Go back Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Charge Nurse
The closing date is 05 May 2026
Please note: At this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts, the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Medway Community Healthcare. Nursing vacancies are also open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses.
Our inpatient care and management is overseen by a matron, along with a team of registered nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation assistants, care management staff, a pharmacist and our visiting medical officers. Community hospitals provide a range of comprehensive healthcare services for patients over the age of 18 and in some sites also outpatient services.
The units predominantly provide rehabilitation and end‑of‑life support for palliative patients and their families. Patients are referred to the ward either from the acute setting for further rehabilitation and assessment or directly from home via their GP or local community nursing teams.
Main duties of the job
* Under the direction of the Matron and Clinical Sisters, you will be responsible and accountable for the holistic care of a named group of patients.
* With the support of the Matron and Clinical Sisters, you will be responsible for maintaining clinical standards and demonstrating leadership skills.
* In the absence of senior staff, you must have the confidence, knowledge and skills to take charge of the ward and the hospital.
* You will be expected to participate in 24‑hour internal rotation and undertake other duties where requested which are compatible with the grading of the post.
* You will be expected to move to other Community Hospital sites to cover the needs of the service; therefore a full driving licence is essential.
About us
Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we are passionate about delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values of compassion, aspiration, responsiveness, and excellence.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This information is kept confidential and used only for diversity monitoring. Short‑listed candidates may be invited to participate in the guaranteed interview scheme if they qualify under disability provisions.
Job responsibilities
As a community trust, many of our roles require individuals to drive to perform their duties. A full UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non‑EU country) is required. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team for support.
We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities into employment and will provide adjustments where required.
Please be fully vaccinated if you have direct or social contact with patients.
Person Specification
Qualifications, training and experience
* A Level 6 Degree or equivalent qualification, or equivalent knowledge acquired through experience plus a diploma in nursing.
* Recent experience of healthcare gained through education, work experience or previous employment. This role is ideal for a newly qualified graduate nurse.
* Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Knowledge and skills
* Proficiency in using IT systems and databases.
* Awareness of developments within the NHS.
* Knowledge of up‑to‑date clinical practice, evidence‑based procedures and clinical effectiveness frameworks.
Working environment
* A full, valid UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non‑EU country) and the ability to travel independently are essential.
* We are committed to providing workplace adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 wherever possible.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly the CRB) will be required.
Applications will be assessed in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation.
£39,959 to £48,117 a year pro rata, per annum
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