Ward Leader

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Southampton is seeking a ward leader to manage a nursing team in respiratory, gastroenterology, and general medicine wards. This role requires excellent leadership and communication skills, along with extensive clinical experience. Successful candidates will maintain high care standards and foster effective relationships within a diverse team. Join us in providing exemplary patient care in a supportive environment that values diversity and professional development.

Benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working environment

Diverse and inclusive team culture

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and motivation skills required for the ward leader position.
• Proven management experience and clinical leadership ability essential.
• Extensive experience at Band 6 level with expert clinical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the ward, ensuring high standards of care are maintained.
• Act as a role model for nursing staff and encourage effective relationships.
• Work with a multi-professional team to deliver compassionate care.

Skills

Leadership

Excellent communication skills

Clinical leadership

Ability to work flexible hours

Education

1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register

Recognised mentorship qualification

Higher Education Institute approved course in supporting learners

Job description

Job Overview

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

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Are you looking for an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills by joining a nursing team that thrives on challenging themselves to improve all aspects of their ward performance and ensuring their patients always receive high standards of care? If so, we would love to have you join our team.

Due to promotion and relocation of our existing teams we are excited to offer 3 ward leader opportunities. These opportunities are within the medicine care group; on D6 D9 and F7, our respiratory, gastroenterology and hepatology, and general medicine wards.

D6 is a male respiratory ward, with 26 beds, the ward cares for acute and chronic respiratory patients as well as other general medical patients. From complex respiratory conditions to advanced interventions you will gains skills in managing chest drains, tracheostomy care and laryngectomies.

D9 is a female gastroenterology and hepatology ward with 28 beds, the ward has a GI Liver Bleed Unit, and you will gain skills in managing GI Bleeds, TPN, ascetic drains and complex gastroenterology conditions.

F7 is a male general medical ward with 16 beds and then a further 4 beds to support our same day medical model. This area manages medical care to enable patients to remain out of hospital. We manage conditions such as ascetic drains, blood and iron transfusions and long term chronic illness.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

You will be acting as a role model for nursing staff, encouraging effective working relationships and the development of a cohesive nursing team. You will be responsible for the management of the ward ensuring high standards of care are maintained.

What we're looking for

We are looking for individuals, who are strong leaders that are highly motivated and have excellent communication skills. The ward leader role requires a close working relationship with the multi-professional team to ensure that evidenced based quality care is delivered with compassion to every patient. If you are looking for a great opportunity to develop your management and leadership skills within an acute environment whilst maintaining your clinical credibility, we would love to hear from you.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications, Knowledge, And Experience

Essential criteria

• 1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register Management Course (or equivalent)
• Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign Off mentor
• Degree or working towards
• Completion of appropriate specialty course
• Higher Education Institute approved course in supporting learners in practice. Supporting a range of learners in practice. Supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Extensive experience in specialty to include considerable experience at Band 6 level
• Evidence of clinical leadership ability
• Proven management experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Evidence of utilising evidence in practice
• Logical and consistent career pattern
• Expert clinical skills
• Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives
• Ability to work flexible hours and fulfil service requirements

Desirable criteria

• Management Course (or equivalent)
• Experience as an NMC sign off mentor or clinical practice assessor
• Evidence of staff development and succession planning
• Broad range of post registration experience
• Experience of report writing