Staff Nurse
Job Description
Location: Borders General Hospital
Department: Ward 7 – Acute Surgical Services
Contract: Fixed-term / Secondment – 12 months
Working Pattern: 24/7 service, including days and nights
Join Our Nursing Team
NHS Borders is looking for a committed and adaptable Registered Nurse to join the team on Ward 7 at Borders General Hospital.
Ward 7 is a 31-bed acute surgical ward providing care across several specialties, including general surgery, gynaecology and urology. You will become part of a welcoming team that values collaboration, professional development and continuous improvement.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate sound clinical judgement, take responsibility for their decisions and remain confident when working independently. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to support and supervise registered nurses, unregistered colleagues and student nurses.
Your Role
Working as part of a wider multidisciplinary team, you will help ensure that patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care throughout their hospital stay.
Your responsibilities will include:
– Assessing patients’ individual needs and contributing to their care plans.
– Delivering high-quality, person-centred nursing care.
– Monitoring patients and responding appropriately to changes in their condition.
– Working closely with doctors, allied health professionals and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
– Supporting patients and their families throughout their care journey.
– Helping coordinate complex discharge arrangements.
– Providing guidance and supervision to colleagues and student nurses.
– Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of ward services.
The role requires flexibility because Ward 7 operates as part of a 24-hour, seven-day service. You must therefore be prepared to work a combination of day and night shifts according to service requirements.
What We’re Looking For
You should be a motivated Registered Nurse who can demonstrate:
– Current UK NMC registration.
– The ability to make confident and appropriate clinical decisions.
– Good organisational and communication skills.
– The ability to work effectively without constant direct supervision.
– A positive and flexible approach to changing clinical demands.
– The ability to work collaboratively with patients, families and healthcare professionals.
– An interest in maintaining high standards of patient care and contributing to service improvement.
Whether you are developing your nursing career or are ready to broaden your experience and take on greater responsibility, NHS Borders provides a supportive setting where you can develop your skills and contribute to meaningful improvements in patient care.
Our Values
Our approach is guided by five core values:
Compassion | Kindness | Integrity | Teamwork | Excellence
These principles shape the way we care for patients, support colleagues and deliver our services.
Work Eligibility and Visa Sponsorship
Anyone working in the United Kingdom must have the appropriate legal permission to work. As part of the recruitment and pre-employment checking process, NHS Scotland Boards will verify the successful candidate’s right to work in the UK.
Eligible routes may include certain visa categories as well as EU Settlement Scheme status, including settled or pre-settled status. Applicants should check the current UK Government requirements before applying.
For some vacancies, candidates who do not currently have permission to work in the UK may be able to obtain sponsorship through the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker routes. However, sponsorship is not automatic or guaranteed. Eligibility depends on factors including the employer’s sponsorship status, the requirements of the particular role and the applicable salary threshold or going rate.
Applicants should therefore confirm before submitting an application that they either:
1. Already have the appropriate right to work in the UK; or
2. Meet the relevant requirements for sponsorship for this particular position.
For the latest information about UK work visas and immigration requirements, applicants should consult the official GOV.UK guidance.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
NHS Scotland is committed to building a workforce where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Applications are welcomed from people from all backgrounds, and the organisation aims to create an inclusive working environment where employees can perform at their best.
Important Application Information
Late applications cannot be accepted, so candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the closing deadline and not leave the process until the last minute.
Using AI When Preparing Your Application
AI tools can be useful when preparing for an application, such as helping you organise your thoughts or check spelling and grammar. However, your application responses must genuinely reflect your own skills, experience and achievements.
Applicants should:
– Make sure their answers are personal and truthful.
– Use AI only as a supporting tool rather than allowing it to create their responses.
– Provide examples based on their own professional experience.
– Ensure they can confidently discuss everything included in their application.
Applications that contain responses that do not accurately represent the applicant’s own knowledge or experience may be withdrawn.
Informal Enquiries
For an informal discussion about the position or the team, please contact:
Lorna Wilson
Senior Charge Nurse
Telephone: 01896 826007
Email: lorna.wilson@borders.scot.nhs.uk
If you are a caring and motivated nurse looking for an opportunity to develop within a supportive acute surgical environment, this could be an excellent opportunity to join Ward 7 and make a positive difference to patients and their families.
