Charge Nurse / Junior Sister

NHS; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in the UK is seeking an experienced Charge Nurse / Junior Sister to support a 27-bedded elderly care ward, focusing on dementia and complex health needs. Candidates must hold UK NMC registration. The role includes staff management and improving patient care, with opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with Band 5 experience.
• Experience working with elderly frail patients.
• Experience looking after patients with Dementia or cognitive impairment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team in the absence of the ward Manager.
• Support staff management and ward development.
• Communicate effectively within the nursing team.

Job description

Charge Nurse / Junior Sister

Closing date: 06 October 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced nurse to join the team as a band 6 Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse on Hurstpierpoint Ward. There are two posts, one full time and one part time.

Hurstpierpoint ward is a 27 bedded elderly care ward, caring for patients with Dementia, frailty, and complex health care needs. There is a particular focus on dementia, delirium and older peoples mental health.

Informal visits are very welcome.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a caring and compassionate nurse with a keen interest in dementia and frailty, with experience of complex discharge planning. Excellent communication skills ensuring engagement with patients, families, and confidence to liaise with the extended MDT is essential. Hurstpierpoint ward actively works towards improving patient care using the patient first programme.

You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward Manager, supporting with staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward Manager in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.

In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities. New starters will be supported through a band 6 development programme and you will be well supported with personal development goals.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We\'re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We\'re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job responsibilities

• Act as a role model and assist in effective staff supervision with clinical practice, working with staff and patients in an advisory, teaching and support capacity and maintaining professional competence, authority and credibility.
• Work collaboratively with clinical nursing experts including Heads of Nursing, Clinical Teams, Consultant Nurses, Nurse Specialists and Practice Development Nurses in the development of expert, person centred care.
• Develop, motivate and lead a team by using objectives in line with department, sub speciality and corporate goals in conjunction with the ward Manager and in their absence.
• Provide professional leadership with the ward Manager within the department ensuring that all staff use evidence based practise and adhere to the NMC code of professional conduct
• Be able to demonstrate a high degree of motivation and innovation.
• Communicate effectively with the department nursing team participating and helping to arrange monthlyteam meetings and ensure robust systems exist so that staff feel informed.
• To contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/she works.
• Work with PALS and the complaints department with the ward Manager to ensure that areas of concern are addressed effectively and in a timely manor, providing a response as required.
• Be able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team environment ensuring most effective use of all members of those professional teams.
• Display strong leadership and positivity to the department team during times of increased pressure onresources, staffing crises, or bed pressures, working with divisional leads to assess risks across the division and how these can be minimised.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• Band 5 experience
• Registered Nurse
• ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent
• Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject or equivalent
• Edward Jenner programme (or working towards)
• Degree Level studies
• ILS provider
• Leadership course of equivalent
• Experience working with acutely unwell adults
• Experience working with elderly frail patients.
• Experience looking after patients with Dementia or cognitive impairment.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata