Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen on Ward 31 at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. We are looking for a Ward Manager with an interest in acute orthopaedic trauma nursing and who is highly motivated and enthusiastic about providing the best possible care for our patients whilst sharing our vision and values in best practice.
Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Matron, the post holder will be responsible for the effective and efficient operational management of the department/ward; including budget control, clinical governance, staff development and training. It is expected that the post holder creates and maintains a positive learning environment in the department. They will be expected to provide professional leadership within the clinical area and provide direction, and inspirational leadership to all members of the multi-disciplinary team within the area for which they are accountable for. The post holder will be involved in the development of protocols / guidelines and patient information. They will champion quality, patient safety and experience acting as an advocate for patients.
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
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 employer contribution of 23.7% 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). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
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
5. RGN
6. Degree level
7. Teaching/Mentorship qualification e.g. ENB 998 or equivalent
Desirable criteria
8. Evidence of continuing education at Master’s level
9. Advanced Life Support provider/other courses of similar calibre
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
10. Experience in medicine as a senior nurse within acute medicine
11. IV drug therapy, IV cannulation & venepuncture skills
12. Expert clinician
13. Knowledge and understanding of current issues in general nursing, acute nursing and the NHS
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
15. Excellent interpersonal skills
16. Leadership skills
17. Evidence of problem solving and decision making skills
18. Adaptable and flexible
19. Demonstrates initiative and innovative practice
20. Ability to facilitate change management
21. Ability to be reflective, accept criticism and act constructively
22. Positive role model
23. Compiling comprehensive duty rota for nursing and ancillary staff
Desirable criteria
24. Recruitment and selection skills
25. Involvement in standard setting and audit
26. Interview skills
27. Experience with managing a budget
28. Computer/IT skills