inpatient setting.
• Involve young people and families in care planning.
• Maintain accurate records and report updates to the team.
• Supervise and mentor nursing staff and students, with involvement in appraisals.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and staff training.
• Coordinate shifts and implement policies.
• Report incidents and assess risks; uphold health and safety.
• Support audits, clinical governance and service improvement.
• Collaborate with Modern Matron and Clinical Nurse Lead on staff development.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Evidence-based interventions

Clinical judgement

Education

RMN qualification

Job description

A Charge Nurse post on the 12-bed adolescent inpatient unit at Marlborough House, run by Oxford Health NHS Trust, for young people aged 11 to 18. The role centres on leading the ward day to day, including acting as senior nurse on out-of-hours shifts, and supporting staff through supervision, recruitment and audit. Posts are full and part time, and the unit works a stepped model of care with close family involvement and community links. Registered mental health nurse status is required, alongside acute inpatient experience.

What the job involves

• Lead the day-to-day running of the ward, including acting as senior nurse on out-of-hours shifts
• Deliver nursing care, care planning and treatment within a multidisciplinary therapeutic inpatient setting
• Involve young people and families in care planning and care decisions
• Keep accurate records and share updates from senior staff across the team
• Supervise, mentor and support nursing staff and students, and assist with appraisals
• Contribute to recruitment, induction and training of staff
• Coordinate shifts, support staff and implement policy
• Report incidents and equipment faults, and assess risks
• Follow health and safety policies to maintain a safe environment
• Contribute to audits, clinical standards and service improvement
• Work with the Modern Matron and Clinical Nurse Lead on staff development and clinical governance

Qualifications

• Registered mental health nurse (RMN) qualification

Experience

• Acute inpatient care experience
• Management or leadership experience
• Experience working with complex family dynamics

Skills & knowledge

• Good understanding of child protection issues
• Understanding of evidence-based interventions for treating mental illness in young people
• Strong clinical judgement

Other

• Demonstrates the Trust's values of caring, safe and excellent care
• Proactive, reflective approach and resilience

Nice to have

• Additional training in management or a relevant specialism
• CAMHS experience
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act

What’s offered

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• Competitive pension scheme
• Access to tailored individual and Trust-wide learning and development
• Career progression opportunities
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• NHS discount across a range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme