Job overview
Exiting opportunities have arisen for band 6 Junior Sisters/Charge Nurses in the newly refurbished Stroke Department at Maidstone Hospital.
The Stroke Department is comprised of a 35 bedded Acute Stroke Unit and a 14 bedded Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. The Stroke Department provides in-patient stroke care as part of the Trust’s service to patients from Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Medway and surrounding areas.
The Stroke Department is a friendly and supportive environment that provides care to the most acutely ill patients and for patients that are starting their rehabilitation pathway. We are looking for experienced Nurses with sound clinical knowledge and excellent interpersonal skills who are ready for the next step in their career. You will need to have a willingness to undertake any necessary training to enable clinical competency and skills. Staff are encouraged to further their professional development and a range of learning opportunities are available.
Main duties of the job
1. Deputise as Ward Manager exercising leadership within the unit when Manager is not on duty
2. Liaise closely with the Ward Manager on a day to day basis
3. Foster good relationship with the multidisciplinary professional team
4. Liaise with the ward Manager and the universities regarding needs and requirements for educating students and untrained staff, and for the post basic development of qualified staff
5. Support the ward Manager in the management of the clinical area, with the aid of setting standards of nursing care, following agreed guidelines laid down in the ward’s philosophy of care, to improve practice and quality care in the clinical area
6. Gain knowledge of budget control
7. Ensure promotion of safety, well-being and interests of the patients staff and visitors to the clinical area.
8. Ensure the policies of the trust are adhered to and inform all junior staff of any changes
9. At all times follow the code of professional conduct as laid down by the NMC.
10. Advise on the staffing requirements for the provision of nursing services, using dependency studies as required
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
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Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
11. RGN
12. First level nursing registration and evidence of further study since qualification
13. Teaching/Mentorship qualification e.g. ENB 998 or equivalent
Desirable criteria
14. Advance Life Support provider
15. Evidence of continuing education - diploma/ degree level
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
16. Experience in medicine nurse within acute medicine
17. Experience as Band 5 Staff Nurse within stroke services or equivalent
18. IV drug therapy, IV cannulation & venepuncture skills
19. Evidence of insight and understanding of current issues in nursing and NHS
20. Expert clinician
21. Understanding of different types of strokes and their effects on the brian
Desirable criteria
22. Experience of managing naso gastric tubes and feeding plans
23. Knowledge of stroke specific discharge pathways
Skills
Essential criteria
24. Leadership skills
25. Evidence of problem solving and decision making skills
Desirable criteria
26. Computer/ IT skills