Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

NHS; Worthing; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Worthing is seeking a Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse passionate about elderly care, dementia, and patient safety. The role involves leading a nursing team, supporting junior staff, and overseeing patient care on Eastbrook ward. Ideal candidates will have experience in elderly care, complex discharge planning, and strong communication skills. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience band 5.
• High standards of patient care.
• Experience in managing a team.
• Knowledge of audits.
• IV administration skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the nursing team and support the ward sister.
• Manage patient safety and quality.
• Conduct audits and support junior nurses.

Skills

Leadership

Elderly care

Dementia care

Complex discharge planning

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Diploma level education in relevant subject

Nursing registration

ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

The closing date is 21 October 2025

Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care, and clinically are skilled ? Do you enjoy supporting and developing others ? Eastbrook ward may have an opportunity for you !

We are looking for an enthusiastic , caring , hardworking nurse , with experience in elderly care and dementia to join our dynamic, friendly and highly motivated team as a deputy ward sister . Eastbrook ward is a friendly ward with diverse staff . You will assist in helping to provide high quality care to inpatients with frailty related conditions including dementia , chronic lung disease, parkinsons, heart disease and diabetes. Your role will be supporting the ward sister and be a mentor to junior nurses.

We are a very supportive team, and can offer a good orientation and will be happy to give you guidance for future development .

Successful candidates are expected to lead the nursing team and deputise for the ward manager. Have strong communication skills with the multidisciplinary team , and also ensure that safety and quality is maintained for patients , their families and staff. This will be achieved by supporting the team with skill and enthusiasm .

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

Main duties of the job

You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in elderly care and and caring for those with frailty needs as well as dementia and other medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, parkinsons disease, and diabetes.

The applicant will need experience of complex discharge planning, and will require good communication skills to be able to confidently liaise with our extended multidisciplinary team, and have the ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families.

As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations.We have an inclusive team culture and value innovative and creative thinking.

You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward sister, supporting with staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward sister in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.

In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities. The ward has a bespoke learning programme and you will be well supported with personal development goals.

About us

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.

The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance, and infection control . The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses , helping them to develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff. He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles daily . A knowledge of complex discharge planning will be necessary to facilitate smooth discharges , and the ability to work under pressure maintaining flow within the ward.

The Eastbrook team work closely together to optimise patient care and rehabilitation. The wards philosophy is to look after our patients with skill, kindness and compassion, and to provide our staff with a strong team support network in which they can achieve, and develop, and gain a variety of skills and abilities. Previous experience in caring for the elderly with confusion and dementia would be advantageous in this role.

Informal visits are very welcome.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

• Nursing registration
• Significant experience band 5
• Previous experience of managing a team
• High standards of patient care
• Management of patient or staff conflict
• Excellent organisational skills
• Manages well under pressure
• Dementia care knowledge and experience
• ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent
• Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject or equivalent.
• Sound clinical and professional practice knowledge.
• Evidence of professional development since qualification
• Knowledge of Budget
• Knowledge of audits
• IV administration
• Cannulation and venepuncture skills
• NVQ Assessor
• ILS provider
• Leadership course or equivalent
• Experience in elderly care
• Experience of complex discharge planning
• Evidence of dementia study or experience

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)