Junior Sister

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Junior Sister to support the Ward Manager in leading the Discharge Ready Unit. This role involves coordinating patient care, managing nursing staff, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient flow and safety. Applicants should be NMC Registered Nurses with significant experience. This position promises a rewarding opportunity in a dynamic environment with a commitment to high care standards.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a Band 5 nurse.
• Registered with NMC.
• Experience in managing a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of patient care.
• Liaise with various health professionals.
• Coordinate the unit and ensure proper documentation.

Skills

Evidence-based practice

Basic IT skills

Teamwork

Patient care

Education

NMC Registered Nurse Part 1

Degree in Nursing or equivalent

Post-registration teaching/mentorship qualification

Job description

Junior Sister

Closing date: 17 November 2025

A very exciting opportunity to support the Ward Manager in leading the team on the Discharge Ready Unit (DRU). The role involves working with the Site Management Team, medical teams and the Ward Managers to improve patient flow by identifying suitable patients who meet the unit criteria.

The purpose of this unit is to prevent patient deconditioning, promote independence, reduce length of stay and improve the overall patient experience. You will be expected to actively support these goals and lead by example, encouraging other nursing team members to participate.

You will be supported day‑to‑day by the complex discharge team to facilitate safe discharge from your service, with links to Senior Social Work and community teams.

This is a very important role and you must have substantial experience as a Band 5 nurse.

Main duties of the job

Maintain high standards of patient care throughout the patient journey.

Liaise closely with social services, other health professionals such as therapists, the delegated doctor and the wards to ensure safety and wellbeing of patients seen in the unit.

Mentor and assess all junior staff.

Coordinate and facilitate the effective running of the unit at all times and deputise for the Ward Manager in her absence.

Ensure all activity is recorded on the electronic patient tracking system in a timely manner. Collect data daily to analyse the effectiveness of the unit.

Support the Multidisciplinary Team – therapists and the delegated doctor – to address any medical concerns promptly, and work closely with the discharge team, ward managers and the site team to free acute beds for Emergency Department flow.

Job responsibilities

Anticipate patient care needs and manage the patient journey through the unit.

When acting as nurse in charge, be responsible for early identification and movement of suitable medically fit patients for the DRU to optimise hospital flow and reduce acute ward length of stay.

Work with the Ward Manager to provide effective management of the DRU, including staff management, stock control, patient care delivery and completion of any required audits.

Promote prevention of hospital‑acquired deconditioning.

Ensure all activity programmes run every morning and afternoon, appointing dedicated staff to lead each session.

Participate in planning, assessment, implementation and evaluation of patient care as part of the multidisciplinary team from admission to discharge.

Deliver care in accordance with the NMC Code of Practice/Scope of Professional Practice and Trust policies and protocols.

Advocate for the patient and family at all times.

Ensure patient safety in line with local and national safeguarding procedures.

Engage in auditing effectiveness and incorporate findings into practice.

Be aware of personal limitations and be able to appropriately raise issues.

Key working relationships

• Senior Nurses
• Consultants and their medical teams
• Site Management Team
• Multidisciplinary Teams
• Therapy Leads
• Pharmacy
• Social Services
• Red Cross/Age UK
• Community Partners & Teams
• GP
• Specialist Nurses across the Trust

Person Specification

Education and qualifications/Experience

• NMC Registered Nurse Part 1
• A Degree in Nursing or equivalent
• A clinical expert either through formal qualification (diploma/degree) and/or extensive clinical experience pertinent to the area.
• Post‑registration teaching/mentorship qualification or equivalent
• A willingness to work towards the Practice Educator qualification or equivalent

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrates evidence of developing innovative practice and proactive change management
• Ability to utilise evidence‑based practice
• Basic IT and computer & presentation skills
• Demonstrates an understanding of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
• Awareness of current developments in own clinical specialty
• Able to undertake moving and handling duties
• Able to work clinically and perform a full range of duties with regards to patient care
• Good knowledge in discharge planning for patients with complex needs
• Experience and understanding of caring for patients with cognitive impairment and challenging behaviour
• ILS trained
• Ability to work as part of a team and use initiative
• Demonstrates commitment to high standards of patient care and service delivery
• Genuine desire to be a learning facilitator with enthusiasm for practice development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

About us

Our Trust is one of England's top‑performing and safest trusts, operating two main acute hospital sites – Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital – alongside award‑winning clinics across North West London.

With nearly 7,500 staff caring for a diverse population of 1.5 million, we provide full clinical services including maternity, A&E, children’s services, and specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m critical care expansion at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.

If you haven’t heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six‑month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.