Job summary
- Main area
- Elderly Care / medicine
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- 12 months (12 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
- Hours
- Part time - 33 hours per week (days shift working pattern with occasional night)
- Job ref
- 279-7859688-MAR26
- Employer
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- ST RICHARDS
- Town
- Chichester
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse
Band 6
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care, and clinically are skilled ? Do you enjoy supporting and developing others ? Ford ward may have an opportunity for you !
We are looking for an enthusiastic , caring , hardworking nurse , with experience in elderly care and dementia to join our dynamic, friendly and highly motivated team as a deputy ward sister . Ford ward is a friendly ward with diverse staff . You will assist in helping to provide high quality care to inpatients with frailty related conditions including dementia , chronic lung disease, parkinsons, heart disease and diabetes. Your role will be supporting the ward sister and be a mentor to junior nurses.
We are a very supportive team, and can offer a good orientation and will be happy to give you guidance for future development .
Successful candidates are expected to lead the nursing team and deputise for the ward manager. Have strong communication skills with the multidisciplinary team , and also ensure that safety and quality is maintained for patients , their families and staff. This will be achieved by supporting the team with skill and enthusiasm .
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
Main duties of the job
You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in elderly care and and caring for those with frailty needs as well as dementia and other medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, parkinsons disease, and diabetes.
The applicant will need experience of complex discharge planning, and will require good communication skills to be able to confidently liaise with our extended multidisciplinary team, and have the ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families.
As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations. We have an inclusive team culture and value innovative and creative thinking.
You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward sister, supporting with staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward sister in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.
In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance, and infection control . The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses , helping them to develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff. He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles daily . A knowledge of complex discharge planning will be necessary to facilitate smooth discharges , and the ability to work under pressure maintaining flow within the ward.
The Ford ward team work closely together to optimise patient care and rehabilitation. The ward’s philosophy is to look after our patients with skill, kindness and compassion, and to provide our staff with a strong team support network in which they can achieve, and develop, and gain a variety of skills and abilities. Previous experience in caring for the elderly with confusion and dementia would be advantageous in this role.
Informal visits are very welcome.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- UK nursing registration NMC PIN
- ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent
- Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject or equivalent
- Significant NHS experience as band 5
- Understanding of budget management and finance
- Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject
Desirable criteria
- NVQ Assessor
- ILS provider
- Leadership course or equivalent
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- jenner lally
- Job title
- Ward Sister
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01243 788122
- Additional information
Extension 35171
Samantha Linter
Matrons
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