Sister/ Charge Nurse

North Bristol NHS Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity as a Sister/Charge Nurse has arisen within the team at North Bristol NHS Trust. The role involves managing care for respiratory patients and leading a team while enhancing your leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of caring for patients with high dependency needs.
• Proficient with clinical skills training and mentoring.
• Ability to coordinate and manage a ward environment.

Responsibilities

• Managing the daily flow of patients and providing high-quality care.
• Leading the ward team in the absence of the ward manager.
• Conducting quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Professionalism

Assertiveness

Clinical assessment

Education

NMC registration

Qualification in nursing

Job description

This post is only open to internal applicants.

Sister/ Charge Nurse

Band 6

Main area Respiratory Grade Band 6 Contract Fixed term: 12 months (Role may become substantive) Hours Part time - 14.5 hours per week (Will need to be able to work 7 days a week including night duty/weekends) Job ref 339-MED6833-LMG

Site Southmead hospital Town Bristol Salary £38,682 - £46,580 per annum (pro rata) Salary period Yearly Closing 25/06/2025 08:00

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Job overview

An exciting opportunity as a Sister/Charge Nurse has arisen within the team on Ward 28A at North Bristol NHS Trust. Ward 28A specialises in caring for patients with respiratory conditions and provides HDU beds looking after patients with level 2 care or post-ICU high dependency needs. This is an excellent position that will allow you to further enhance your acute medical skills and begin taking on a junior management role.

The role of the Sister/Charge Nurse on 28A involves managing the daily flow of patients through the ward, caring for acutely unwell respiratory patients and being a supportive, positive role model for junior team members . You will also be expected (following training) to deputise for the ward manager in their absence.

The successful applicant will be entered on the One NBT management program to support their development into this role to learn skills in appraisal, recruitment, sickness and performance management.

You would also be expected to be a lead on training and skills development of the clinical team so previous experience and courses relevant to the assessment of clinical staff would be highly advantageous.

Significant experience of caring for patients with high dependency needs is essential to undertake this role (skills-specific training will be offered to suitable candidates)

The post involves the full rotation of shifts as the area needs a Sister/Charge Nurse on every shift.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work closely with and provide clinical and managerial support for the ward Sister
and wider team.
The post holder will take charge of the ward as and when required in the absence of the ward
manager on a daily basis.
The post holder will be expected to lead on an area of ward quality and working with the ward sister
and other Band 6’ ensure the ward submits all quality and Infection control audits monthly and that the
results are reviewed and acted upon to ensure continuous improvement.
The post holder will be responsible for managing the ward team in relation to the assessment,
planning, provision, maintenance and evaluation of programmes of high standards of care
The post holder will assist the ward Sister in provision of high quality patient care within theconstraints of the allocated ward budget.
In the absence of the ward Sister, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that care delivery byall members of the care team is carried out in accordance with Trust policies and procedures and the
guidelines for practice set by the NMC code of conduct.
The post holder will take responsibility for the management, supervision and guidance of otherqualified staff, Health care assistants or students on a daily basis.

