Charge Nurse / Ward Sister (Internal Only)

Royal Devon; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Devon is seeking a Charge Nurse / Ward Sister (Internal Only) to lead a ward, with permanent and fixed-term posts across Hollybrook, Bovey, and Ashburn. This NHS role in Exeter requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. Shifts are 11.5 hours, 07:30–20:00, with occasional nights.

Internal applicants encouraged to apply. There is a permanent post on Hollybrook and two fixed-term contracts to cover maternity leave on Bovey and Ashburn

Qualifications

• Experience as a Registered Nurse with leadership or ward management experience.
• Ability to lead and improve patient care.
• Flexible and able to work within a team.
• Willingness to learn management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop nursing teams on the ward to deliver high-quality patient care.
• Support ward management and flexible staffing to cover shifts.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure patient safety and care.
• Provide leadership and role modelling for staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Nursing experience

Patient care

Education

NMC Registered Nurse

Job description

Vacancies Charge Nurse / Ward Sister (Internal Only)

Role Summary

We are looking to recruit three Registered Nurses at Band 6 level.

There are positions available on Hollybrook (Permanent), Bovey (fixed term) and Ashburn wards (fixed term).

We are looking for an experienced Registered Nurse who would like to progress their leadership skills in a new role.

The applicant should be passionate about our patient groups and have the enthusiasm and skills to help lead a team of skilled nurses.

They should have good communication skills, experience in working with patients and experience or a willingness to learn ward management.

About the Role

More detail about the role

The applicants should have experience of working in a Registered Nurses role and an enthusiasm for leading and improving patient care. They should have the ability to be flexible and work within a team. Experience or a qualification in leadership would be useful but the applicant must have a willingness to learn and develop management skills.

There is a permanent position on Hollybrook as well as a fixed term position to cover maternity leave on Bovey and Ashburn wards. The applicants can specify a preferred ward and can discuss option prior to or at interview.

Working Pattern:Permanent and Fixed time hours available 11.5 hour shifts, 07:30-20:00 with occasional nights.

This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees.

There is one permanent and 2 fixed term contracts until 14/12/2026. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation TrustandNorthern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.

Charge Nurse / Ward Sister (Internal Only)

• Salary Band 6: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata
• Frequency Annual
• Vacancy Reference 185-1428-14500
• Contract Type Permanent
• Closing Date 26 October, 2026
• Job Category Nursing
• Staff Group Nursing & Midwifery Registered