Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

You can read an overview of the main duties of the role in the section: Job Description and Main Responsibilities.

Candidates should be energetic and forward thinking, can manage a team and demonstrate sound, innovative and leadership styles, in an evolving environment. Excellent communication, decision making, and motivation skills are key qualities and attributes to possess in conjunction with compassion and determined commitment.

You will need to demonstrate continuing professional development and a strong commitment to developing others and understand how to improve and provide safe, quality care for patients and their relatives. (Writing appraisals, dealing with complaints, running a 26 bedded ward, working alongside and developing student nurses, maintaining bed flow from ASU and ED departments, link role, assisting the Band 7 with the ward budget, roster writing and working alongside the MDT).

If you are dedicated to improving the patient experience and committed to providing a professional positive working environment for staff, then this ward will give you great job satisfaction whilst also challenging and developing your surgical skills.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

To oversee a 26 bedded ward

Attend multiple doctors ward rounds and disseminate information to the ward staff.

Meet with the MDT (Multi-disciplinary team) to discuss safe discharges of the patient

Manage bed flow

manage a team of staff, to complete their appraisals, learning objectives, link roles

Look after students nurses on the ward

To manage and deal with complaints at ward level

To be an advocate for patients- Skin integrity, work alongside the therapy teak, discharge team

Shift pattern- Early- 07:30- 15:30, Late shift- 12:00-20:00, Long day shift- 07:30-20:00 and Night shift- 19:30-08:00

The specific experience and skills for this specialised and innovative nursing role consist of knowledge and skills for caring for patients with a wide range of Acute Surgical, Urology, Upper GI, Lower GI, Vascular and Medical patients.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Significant post registration experience / qualification / training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality
• Ward management experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Experience in an acute hospital setting
• Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice
• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making and judgement
• Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities
• Commitment to continuing professional development
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Experience in handling adverse events and complaints
• Appraisal skills
• Act in the role of Practice Assessor or supporting the progression of learners / supporting challenges as needed
• Some insight into budget management