Senior Charge Nurse

NHS National Services Scotland; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Scotland is seeking a Senior Charge Nurse to oversee HLIN Assessment & Rehabilitation. This role involves operational management, budget control, and clinical governance while leading a multidisciplinary team. Candidates should have a degree-level education, extensive clinical expertise, and proven leadership in rehabilitation. This permanent full-time position based at The Balfour offers competitive NHS salaries in addition to a Distant Islands Allowance for those residing in Orkney. Join our team to make a difference in patient care.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Work-life balance policies

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Registered nurse on the NMC register with appropriate specialisation.
• Extensive clinical expertise in inpatient rehabilitation settings.
• Completing mentorship and preceptorship training, with evidence of professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational management of HLIN Assessment & Rehabilitation.
• Ensure the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
• Provide clear direction and inspirational leadership to the team.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical expertise

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Education

Degree level education

Job description

About the Organisation:

As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is committed to delivering excellent care to our 22,000 residents. Whether you’re new to the NHS or bringing experience from elsewhere, your skills will make a real difference.

Our modern healthcare facility, The Balfour, brings together inpatient care, emergency services, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices and the Scottish Ambulance Service. We’re also investing in services across our outer isles, ensuring high‑quality care reaches every corner of Orkney.

We are guided by our core values that shape everything we do – Open and honest, Respect and Kindness – from how we care for our patients to how we support each other as colleagues.

About Orkney:

With over 70 islands – 20 of them inhabited – Orkney offers a unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit community and an opportunity for adventure. From dramatic coastlines and rare wildlife to rich cultural traditions and active lifestyles, it’s a place where compassion thrives and every day brings something new. Regularly named one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney offers a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and inspiring.

The Position:

The post holder will lead the operational management of HLIN Assessment & Rehabilitation, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and person‑centred care. They will take responsibility for budgetary control, clinical governance, and the strategic allocation of resources to maintain high standards of service. Acting as a professional role model, they will provide clear direction and inspirational leadership to the multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The role demands strong organisational and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage change effectively, and a commitment to enhancing patient experience.

The Candidate:

The ideal candidate for the Senior Charge Nurse position on Hlin brings extensive clinical expertise and proven leadership within inpatient rehabilitation settings. As a registered nurse on the NMC register, they hold the appropriate level for the area of speciality and demonstrate a strong foundation in assessment and rehabilitation/care of the elderly. Educated to degree level or equivalent through experience and professional development, they have completed mentorship and preceptorship training, alongside evidence of continuous professional development.

With significant post‑registration experience, including at Band 6, the candidate possesses advanced clinical skills complemented by a sound understanding of audit processes, policy development, and resource management. They are adept at managing staffing and area budget, planning resources effectively, and leading teams through change. Their ability to analyse data, identify trends, and present findings confidently ensures informed decision‑making and service improvement.

Highly organised and motivated, they exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaborative relationships built on trust and respect. Flexible and proactive, they demonstrate enthusiasm for enhancing patient care and driving nursing development. Their commitment to professional standards and participation in senior nurse on‑call duties reflects their readiness to take on this pivotal leadership role.

Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration:

This post will be based at The Balfour

The successful candidate will work: Full Time 37 hours per week

This post is Permanent

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Benefits and Salary:

Did you know NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The salary for this post is Band 7 and if residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,654 pro rata per annum, adding extra value to your rewarding career with us.

NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work‑life balance policies, employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.

Further Information:

If you share our vision and are ready to be part of Team Orkney, we’d love to hear from you. Your rewarding career starts here!

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If there are additional requirements you would like to request, please contact [e-mail]

For further guidance on the recruitment process and tips for creating a strong application, please refer to our Candidate Application Pack.

To find out more about this opportunity please contact Michelle Mackie, Interim Deputy Director of Nursing on [e-mail] or Samantha Thomas, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP and Acute on [e-mail]

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.