Job overview
Do you want to be part of a friendly, vibrant team within a modern, dynamic Emergency Department?
The Emergency Department at Tunbridge Wells Hospital is a busy department seeing approximately 84,000 patients per year. As a designated Trauma Unit (TU) working as part of the SELKaM network, pathways have been developed to ensure that we deliver the highest standard of care. With a new senior nursing leadership team comprising of a senior matron and a matron now in post we are looking to take our ED forward with a new workforce strategy taking place such as the GP streaming initiative.
We work as a team to deliver high quality emergency care to patients presenting with a broad spectrum of conditions within our new state of the art department which comprises a 6 bedded resuscitation room, 15 majors cubicles, a rapid assessment area,, CDU and minor injuries.
Main duties of the job
We are consistently on the top 10 well performing Trust when it comes to the 4-hour target.
Our ED offers an educationally focused environment. We are committed to developing our staff and have strong links with both Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church Universities. You will also have the support of a Practice Development Nurse who will support your development alongside your team leader.
As a Senior Sister/Charge Nurse you will be expected to support and provide leadership to staff within the Emergency Department. Within this role you will have the responsibility for the day to day management of the department ensuring patients are managed effectively whilst meeting NHS Standards.
We are looking for highly motivated Emergency Department nurses who can demonstrate a kind and compassionate attitude. To work with us you will be flexible, enthusiastic and passionate about emergency care and have the relevant skills and experience to lead an effective and efficient Emergency Department.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
5. Organisation and management skills.
6. IT skills including use of email and office packages.
7. Ability to lead a team.
8. Ability to perform clinical activities specific to speciality
9. Ability to problem solve
10. Competency in medication administration including IV drugs
11. Articulate with advanced written and oral communication skills.
12. Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Desirable criteria
13. Ability to appraise staff or willingness to learn
Knowledge/Experience
Essential criteria
14. Extensive experience within speciality
15. Experience at band 6 level or equivalent
16. Knowledge of quality, standard setting, benchmarking and audit.
17. Knowledge of NMC Code of Professional Conduct
18. Extensive knowledge of speciality
Desirable criteria
19. Knowledge of budget management
Qualifications
Essential criteria
20. Registered Nurse
21. Teaching Qualification or equivalent experience.
22. Relevant specialist course.
Desirable criteria
23. Graduate