County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Junior Sister
Closing date: 21 May 2026
The post holder will work with minimal supervision and will be designated to take charge of the ward/department in the absence of the ward manager, who holds continuing responsibility.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist the ward manager in the smooth delivery of a high standard of care to those patients with respiratory illnesses.
Alongside their RGN role they will also be responsible for managing staff in terms of recruitment, sickness monitoring, educational needs, learning events and any disciplinary actions.
They will also be responsible for answering any safeguarding concerns and putting actions in place to learn from these incidents. Auditing will be part of the role also and giving feedback following these.
Service improvement ideas will be explored and actioned if appropriate.
Key responsibilities will include the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care, effective leadership and staff management/development.
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
* To assess individual care needs, develop, implement and evaluate care given to patients in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team.
* To ensure that communication with patients and significant others is established and maintained to provide appropriate information regarding care and treatment.
* To prioritise own work and that of others to ensure that patient care is managed effectively and safely.
* Maintain accurate and comprehensive nursing records, using appropriate documentation and IT systems; ensuring adherence to NMC guidelines.
* Support the implementation and evaluation of quality initiatives at ward level.
* Ensure that nursing practice reflects current clinical developments and is based on current evidence‑based practice and accurately reflects the ward's philosophy.
* In support of the ward manager will assist in the review and update of procedures and protocols relating to the care of patients.
Management Responsibilities
* In the absence of the ward manager be responsible for the day‑to‑day effective and efficient management of nursing, clerical and support staff within the ward.
* Responsible for monitoring the workload/patient acuity within the ward on a daily basis to ensure that nursing manpower is adequate to provide a safe standard of nursing care.
* Ensure the cost‑effective and appropriate use of manpower and materials with consideration and due regard to budgetary control.
* To participate in the recruitment and selection of staff ensuring adherence to CDDFT policy.
* To investigate accidents, incidents and complaints, implementing corrective actions where necessary, in consultation with the ward manager.
* To resolve conflict at ward level, defusing situations where possible.
* To participate in the monitoring and management of staff absence ensuring adherence to CDDFT policy.
* To participate in staff induction, appraisal and personal development planning.
* To actively facilitate the implementation of clinical supervision.
* To ensure there is effective communication systems in place to allow staff to keep abreast of developments in the organisation.
* To be involved in ensuring the appropriate application of CDDFT Human Resources Policies.
* To be familiar with the Health & Safety at Works Act, and be aware of its implications and ensure that ward and Trust policies are followed.
Leadership Responsibilities
* To always act as an appropriate and effective role model.
* To act as an effective mentor and preceptor and support other ward staff in performing this role.
* To act as a resource, supporting and motivating staff members.
* To keep abreast of and participate in local and Trust initiatives.
Educational Responsibilities
* To promote a learning environment that facilitates the development of staff enabling staff to develop to their full potential.
* To assist the ward manager in ensuring that all staff attend mandatory training and receive continuing development and appropriate education, maintaining accurate records of training.
* To assist in the facilitation of teaching and clinical assessment of pre and post registration nurses and health care assistants.
* To be involved with the dissemination of information regarding new or updated clinical practices, guidelines and policies to all ward nursing staff.
* To participate in training needs analysis for the ward.
* To assist in the training and education of new members of staff in relation to Non‑invasive ventilation. To ensure that the ward based qualified staff have met the relevant competencies in relation to non‑invasive ventilation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Level 1 Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
* Educated to Diploma level
* Teaching and assessing qualification
Statutory Registration
* Registered Nurse (adult or Child) on part 1 of the NMC register
* Valid UK NMC PIN
Special Skills and Knowledge
* Computer skills including e‑mail and word processing
* Management of staff
Experience
* Broad range of clinical experience
* Evidence of dealing with patients in an acute medical setting
Special Requirements
* NIV experience
* Background in respiratory
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Compensation
£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum, pro rata.
EEO Statement
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.
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