Job overview
The Junior Sister/Charge nurse will support the Ward/ Departmental Manager to maintain high standards of nursing care, reflecting the beliefs of nursing practice outlined in the ward philosophy.
The post-holder will provide compassionate, person-centred care, working in partnership with patients, their families and carers, and the multi-disciplinary team, to ensure the patient’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs are met.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will deliver evidence-based care to people by:
1. Assessing patients’ individual needs
2. Planning and developing care to meet patients’ needs and preferences (whenever possible)
3. Implementing and co-ordinating the plan of care
4. Evaluating the care given and the patients’ progress towards the goals set out in their plan of care
5. Carrying out nursing procedures, including medicines administration
6. Providing health promotion information and advice to patients and families
7. Maintaining associated records
8. Undertake any additional Lead Role identified within the Clinical Environment
9. Undertake a key role within the Resuscitation Team and Lead the daily Resuscitation huddles
10. Participate in the Clinical on Call Team providing expert Clinical advice and support to the ward team out of hours. The post-holder will also supervise and train other staff and students/learners.
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:
11. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
12. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
13. Blue Light card eligibility
14. 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
Qualifications
Essential criteria
15. Registered Nurse with UK Nursing and Midwifery Council registration
16. Practice Supervisor preparation (or equivalent
Desirable criteria
17. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
18. Evidence of continuous professional development
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Leadership skills
20. Evidence of problem solving and decision-making skills
21. Good interpersonal skills.
22. Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with staff, patients and relatives, ensuring that communication is tailored to the person being addressed.
23. Effective time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
24. Ability to reflect on practice and accept constructive feedback.
25. Demonstrates effective nursing practice in all basic registered nurse procedures.
26. Able to work under own initiative within boundaries of role.
27. Demonstrates awareness of evidence- based practice.
Desirable criteria
28. delegation skills
29. Able to teach and supervise others
30. Able to use digital technology
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential criteria
31. Experience in acute hospital setting.
32. Evidence of insight and understanding of current issues in nursing and NHS
33. Able to demonstrate adherence to The Code (NMC, 2018)
34. Intermediate Life Support Training
35. IV drug therapy, IV cannulation & venepuncture skills
36. Central Venous Access Device Training
37. Knowledge on Enhanced care and mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding.
38. Can define equality, diversity and inclusivity.
Desirable criteria
39. Able to describe audit and quality issues.