Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse – Guildford
Salary: £38,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (37.5 hours per week)
Recruiting on behalf of our client
We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced and compassionate Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse to join their specialist detox and recovery service in Guildford. The Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse will play a central clinical and leadership role within a multidisciplinary team, supporting adults through safe, structured and person-centred detoxification.
The Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse must be an NMC-registered nurse (RGN or RMN) with strong clinical leadership skills, confidence in managing detox protocols, and experience within substance misuse or mental health services. This Monday–Friday role offers stability, autonomy and the opportunity to influence high-quality care delivery.
What We’re Looking For in a Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse
• NMC-registered nurse (RGN/RMN) with relevant post-registration experience
• Experience within substance misuse, detox, addiction treatment or mental health
• Strong clinical leadership and excellent communication skills
• A compassionate, proactive approach and the ability to work well under pressure
• A Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse who thrives within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
What the Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse Will Do
As the Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse, you will:
• Provide clinical leadership to support teams, offering guidance, supervision and expertise to maintain exceptional standards of care
• Assess, plan and implement detox programmes, including alcohol detox tapers, Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) protocols and structured withdrawal monitoring
• Conduct and oversee COWS and CIWA-Ar assessments to guide safe, evidence-based detox progression
• Monitor and interpret vital signs (BP, pulse, respiration, O2 saturations, temperature) to identify early signs of deterioration
• Respond appropriately and confidently to clinical and medical emergencies
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation, support audits and contribute to continuous quality improvement
• Work collaboratively with GPs, doctors, therapists and external partners to ensure a seamless, integrated treatment approach
• Mentor and develop support workers, promoting best practice, detox knowledge and ongoing professional development
• Oversee daily clinical operations and step into broader centre management responsibilities where required
This Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse position in Guildford offers a rare opportunity to work regular weekday hours while playing a key leadership role within a respected treatment service. If you are an experienced nurse seeking a rewarding and stable position with the chance to make a meaningful difference, this Lead Nurse – Substance Misuse role is an excellent fit