Chief Nurse – Advanced Practice

NHS National Services Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Scotland is seeking a Chief Nurse – Advanced Practice to lead a team at University Hospital Ayr. This pivotal role requires significant clinical leadership and experience with advanced nursing practice. The ideal candidate will drive service transformation and ensure high standards of patient care. Applicants should possess NMC registration and relevant qualifications. A full UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner with leadership experience.
• Experience in service transformation and patient safety initiatives.
• Skilled communicator with a focus on collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Clinical Nurse Managers and Advanced Nurse Practitioners.
• Drive new models of care and team training.
• Ensure safe, evidence-based person-centered treatments.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical excellence

Effective communication

Service transformation

Collaboration

Education

Current NMC registration

Masters in Advanced Practice

Qualified non-medical prescriber

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website – NHS Ayrshire & Arran – Home (nhsaaa.net).

Position:

Chief Nurse – Advanced Practice based at University Hospital Ayr and Crosshouse.

What you will do:

Are you an experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioner ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced acute environment, leading from the front with clinical excellence, compassion and courage? NHS Ayrshire and Arran has an exciting opportunity for a Band 8C Chief Nurse – Advanced Practice to join our acute nursing leadership team. This is a pivotal role where expert clinical practice meets transformational leadership. As Chief Nurse – Advanced Practice, you will lead a high‑performing team of Clinical Nurse Managers and Advanced Nurse Practitioners and will be a pivotal role as we shape the future of transforming nursing roles and the future of Acute care across Ayrshire and Arran. You will be at the heart of clinical decision making, driving forward new models of care, training and education, ensuring every patient receives timely evidence‑based person‑centred treatments. We are looking for a highly experienced and visible clinical leader who will provide expert clinical guidance across nursing workforce, and has demonstrable experience in service transformation, forward‑thinking nursing practice, and collaborative working with senior teams aligned to clinical, financial and governance responsibilities.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required to do the job:

• Current NMC registration and Masters in Advanced Practice (or equivalent specialised qualification).
• Qualified non‑medical prescriber and registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
• We are looking for an experienced senior nurse leader with extensive leadership experience, a proven track record of positive transformation. A skilled communicator and influencer to build strong coalitions across internal and external partnerships.
• A leader who has a quality and safety focus leading nursing standards across multiple sites, steering performance in patient safety, care effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• If you are a visionary nursing leader, passionate about transforming care across Ayrshire and Arran we want to hear from you.

Hours:

37 hours per week standard hours 9‑5, Monday – Friday with ½ hour unpaid lunch break and one shorter (7 hour) day; however, start/finish times can vary, and standard hours will be agreed with successful candidate on appointment.

UK Driving Licence/Car Ownership:

A UK car licence/car ownership is essential to this role.

Contact:

Vicki Campbell, Director of Acute Services – [e-mail]
Jennifer Wilson, Executive Nurse Director - [e-mail]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS CANDIDATES

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL CANDIDATES

You should apply for this post by completing the application process on JobTrain.

• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• For help to complete an application on JobTrain, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
• To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link: https://www.eess.nhs.scot/jobtrain-accessibility-statement/
• Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
• Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and also your JobTrain account for updates.
• Please contact JobTrain Candidate Support Hub: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home - for advice and support with any system issues.
• We recommend using the Internet Browser “Google Chrome” or “Microsoft Edge” when using JobTrain.
• Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
• Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your JobTrain profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
• Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran has a legal obligation to ensure that it does not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is, without exception, granted by UK Visas and Immigrations. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category. Candidates who require a Certificate of Sponsorship can access further information at www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts