Charge Nurse – State Hospital
Join to apply for the Charge Nurse role at NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This exciting opportunity is for Charge Nurses qualified in Mental Health or Learning Disability to join our innovative and dynamic nursing management team at the State Hospital.
Remuneration
AFC Band 6 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,750.47 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,201.29 per annum (pro rata)
Hours – Full Time
Contract Duration – Permanent
Key Responsibilities
* Lead ward-based nursing colleagues to deliver the highest standards of person‑centred care and act as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
* Ensure professional standards and high‑quality nursing care, exhibit excellent communication and teamwork skills, and demonstrate flexibility, forward‑thinking, and the ability to work autonomously.
* Maintain composure under pressure in challenging situations.
* Collaborate with Senior Charge Nurses to ensure high standards of patient care and support service development through Clinical Supervision and Reflective Practice.
* Support and develop service improvement initiatives, with evidence of leadership and continuing professional development (ILM, Project Lift, QI training) required.
Key Competencies & Experience
* Qualified in Mental Health or Learning Disability nursing.
* Prior management experience is advantageous; training will be provided.
* Evidence of leadership and continuing professional development (e.g., ILM, Project Lift, QI training) is required.
* Be available for a two‑week mandatory induction and training course starting 19th January 2026.
Working Hours & Rota
The successful candidate will work a shift pattern of four days on and two days off, including one full weekend off within a six‑week rota cycle. Rotas are generated up to 12 weeks in advance. The role also includes night duty shifts, averaging 75 hours per fortnight during these periods.
Diversity & Equality
At the State Hospital, we know diversity enhances our work and workplace culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, and LGBT+ identities.
Contact & Application
For an informal discussion please contact Senior Charge Nurse Gayle Clark on 01555 842242 or Senior Charge Nurse Hazel Crawford on 01555 840293 Ext. 4506.
Closing date for applications: 11.59pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Interview date: Week commencing 24 November 2025.
For queries regarding the application form or recruitment process, contact the HR Team at tsh.jobs@nhs.scot.
Other Important Information
Right to work – Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom without requiring sponsorship. Further details can be found here and here. It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you have an appropriate right to work in the UK BEFORE applying.
Reduced Working Week – From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will reduce from 37 to 36 hours for full‑time employees.
Seniority, Employment, and Job Function
* Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
* Employment type: Full‑time
* Job function: Health Care Provider
* Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
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