Job overview
Do you enjoy working in a compassionate environment, want to learn and develop new skills, enjoy working with a variety of service users, all with very different needs and work with people in crisis to help them with their recovery, then this job is for you!
An opportunity has arisen for a Charge Nurse to join our Psychiatric Intensive Care Team in our purpose built, 10 bedded unit.
Main duties of the job
* The provision of effective clinical leadership to and management of ward staff
* Undertake Gatekeeping for PICU referrals
* Support in overseeing Unit compliance and excellence
* Act as named nurse / key worker for an identified group of service users ensuring the assessment, implementation and evaluation of nursing care.
* To co-produce collaborative care plans for service users and undertake service users’ activities as appropriate ensuring a high standard of care.
* Adhere to appropriate policies, procedures and guidelines.
* Liaise with the wider multidisciplinary team to enhance the standard of care service users receive.
* Engage in the management of de-escalation in conflict situations through adherence to Prevention Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) techniques.
* Assist the team to ensure the management of a safe clinical environment by undertaking ward safety checks
* Carry out observations on patients and document them in line with trust policy
* To safely administer controlled drugs and all other medication in accordance with Medicines’ Management Policy and NMC guidance.
* Act as Shift Leader ensuring the smooth running of the ward area and participating in an effective hand over period, ensuring good communications at all times.
* Promote a safe environment in line with clinical risk assessments and to ensure all incidents are reported electronically.
* Ensure that clinical practice is line with least restrictive principles
Working for our organisation
Our team provides short-term intensive assessment, treatment, and support to Service Users, who maybe experiencing a mental health crisis, and often present with a variety of complex mental health needs.
To maximise Service User recovery, the teams will be working in a trauma informed way and utilising the RAID model of care. Our aim is to work in the least restrictive way as possible whilst maintaining patient safety.
Upon joining our team, we will ensure that successful candidates undergo both mandatory and bespoke training, to fully equip them with the skills required to work within our PICU environment
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
-To act as the named nurse with responsibility for the overall care of an identified group of Service Users.
-To regularly act as shift leader ensuring the smooth running of the clinical area and best utilisation of resources available, with support from other senior staff.
-The post holder will be responsible for keeping professionally updated in accordance with Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements and for participating in clinical reflection through
clinical supervision.
-The post holder will be accountable for their behaviour on duty and will be responsible for reporting anything untoward to a senior member of staff
Person specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
* First level registration (RMN)
* Appropriate diploma or post registration equivalent.
* Evidence of Continual Professional development
* IT Literate
* Preparation for mentorship
* Training in management of violence and aggression
Desirable criteria
* Training in psychosocial interventions
* ECDL
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience at Band 5 and evidence of appropriate clinical management experience
* Experience of working in acute / forensic mental health settings.
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in a range of mental health settings
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Good understanding of Mental Illness
* Knowledge of treatments and interventions appropriate for individuals with acute mental health needs
* Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and CPA process
* Knowledge of current policy and guidance in relation to the development of PICU / Acute Mental Health Services
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Good verbal and written communication skills, with emphasis on complex and sensitive information
* Ability to complete the appropriate documentation
* Good social skills and have a positive attitude within the team and when dealing with service users, staff, carers, visitors and the public.
* Ability to physically undertake and participate in PMVA in a clinical setting
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.