Night-Shift Ward Leader, Palliative Care

NHS Jobs; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking an experienced nursing leader to oversee the In-Patient Unit at night. You will provide clinical governance, ensure safe staffing and act as deputy ward manager when required.

The role covers leadership across clinical, operational and workforce aspects, driving quality, patient safety and continuous improvement while maintaining compassionate, person-centred care for patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible clinical leadership and support the delivery of high-quality specialist palliative and end-of-life care.
• Act as a role model for professional practice, hospice values and compassionate leadership.
• Support staff in managing complex patient needs and ensure care is person-centred, evidence-based and responsive.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care delivery.
• Hold responsibility for the operational, clinical and workforce management of the In-Patient Unit during night shifts.
• Act as the senior nurse and lead clinical decision-maker overnight.
• Ensure safe staffing levels, effective workforce deployment and appropriate skill mix.
• Provide leadership and support in the management of complex symptoms, clinical emergencies and deteriorating patients.
• Manage patient flow, admissions, transfers and discharges occurring out of hours.
• Escalate clinical, operational, workforce and patient safety concerns as required.
• Ensure effective communication, governance and handovers between day and night services.
• Support the day-to-day operational management of the In-Patient Unit.
• Deputise for the Ward Manager in their absence.
• Contribute to workforce planning, resource management and service development.
• Support the achievement of quality standards, performance objectives and service resilience.
• Support the recruitment, retention, development and wellbeing of staff.
• Undertake line management responsibilities for designated team members.
• Support appraisal, supervision, competency assessment and professional development.
• Foster a positive culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the safe and effective delivery of inpatient services.
• Coordinate holistic care for patients and families.
• Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to a positive patient, family and staff experience.
• Promote compliance with professional standards, policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in incident management, audit, quality improvement and risk management activities.
• Support organisational learning and contribute to CQC readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Support workforce education, training and competency development.
• Promote evidence-based practice, innovation and continuous professional development.
• Maintain own professional registration and development requirements.
• Develop effective relationships with multidisciplinary colleagues and external partners.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families and carers.
• Represent the In-Patient Unit at meetings and contribute to service development initiatives.
• The post holder is accountable to the Ward Manager and will support the achievement of the strategic, clinical, operational and workforce objectives of the In-Patient Unit.
• The Deputy Ward Manager has specific responsibility for the safe and effective leadership, coordination and management of the night service, including workforce deployment, clinical oversight, patient safety and service continuity outside normal working hours.

Job description

NHS Jobs in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking an experienced nursing leader to oversee the In-Patient Unit at night. You will provide clinical governance, ensure safe staffing and act as deputy ward manager when required.

The role covers leadership across clinical, operational and workforce aspects, driving quality, patient safety and continuous improvement while maintaining compassionate, person-centred care for patients and families.