Deputy Charge Nurse - Internal Only

NHS Scotland; Ayr; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Scotland is seeking a highly motivated Registered Mental Health Nurse to join the inpatient team at Clonbeith Ward, Ailsa Hospital for a 12-month fixed-term period starting September 2026. The role focuses on leading the ward, ensuring high-quality care, and coordinating with a multi-disciplinary team to support patients with complex mental health needs.

The successful candidate will provide supervision, maintain clinical excellence, and participate in training to develop skills and

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse with current NMC registration.
• Evidence of leadership and ability to supervise a nursing team.
• Excellent communication and time management in a multidisciplinary setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and monitor nursing team performance on Clonbeith Ward.
• Deliver person-centred, recovery-focused care for patients with dementia.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across agencies and services.
• Balance clinical duties with managerial responsibilities and supervision.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

NMC registration (Part 3)

Job description

NHS Scotland

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.

NHS Scotland

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.

Note that this post is only open to internal staff of NHS Ayrshire & Arran and/or NHS Scotland.

Who We Are

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are 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 - A AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your applicationbut your answers must be your own.

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Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Registered Mental Health Nurse to join the inpatient team within Clonbeith Ward, Ailsa Hospital for a 12 month period from September 2026. Clonbeith Ward is a 12 bedded ward caring for patients with complex organic mental health problems who experience stress and distress and associated behaviours.

Hours

This is a fixed term post- 72 hours per fortnight. A flexible approach to shift patterns is essential.

What You Will Do

The opportunity is available to individuals with a sound clinical knowledge and a genuine interest in working with people with dementia and comorbid physical health problems. The band 6 role is essential to the smooth running of the ward and to assist in leading and monitoring the work and performance of the nursing team. Applicants should be able to evidence strong leadership qualities and be a role model to staff. Supervision of staff on a day to day basis is a key aspect of the role and the ability to balance clinical and managerial responsibilities is essential. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of person centred care, evidenced based, recovery focused interventions and will also promote collaborative working within a multi- disciplinary team and across multi agency services. Applications are welcomed from individuals who will work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and, as such, should have excellent communication, interpersonal and time management skills along with a positive attitude, calm demeanour and a proven ability to work as part of a team. Applicants should be willing to undertake training to develop skills and competencies as required.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

This opportunity is available to individuals with 2 years post registration experience who have a genuine interest in working with people living with Dementia. Previous experience in this field is desirable but not essential as training will be provided. As a registered Mental Health Nurse on Part 3 of the NMC register, you will be an integral member of the inpatient team, providing high quality clinical care for people with organic mental health difficulties.

RIGHT TO WORK / CERTIFICATES OF SPONSORSHIP

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. NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks. Please visit for further information. We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

Additional Information For Candidates

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland.
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