Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

Job Description

Job Title: Band 6 Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Critical Care Nurse to join our team as a Band 6 Junior Sister / Charge Nurse. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual with a passion for delivering the highest standards of nursing care. You will play a crucial role in leading and supporting our ICU team, ensuring excellent patient care within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The role offers flexibility with full-time or part-time options, and you will work Monday to Sunday, with a rotating shift pattern of day and night shifts.

You will be based in the ICU at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, which is an 11-bed unit providing top-tier Adult General Intensive Care. We’re a small, close-knit team that prides itself on delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

Please note: Candidates must hold valid NMC registration to be considered.

For overseas candidates, if you require immigration sponsorship, please use the GOV.UK website to self-assess your eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

This vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if enough suitable applications are received. Candidates who have previously received feedback stating they are unsuitable for the role need not apply unless they have since gained further experience or taken steps to strengthen their application.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Leadership:

Ensure a high standard of care is provided by the nursing team in the critical care environment, promoting evidence-based practice.

Support the unit manager and senior colleagues in the management and organization of the unit.

Provide both clinical and managerial expertise to the team, playing a key role in the coordination and development of the nursing staff.

Ensure compliance with Trust policies, legal, and professional standards within the unit.

Operational Management:

Manage the unit in the absence of the Senior Sister/Unit Matron, coordinating team activities and deploying resources effectively.

Implement best practices for patient flow, admission, and discharge processes.

Allocate staffing based on patient needs, skill mix, and individual learning requirements.

Adjust staff rosters to meet unit/organizational needs and requirements.

Ensure smooth patient reception, transfer, and discharge, in line with unit protocols.

Patient Care and Communication:

Provide comprehensive assessments of patient nursing needs, planning, implementing, and evaluating care according to individual health care needs.

Maintain accurate records in compliance with legal, professional, and organizational standards.

Ensure effective communication within the unit and with external agencies to meet service demands.

Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient needs are met.

Encourage family involvement in care planning and decision-making, ensuring open, sensitive communication.

Supervision and Training:

Supervise and guide junior staff, ensuring instructions related to patient care are followed.

Provide leadership and support in clinical situations, particularly urgent or emergency scenarios.

Maintain professional accountability by adhering to safe practices in line with the NMC Code of Conduct.

Participate in ongoing training, education, and development activities for personal and professional growth.

Medicine and Equipment Management:

Ensure safe and accurate administration of medications in line with NMC and Trust policies.

Support the maintenance of medical equipment, ensuring quality control standards are met.

Incident Reporting and Risk Management:

Record and report any untoward incidents, minimizing further risks and following up on actions required.

Recognize and appropriately respond to any emergencies or urgent situations.

Communications and Key Relationships:

Maintain effective communication, both written and verbal, with professional colleagues, hospital departments, and external agencies to coordinate patient care and meet service demands.

Foster positive relationships with colleagues from all disciplines through respectful and professional communication.

About Wrightington, Wigan, and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:
WWL is a leading provider of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. We are committed to placing patients at the heart of everything we do, offering safe, effective care that respects the dignity of every individual.

At WWL, we believe that “happy staff makes happy patients.” We are dedicated to staff engagement and live by our values to create a supportive and collaborative environment.

We value the diversity and benefits a varied workforce brings to our community and encourage applications from all sections of society.

Safeguarding:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As part of the WWL team, you will share this commitment, and your role will involve maintaining a focus on patient safety, with adherence to policies and procedures in place to protect all individuals within our care.