Job overview
Exciting opportunities have arisen in the Emergency Department at Tunbridge Wells Hospital for a Junior Sister/Charge Nurse.
We welcome applications from experienced ED nurses who are looking for a new challenge and who would like to join our friendly, vibrant team.
You will join an established team of nurses who have a wealth of experience in emergency care.
We work as a team to deliver high quality emergency care to patients presenting with a broad spectrum of conditions within our department which comprises of a 5 bedded resuscitation room, 12 majors cubicles, a rapid assessment area, designated paediatric area, CDU and minor injuries. We are supported by GP streaming and SDEC.
Main duties of the job
Our ED offers an educationally focused environment. We are committed to developing and supporting our staff with their career pathway and have strong links with both Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church Universities. You will also have the support of a Practice Development Nurse who will support your development alongside your team leader and the senior nursing team which comprises of matrons and a lead matron. You will get to work in all areas of the department to enable you to further develop your clinical and leadership skills.
To work with us you will need to demonstrate a kind and compassionate attitude. You will be dynamic, motivated and hardworking, have excellent communication skills and are passionate about emergency care.
You should have excellent leadership skills and have knowledge of current issues in emergency care.
There will be a requirement to work day and night shifts.
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 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.
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 20.6% employer contribution 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)
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. Registered Nurse
6. Mentorship Qualification
7. Relevant specialist course or equivalent experience
8. Experience of leading shifts in Emergency Department
Desirable criteria
9. Graduate
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential criteria
10. Extensive experience within speciality
11. Knowledge of quality, standard setting, benchmarking and audit.
12. Knowledge of NMC Code of Professional Conduct
13. Extensive knowledge of speciality
Desirable criteria
14. Knowledge of budget management
Skills
Essential criteria
15. Organisation and management skills.
16. Teaching
17. Ability to lead a team
18. Articulate with advanced written and oral communication skills
19. Ability to work effectively under pressure
20. Ability to problem solve
21. Ability to perform clinical activities specific to speciality
22. Competency in medication administration including IV drugs
23. IT skills including use of email and office packages.
Desirable criteria
24. Ability to appraise staff or willingness to learn.