Charge Nurse

NHS; Tonbridge, Herne Bay, Deal, Hawkhurst, Painter's Forstal; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community healthcare provider in Tonbridge is seeking a compassionate Charge Nurse to lead a dedicated team in delivering safe and effective care. This role offers the opportunity to manage patient assessments and contribute to service improvement initiatives within a supportive environment. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and experience, and are encouraged to apply for this fully-funded position with a flexible working pattern.

Qualifications

• Registered health care professional with experience in a health improvement environment.
• Evidence of Specialist qualifications relevant to area of practice.
• Experience as a mentor, educator, or supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a dedicated team, ensuring compassionate care.
• Manage patient assessments and develop rehabilitation programs.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and manage resources efficiently.

Skills

Ability to manage change

Ability to communicate complex information

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Health-related degree

Registered health care professional (NMC or HCPC registration)

Job description

Go back Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Charge Nurse

The closing date is 21 September 2025

Are you a compassionate and experienced Nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Join Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust as a Band 6 Charge Nurse in one of our Community Hospitals. You will lead and support a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, working under the direction of the Matron, taking charge of the ward and hospital in their absence, representing the team at Trust forums, and contributing to service development.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment that values kindness, professionalism, and excellence. If you are passionate about making a difference and ready to lead with care, we would love to hear from you.

We have opportunities at the following locations:

• Hawkhurst Community Hospital, TN18 4PU
• Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, TN11 0NE
• Victoria Hospital, Deal, CT14 9UA
• Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital, CT5 2HN

You will be asked as part of your application form to confirm your preference of base, please include your 1st, 2nd and 3rd preferences.

Driving may be required for these roles as you may be asked to travel to other sites to provide support to your community hospital colleagues if and when needed.

Main duties of the job

As Charge Nurse, you will be responsible for the clinical and managerial leadership of a team of Nurses and Healthcare Assistants, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care. You will manage patient assessments, develop rehabilitation programmes, and monitor outcomes. You will also support staff development through supervision, appraisals, and in-house teaching.

You will work closely with the Matron to maintain high standards of care, manage resources efficiently, and ensure compliance with governance and safety protocols. Your role will involve attending multidisciplinary meetings, liaising with internal and external partners, and responding to patient and family concerns. You will also contribute to service improvement initiatives and uphold the Trust's CARE values — Compassionate, Aspirational, Responsive, and Excellent — in everything you do.

About us

Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we are committed to delivering high standards of patient care and improving health in our communities. We seek outstanding people who share our values: compassionate, Aspirational, Responsive, Excellent.

We value equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Information about protected characteristics is collected on the application form and is used in line with our equality and diversity commitments. Shortlisters will see two ticks to apply the principles of the guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with a disability, where applicable.

The data we collect helps ensure we attract diverse applicants and provide equitable access to career opportunities.

We are a flexible working organisation and support arrangements that fit patient needs and staff well-being. Please discuss flexible working options with us.

See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways.

Job responsibilities

As a Community Trust employee, you may be asked to drive to perform duties. Please confirm you have a full UK driving licence if driving is a requirement of the role. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team via [e-mail] quoting the vacancy reference number for support.

The job description and person specification provide the information you need about this role. Review the criteria in the person specification and demonstrate in your application how you meet them. If you require an application form in an alternative format, contact the recruitment team. All information supplied should be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Still have questions? The recruiting manager would love to hear from you; their contact details can be found in the job advert.

Applications may close early if there is high interest. Please apply as soon as possible to improve your chances.

At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues in clinical and non-clinical roles with direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated, to ensure safety for everyone.

Find out more about the community difference here. Good luck!

We look forward to welcoming you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.

Person Specification

Base preference

• Please indicate your 1st, 2nd and 3rd preference of Hospital locations; the list is included in the advert text. Failure to complete this question correctly will delay your application.

Qualifications

• Registered health care professional (NMC or HCPC registration) / experience in health improvement environment
• Health-related degree and evidence of relevant postgraduate development at Level 6
• Evidence of Specialist qualifications relevant to area of practice (examples: non-medical prescribing; mentorship, coaching, clinical expertise)

Experience

• Experience as a mentor / educator / supervisor
• Significant experience in the area of practice
• Practical experience in managing health-related projects / complex caseloads

Knowledge

• Evidence of continued relevant professional development and implementation in practice within the last 12 months
• Understanding of National Service Frameworks and NICE guidance relevant to the care setting and its application across health care services

Skills & abilities

• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of people at all organisational levels across different sectors including areas of social deprivation
• Ability to communicate complex, sensitive information to individuals and groups

Personal attributes

• Ability to motivate and organise others to ensure best practice
• Ability to manage others and lead change

Ability to manage

• Able to support the implementation of local and national health agendas under the guidance of the senior Practitioner
• Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, following Trust policies and procedures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Community hospitals across Kent; please specify your preferred site: Faversham, Deal, Hawkhurst, Herne Bay, Tonbridge, Whitstable

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per year, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

846-7481021-CF

Job locations

Community hospitals across Kent; please specify your preferred site: Faversham, Deal, Hawkhurst, Herne Bay, Tonbridge, Whitstable