Working for our organisation

Ward 28A is a busy and acute environment with a dedicated and hard working team. We aim to provide the best quality care to the variety of patients we care for whether acutely unwell needing specialist care or caring for palliative patients with sensitivity and compassion. We have an education pathway for our registered staff that will provide guidance and support for developing the right clinical skills to care for our patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will regularly act as a mentor and assessor for student nurses at all levels and new
staff of all grades.
This includes the coordination of learning opportunities and as agreed with the ward Sister, the
development of appropriate teaching programmes and provision of relevant educational material/
literature for use in the ward area.
• In the absence of the ward Sister, lead and coordinate teams of nursing staff in the delivery of
high standards of evidence based nursing care.
• To be responsible for ensuring the appropriate assessment, planning, implementation and
evaluation of evidence based care to all patients in the clinical area.
• To act efficiently and effectively upon any significant changes in a patient’s condition or
circumstances.
• Responsible for taking charge of the ward / department on a daily basis in the absence of the
ward Sister.
• To contribute towards health promotion for patients and carers by providing education,
support and advice. Ensure referral to appropriate professionals or agencies as required.
• Ensure the safe ordering, administration and custody of patients’ medication according to Trust policies and procedures.
• To be responsible for delegation of appropriate work to other qualified staff, health care assistants and students.
team to ensure arrangement of efficient, safe and timely discharge or transfer according to Trust
policy.
• Responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients undergoing treatment
or investigations.
• To work cooperatively and professionally as a member of the ward team and within the
directorate.
• To organise and participate in meetings with families, other members of the multidisciplinary
team or within the directorate.
• To have a working knowledge of safeguarding and ensure the nursing team are fully informed
and promote care and actions that minimises any risk
• To communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and colleagues.
• To liaise regularly with other ward teams in the directorate.
• To ensure effective dissemination of information to all levels of staff in the absence of the ward Sister.
• To work closely with the Clinical site managers and bed managers to ensure best use of beds and staff.
• To actively promote team working through organisation of team meetings as required.
• Ability to provide verbal reports and maintain written reports on the patients condition for
nurses and professionally qualified workers.
• To take responsibility for ensuring that all members of the care team treat patients with
courtesy at all times and ensure the individual needs of patients are respected and confidentiality is
maintained at all times.
• To effectively take telephone enquiries and forward calls to relevant departments orindividuals as the need arises.
• Participate in ward, department, directorate or multidisciplinary meetings in the absence of the ward Sister.
• In the absence of the ward Sister take responsibility for supervising and coordinating efficient
management of patient care delivery.
• To be able to take charge and act in emergency situations and have expert knowledge of emergency procedures including fire and resuscitation. To be responsible for the support and direction
of qualified and junior staff in such situations according to Trust policy.
• To be responsible for ensuring provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients,
relatives, visitors and colleagues.
• Ensure the readiness for use of special equipment and the availability of nursing supplies.
• Ensure the safe custody of patients’ valuables and property according to Trust policies.
• In the absence of the ward manager take responsibility for managing and reporting all
complaints, incidents or accidents involving self, staff, patients, visitors and complete relevant
documentation according to Trust procedure.
• Be responsible for reporting and documenting any broken or damaged equipment according
to Trust policy. Make arrangements for suitable disposal or repair of equipment in the absence of the
ward Sister.
• With the support of the ward Sister liaise with works/estates departments to ensure all
equipment is properly maintained in accordance with Trust policy.
• To have detailed knowledge of Manual handling regulations particularly with regards to the
lifting and moving of patients. To be responsible for ensuring assessment of patients’ manual handling
needs are carried out and ensure junior staff and students follow these requirements in the course of
care delivery. Attend mandatory theoretical and practical training as agreed with the ward Sister.
• Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health in accordance with Trust
policy. Ensure availability of facilities for disposal of sharps, toxic / cytotoxic waste in accordance with
trust policy.
• With the assistance of the ward Sister ensure all staff are regularly updated in relation to
health & safety issues and organise their attendance to statutory days.
• Take responsibility for reporting any health & safety issues related to patients, relatives
staffing, manual handling, infection equipment or maintenance to the matron or Head of nursing in theabsence of the ward Sister.
• With the support of the ward Sister be responsible for the economical use of supplies,
equipment and staffing within the allocated annual budget.
• Authorise invoices / timesheets as required in the absence of the ward manager.
• Ensure the most effective and economical use of supplies and equipment, monitor and report
to ensure stock levels are maintained.
• Monitor the use of supplies by all staff to promote efficient use of all supplies.
• Detailed knowledge of the protocols and procedures concerning the use of bank and agency
staff.
• Personal responsibility to keep up to date with new developments in nursing and maintain
registration with the NMC including evidence in a professional development portfolio.
• Take responsibility to ensure that Trust and local policies are known and followed by all staff.
• Attend mandatory professional update days as agreed with the ward Sister.
• To take part in learning activities to develop individual competence and facilitate the provision
of a positive learning environment in the ward / department.
• Undertake additional nursing skills development or maintain existing skills by update training
as required for: IV drug administration, ECG, male catheterisation, cannulation, and venepuncture.
• To act in a professional manner towards all staff within the team or directorate.
• Undertake management training in relation to personnel management, appraisal training,
recruitment, budget management as agreed with the ward /department Sister.
• Participate in clinical audit and research activities as the service requires.
• To have sound knowledge of nursing research and current developments to provide evidence based nursing care.
• To have access to the intranet and internet to access latest research.
• To attend clinical governance days in the absence of the ward Sister to provide up to date knowledge for the nursing team.
• With the support of the ward Sister implement changes to nursing practice based on the
recommendations of audit or research.
• To be responsible for dissemination of research information to all staff in the absence of the
ward Sister.
• To be responsible for teaching and assessing student nurses as required and regularly act as
mentor/assessor for other staff and students as agreed with the ward Sister.
• To maintain continuing assessment and written reports for students or junior staff as required.
• Actively participate in the teaching and mentoring of qualified and junior staff and students by
demonstrating and assessing procedures as agreed with the ward Sister.
• To be actively involved with the facilitation of new students and staff to develop their
competence.
• With the support of the ward Sister take responsibility for organising and planning ward or
department teaching programmes.
• Actively participate in teaching within the ward or directorate.
• To contribute towards the provision of a positive learning environment within the clinical area.
• With the support of the ward Sister ensure that there are clear, relevant and up to date
orientation and teaching packages available for staff and students. Take responsibility for reviewing
these on a regular basis.
• To ensure all staff are aware of their own responsibilities according to their job descriptions
and take responsibility to support and assist all staff to achieve their objectives within that role.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
• With the support of the ward Sister, be responsible for the organisation and delivery of a high
quality service including patient care, the ward / unit environment and facilities and communication
with patients, relatives, visitors and all members of the clinical and multidisciplinary team.
• To regularly act as a bleep holder within the directorate. This role requires the post holder to act as a clinical resource, provide support to other nursing teams and take responsibility for the management/ deployment of nursing staff in relation to workload and dependency issues.
• To have detailed knowledge of requirements for staffing the ward or department.
• To have detailed knowledge of the actions to take to maintain staffing levels and skill mix.
• Undertake aspects of ward administration as agreed by the ward Sister i.e. rostering,
monitoring sickness or absence, providing monthly financial reports, maintaining records of annual
leave, bank or agency usage, appraisals, completion of time sheets.
• With the support of the ward Sister actively participate in the recruitment of staff
• With the support of the ward Sister assess the learning needs of team members and arrange
necessary training or updates to promote skill development.
• Participate in multi professional meetings and represent the directorate at Trust meetings as agreed

• Train, record and develop clinical skills and competencies for the team

Person specification

Mentor/Assessor (nursing)

• Clinical skills trainer /Orange Card trainer

Experience coordinating wards

• Previous experience co-ordinating inpatient wards.
• Leadership skills, professionalism and assertiveness
• Flexible/ able to work a rotational shift pattern to support management of the ward
• Experience driving a quality improvement initiative

If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel [phone].

North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Address Recruitment Operations
North Bristol NHS Trust
Bristol