Charge Nurse - Women's Service

NHS National Services Scotland; Carstairs; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in Scotland is seeking a Charge Nurse for Women’s Services. The ideal candidate will be qualified in Mental Health or Learning Disability and have strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include leading nursing teams, ensuring high-quality care, and maintaining professional standards. The position offers a full-time permanent contract with a starting salary of AfC Band 6 plus allowances. Join a dynamic team dedicated to excellent healthcare delivery.

Qualifications

• Evidence of Leadership and Continuing Professional Development (e.g., ILM, Project Lift, QI training).

Responsibilities

• Lead ward-based nursing colleagues to deliver high standards of person-centred care.
• Act as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure professional standards and high-quality nursing care.
• Maintain composure under pressure in challenging situations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Autonomy

Education

Qualified in Mental Health or Learning Disability

Job description

Charge Nurse – Women’s Services

AfC Band 6 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,750.47 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,201.29 per annum (pro rata)

Hours – Full Time

Contract Duration – Permanent

Please note that successful candidates must be available to attend a two-week mandatory induction and training course commencing on 18 May 2026.

Post Details

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Charge Nurse (Qualified in Mental Health or Learning Disability) to join our innovative and dynamic nursing management team within the Women’s Service here at the State Hospital.

Responsibilities

As a Charge Nurse, you will:

• Lead ward-based nursing colleagues to deliver high standards of person‑centred care.
• Act as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure professional standards and high‑quality nursing care.
• Exhibit excellent communication and teamwork skills, demonstrating flexibility, forward‑thinking and autonomy.
• Maintain composure under pressure in challenging situations.
• Collaborate with Senior Charge Nurses to sustain high standards and support service development through Clinical Supervision and Reflective Practice.
• Work a shift pattern of four days on and two days off, including one full weekend off within a six‑week rota cycle; include Night Duty shifts, averaging 75 hours per fortnight during those periods.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Qualified in Mental Health or Learning Disability.
• Evidence of Leadership and Continuing Professional Development (e.g., ILM, Project Lift, QI training).

Desirable:

• Previous management experience.
• Experience working within women’s services in a forensic setting.

Apply Now

If you are a passionate and dedicated nurse with exceptional leadership skills, apply now to be part of our team at the State Hospital.

Equality and Diversity

At the State Hospital, we know diversity enhances our work and workplace culture. We encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented in our nursing workforce, including those from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ identities.

Contact for Informal Discussion

Senior Charge Nurse, Kim Mclelland on 01555 840293 Ext. 2257.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm 18 February 2026.

Interview Date

Interviews will be in person at the State Hospital and planned to take place week commencing 9 March 2026.

Recruitment Information

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process, please contact the HR Team on [e-mail] to discuss your requirements.

Other Important Information

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. The State Hospital is a high secure hospital and for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years or older. For more information, contact [e-mail].

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. 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.

Reduced Working Week

Starting from 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change workers in Scotland will be reduced. Full‑time hours will be reduced from 37 to 36 hours; part‑time staff will receive a pro‑rated reduction in their working hours without loss of earnings.

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.