Senior Charge Nurse

NHS Highland; Inverness; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Raigmore Hospital in Inverness is seeking a Senior Charge Nurse / Senior Charge Practitioner to lead the Elective Theatre Team. The role is open to a Registered Nurse or HCPC Registered ODP and provides professional, operational and clinical leadership within the perioperative environment.

You will optimise theatre utilisation, manage workforce Resources and support service improvements across multiple surgical specialties. Hours are 36 per week with a Band 7 salary of £52,845–£61,466.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (Adult) or HCPC Registered Operating Department Practitioner
• Substantial post-registration perioperative experience
• Significant experience working within an operating theatre environment
• Experience of staff supervision, workforce management, governance and quality improvement is essential

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of elective theatre activity
• Coordinate theatre capacity, workforce and equipment to support planned surgical services
• Provide leadership in workforce planning, staff development, quality improvement and clinical governance

Job description

Senior Charge Nurse / Senior Charge Practitioner

Band 7 Raigmore Hospital, Inverness

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Registered Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner to join the Elective Theatre Team at Raigmore Hospital as a Senior Charge Nurse / Senior Charge Practitioner.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced perioperative practitioner seeking a leadership role within a busy and progressive elective surgical service. The successful candidate will provide professional, operational and clinical leadership within the elective theatre environment, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care across a wide range of surgical specialties.

As Senior Charge Nurse/Practitioner, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of elective theatre activity, ensuring the efficient utilisation of theatre capacity, workforce resources and equipment to support planned surgical services. You will lead and support multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality perioperative care, maintaining patient safety, improving patient experience and achieving service performance objectives. The role will also provide leadership in workforce planning, staff development, quality improvement, clinical governance and service redesign initiatives.

You will work collaboratively with surgical, anaesthetic and operational colleagues to optimise theatre utilisation, support waiting list recovery and deliver effective patient flow throughout the perioperative pathway. The post holder will act as a visible and approachable leader, fostering a positive team culture and supporting staff wellbeing, education and professional development.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (Adult) or HCPC Registered Operating Department Practitioner
• Substantial post-registration experience within perioperative practice
• Significant experience working within an operating theatre environment
• Experience of staff supervision, workforce management, governance and quality improvement is essential

You will demonstrate excellent clinical knowledge, strong leadership and communication skills, and experience in managing teams and leading service improvement activities.

The successful candidate will be committed to delivering high standards of patient care, supporting continuous improvement and developing a culture of excellence within elective perioperative services.

The role will primarily support elective theatre activity, working Monday to Friday with flexibility to meet service requirements.

Hours Per Week: 36
Salary: Band 7 (£52,845 - £61,466)
Job closing date: 11/11/2026

About Us

Raigmore Hospital in Inverness is the largest hospital in the Highlands of Scotland and serves as the major centre for elective, emergency and trauma surgery across the Highlands and Islands. The operating theatre complex provides a wide range of specialist services including orthopaedics, general surgery, urology, gynaecology, ENT, plastics, vascular surgery and ophthalmology.

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, offers an exceptional quality of life with access to stunning scenery, outdoor pursuits and a vibrant cultural community. Whether your interests are hill walking, mountain biking, skiing, water sports or simply enjoying the unique Highland landscape, there is something for everyone within easy reach.

Informal Enquiries

For an informal discussion regarding the post, please contact: Kay Macgregor, Clinical Nurse Manager, [e-mail]

Join Our Team

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking perioperative leadership team and play a key role in shaping the future of elective surgical services within NHS Highland, supporting innovation, service improvement and outstanding patient care.

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.

Flexible Working

• Flexible working options may be available, depending on the role and service needs. Discuss at interview if important to you.

Keeping in Touch

• We will contact you by email
• Check your email (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account regularly

Internal candidates

• Some posts are internal only
• If you work for NHS Highland, make sure your Jobtrain profile shows this

Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers.

Please tell us if you need adjustments to support you through the recruitment process.