Sister/Charge Nurse (E4)

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent teaching hospital in Southampton seeks a Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse to oversee daily operations of a thoracic surgical ward. This role involves mentoring junior staff, ensuring high standards in patient care, and contributing to the delivery of quality healthcare. Candidates should be qualified nurses with experience in ward management and a commitment to professional development. Join a team that values flexibility and a supportive working culture.

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience and training including within relevant specialty.
• Evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Co-coordinate day-to-day operations of a 24-hour thoracic surgical ward.
• Lead and develop junior staff through coaching, supervision, and education.
• Support the Ward Manager with workforce planning and rostering.

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Leadership

Coaching

Ward management

Education

Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)

Registered nurse on the appropriate part of the register

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer this opportunity to work with us.

About the Role

As a Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the Ward Manager with the day-to-day running of E4. You’ll lead by example, mentor junior staff, and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care. You’ll be encouraged to use your initiative, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead on service development projects.

Benefits

A Band 5 nurse ready to step into leadership, or a current Band 6 seeking to broaden their skills in a highly specialised surgical setting.

About Us

E4 is a dynamic 20‑bed thoracic surgical ward, specialising in major procedures including lung resections, chest wall and rib surgery. We’re proud of our reputation for delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care and work closely with our surgical and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities. Located on the south coast with international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work.

We’re committed to a flexible working environment, encouraging work‑life balance and supporting you to achieve your career aspirations while taking care of our patients.

We champion individuality, diversity, inclusion, and an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered.

Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities

• Co‑coordinate day‑to‑day operations of a 24‑hour thoracic surgical ward.
• Support the Ward Manager with workforce planning, rostering and skill‑mix decisions.
• Lead and develop junior staff through coaching, supervision and education.
• Take charge of the ward as required, ensuring care standards remain high.
• Participate in audits, quality and change projects, and support learning and appraisal processes.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver excellent outcomes.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma).
• Registered nurse on the appropriate part of the register.
• Significant post‑registration experience and training, including within relevant speciality.
• Ward management experience.
• Knowledge of current issues within the acute Health Service.
• Experience in an acute hospital setting.
• Evidence of supporting/managing a range of learners in practice.
• Evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning.
• Demonstrated clinical decision‑making and judgement.
• Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience handling adverse events and complaints.
• Appraisal skills.
• Experience acting as Practice Assessor or supporting progression of learners.
• Insight into budget management.

Trust Values (Essential Criteria)

• Patient First.
• Working Together.
• Always Improving.

Employment details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level.
• Employment type: Full‑time.
• Job function: Other.
• Industry: Hospitals and Health Care.
• Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom.