Charge Nurse

The Charge Nurse is a senior clinical practitioner responsible for the coordination and delivery of high-quality, safe, and person-centred care on Pavilion Ward. The post holder will provide visible leadership on shift, ensuring the ward operates effectively, safely, and in line with Trust policies and procedures. Acting as nurse in charge, the Charge Nurse will oversee the day-to-day management of the ward environment, including staffing, patient flow, and risk management within a dynamic acute/PICU setting. They will lead and support a multidisciplinary approach to care, ensuring that patients receive timely, recovery-focused interventions. The post holder will role model professional standards, support staff development, and contribute to a positive team culture, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement., Act as nurse in charge of the ward, coordinating shifts and ensuring safe staffing levels - Lead on the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care - Manage risk effectively, including observation levels, incidents, and safeguarding concerns - Support and supervise junior staff, students, and support workers - Ensure compliance with Trust policies, including observation, medication management, and documentation standards - Contribute to admission, transfer, and discharge processes in line with operational pathways - Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic care - Lead on incident response, including debriefs and learning - Promote a therapeutic ward environment that supports recovery and engagement - Participate in audit, quality improvement, and service development initiativesWorking for our organisation Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across Sussex and specialist services across the South East. We are committed to delivering high-quality care that is safe, effective, and compassionate. Pavilion Ward is a ten bedded male ward, supporting individuals with complex mental health needs within a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. The team is committed to providing person-centred, recovery-focused care in a safe and supportive setting. We value our staff and are committed to supporting wellbeing, professional development, and career progression. We actively promote a positive and inclusive working culture where staff feel respected, supported, and empowered to deliver excellent care.,

• Deliver high standards of nursing care in line with the NMC Code and Trust policies
• Undertake and lead comprehensive risk assessments and care planning
• Ensure care plans are individualised, recovery-focused, and regularly reviewed
• Monitor and manage patient risk, including leading on observation practices
• Administer and oversee safe medicines management
• Respond to clinical emergencies and incidents appropriately
Leadership and Management
• Take charge of the ward on a shift-by-shift basis
• Allocate staff effectively based on patient need and acuity
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and support to junior staff
• Promote a positive team culture, addressing performance and conduct concerns as required
• Support staff wellbeing and development
Safety and Governance
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures, and clinical standards
• Lead on incident management, including reporting, investigation, and learning
• Support safeguarding processes and escalate concerns appropriately
• Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant clinical records
• Contribute to audits, reviews, and quality improvement activity
Multidisciplinary Working
• Work collaboratively with medical, psychology, OT, and wider MDT colleagues
• Contribute to ward rounds, reviews, and care planning meetings
• Liaise with carers, families, and external agencies as appropriate
Operational Responsibilities
• Support patient flow, including admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Ensure the ward environment is safe, therapeutic, and well-managed
• Assist with roster coordination and resource management where required
Professional Responsibilities
• Maintain professional registration and adhere to the NMC Code
• Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuing professional development
• Act as a role model for high standards of care, professionalism, and conduct
  
  Professional qualification/Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
• Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role.
• Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent
• Evidence of continuous professional development, Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced., You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
  
  At SPFT we put people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development.
We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it's part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we'll explore what works for you and the role. We recognise that tools like AI are becoming part of everyday life and you may choose to use them when preparing your application. We welcome this, as long as what you submit reflects your own experience, skills and voice. AI can be helpful for structuring or refining your answers, but it should not replace your own examples or create content that isn't based on your real experience. Our recruitment process is designed to get to know you, and we'll explore your examples further at interview, so it's important your application genuinely represents what you bring. You can read more about using AI in applications and interviews on our recruitment process page. We're shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we'd love to hear from you.