Deputy Ward Leader - Critical Care Unit

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dorchester is seeking a Deputy Ward Leader for the Critical Care Unit. The role is ideal for a Registered nurse with extensive experience in critical care and looking to develop managerial and leadership skills. Responsibilities include providing high-quality care, managing the unit's daily activities, and supporting the nursing team. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity, which includes a supportive work environment and career progression.

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with a degree or working towards it.
• Minimum of 4 years experience in Critical Care.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based holistic nursing care for critically ill patients.
• Deputise in the absence of Senior Sister.
• Manage daily activities of the unit.
• Develop leadership skills and support a team.

Skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Critical Care Experience

Effective Relationship Management

Time Management

Clinical Audit Knowledge

Education

Registered nurse at degree level

Current NMC Registration & PIN

Teaching Qualification

Job description

Deputy Ward Leader - Critical Care Unit

The closing date is 11 February 2026.

This is a new opportunity for a Registered nurse with recent and relevant experience working in the specialty of Critical Care. The applicant must hold a qualification in Critical Care studied at level 6 (minimum). The successful candidate will gain managerial experience as a shift co-ordinator and develop leadership skills in supporting a team, influencing change and introducing improvements.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will demonstrate the ability to work within a team and support senior nurses in providing specialised evidence based holistic nursing care for critically ill patients and their families
• To deputise in absence of Senior Sister on the Critical Care unit.
• To provide high standards of evidenced based care for patients and their families.
• To provide skilled nursing care and supervision of the nursing team in delivering an effective service.
• To continue personal professional development and be responsible for developing others.
• To demonstrate sound leadership and managerial skills.
• To regularly manage the daily activities of the unit on a day to day basis.

About us

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria

Job responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at [e-mail] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person Specification

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Registered nurse at degree level or working towards/or relevant experience
• Current NMC Registration & PIN
• Evidence of CPD
• Teaching Qualification

Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum of 4 years experience in Critical Care and evidence of continuing professional development
• Understanding of professional nursing issue

Skills & Abilities

• Evidence of ability to practice as a proficient practitioner
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
• Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively
• Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements
• Evidence of and ability/ flexibility to lead team in absence of Senior Sister, and a willingness to develop relevant team management skills
• Knowledge of Clinical Audit
• Evidence of an area of specialist interest
• Evidence of critical appraisal Skills

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.

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust