Sister/Charge Nurse – Band 6 Full Time NEW

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from July 2026.

This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Should you join NBT as an employee prior to our organisations merging, your employment will be automatically transferred across to UHBW. Should your employment begin after our two Trusts merge, you will be employed directly by UHBW and therefore UHBW terms and conditions of service will apply

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

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Job Overview

An exciting opportunity as a Sister/Charge Nurse has arisen within the team on Ward 28A at North Bristol NHS Trust. Ward 28A specialises in caring for patients with respiratory conditions and provides HDU beds looking after patients with level 2 care or post-ICU high dependency needs. This is an excellent position that will allow you to further enhance your acute medical skills and begin taking on a junior management role.

The role of the Sister/Charge Nurse on 28A involves managing the daily flow of patients through the ward, caring for acutely unwell respiratory patients and being a supportive, positive role model for junior team members . You will also be expected (following training) to deputise for the ward manager in their absence.

The successful applicant will be entered on the One NBT management program to support their development into this role to learn skills in appraisal, recruitment, sickness and performance management. You would also be expected to be a lead on quality improvement initiative.

Significant experience of caring for patients with high dependency needs is essential to undertake this role (skills-specific training will be offered to suitable candidates)

The post involves the full rotation of shifts as the area has senior staff working at all times.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work closely with and provide clinical and managerial support for the ward Sister

and wider team.

The post holder will take charge of the ward as and when required in the absence of the ward

manager on a daily basis.

The post holder will be expected to lead on an area of ward quality and working with the ward sister

and other Band 6’ ensure the ward submits all quality and Infection control audits monthly and that the

results are reviewed and acted upon to ensure continuous improvement.

The post holder will be responsible for managing the ward team in relation to the assessment,

planning, provision, maintenance and evaluation of programmes of high standards of care

The post holder will assist the ward Sister in provision of high quality patient care within the

constraints of the allocated ward budget.

In the absence of the ward Sister, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that care delivery by

all members of the care team is carried out in accordance with Trust policies and procedures and the

guidelines for practice set by the NMC code of conduct.

The post holder will take responsibility for the management, supervision and guidance of other

qualified staff, Health care assistants or students on a daily basis.

Working for our organisation

Ward 28A is a busy and acute environment with a dedicated and hard working team. We aim to provide the best quality care to the variety of patients we care for whether acutely unwell needing specialist care or caring for palliative patients with sensitivity and compassion. We have an education pathway for our registered staff that will provide guidance and support for developing the right clinical skills to care for our patients.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The post holder will regularly act as a mentor and assessor for student nurses at all levels and new staff of all grades.

This includes the coordination of learning opportunities and as agreed with the ward Sister, the development of appropriate teaching programmes and provision of relevant educational material/

literature for use in the ward area.

• In the absence of the ward Sister, lead and coordinate teams of nursing staff in the delivery of

high standards of evidence based nursing care.

• To be responsible for ensuring the appropriate assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based care to all patients in the clinical area.
• To act efficiently and effectively upon any significant changes in a patient’s condition orcircumstances.
• Responsible for taking charge of the ward / department on a daily basis in the absence of the ward Sister.
• To contribute towards health promotion for patients and carers by providing education, support and advice. Ensure referral to appropriate professionals or agencies as required.
• Ensure the safe ordering, administration and custody of patients’ medication according to Trust policies and procedures.
• To be responsible for delegation of appropriate work to other qualified staff, health care assistants and students. team to ensure arrangement of efficient, safe and timely discharge or transfer according to Trust

policy.

• Responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients undergoing treatment or investigations.
• To work cooperatively and professionally as a member of the ward team and within the directorate.
• To organise and participate in meetings with families, other members of the multidisciplinary team or within the directorate.
• To have a working knowledge of safeguarding and ensure the nursing team are fully informed and promote care and actions that minimises any risk
• To communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and colleagues.
• To liaise regularly with other ward teams in the directorate.
• To ensure effective dissemination of information to all levels of staff in the absence of the ward Sister.
• To work closely with the Clinical site managers and bed managers to ensure best use of beds and staff.
• To actively promote team working through organisation of team meetings as required.
• Ability to provide verbal reports and maintain written reports on the patients condition for nurses and professionally qualified workers.
• To take responsibility for ensuring that all members of the care team treat patients with courtesy at all times and ensure the individual needs of patients are respected and confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• To effectively take telephone enquiries and forward calls to relevant departments orindividuals as the need arises.
• Participate in ward, department, directorate or multidisciplinary meetings in the absence of the ward Sister.
• In the absence of the ward Sister take responsibility for supervising and coordinating efficient management of patient care delivery.
• To be able to take charge and act in emergency situations and have expert knowledge of emergency procedures including fire and resuscitation. To be responsible for the support and direction

of qualified and junior staff in such situations according to Trust policy.

• To be responsible for ensuring provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients,

relatives, visitors and colleagues.

• Ensure the readiness for use of special equipment and the availability of nursing supplies.
• Ensure the safe custody of patients’ valuables and property according to Trust policies.
• In the absence of the ward manager take responsibility for managing and reporting all complaints, incidents or accidents involving self, staff, patients, visitors and complete relevant documentation according to Trust procedure.
• Be responsible for reporting and documenting any broken or damaged equipment according

to Trust policy. Make arrangements for suitable disposal or repair of equipment in the absence of the ward Sister.

• With the support of the ward Sister liaise with works/estates departments to ensure all equipment is properly maintained in accordance with Trust policy.
• To have detailed knowledge of Manual handling regulations particularly with regards to the lifting and moving of patients. To be responsible for ensuring assessment of patients’ manual handling

needs are carried out and ensure junior staff and students follow these requirements in the course of care delivery. Attend mandatory theoretical and practical training as agreed with the ward Sister.

• Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health in accordance with Trust policy. Ensure availability of facilities for disposal of sharps, toxic / cytotoxic waste in accordance with trust policy.
• With the assistance of the ward Sister ensure all staff are regularly updated in relation to health & safety issues and organise their attendance to statutory days.
• Take responsibility for reporting any health & safety issues related to patients, relatives staffing, manual handling, infection equipment or maintenance to the matron or Head of nursing in the

absence of the ward Sister.

• With the support of the ward Sister be responsible for the economical use of supplies,

equipment and staffing within the allocated annual budget.

• Authorise invoices / timesheets as required in the absence of the ward manager.
• Ensure the most effective and economical use of supplies and equipment, monitor and report

to ensure stock levels are maintained.

• Monitor the use of supplies by all staff to promote efficient use of all supplies.
• Detailed knowledge of the protocols and procedures concerning the use of bank and agencystaff.
• Personal responsibility to keep up to date with new developments in nursing and maintain registration with the NMC including evidence in a professional development portfolio.
• Take responsibility to ensure that Trust and local policies are known and followed by all staff.
• Attend mandatory professional update days as agreed with the ward Sister.
• To take part in learning activities to develop individual competence and facilitate the provision

of a positive learning environment in the ward / department.

• Undertake additional nursing skills development or maintain existing skills by update training

as required for: IV drug administration, ECG, male catheterisation, cannulation, and venepuncture.

• To act in a professional manner towards all staff within the team or directorate.
• Undertake management training in relation to personnel management, appraisal training,

recruitment, budget management as agreed with the ward /department Sister.

• Participate in clinical audit and research activities as the service requires.
• To have sound knowledge of nursing research and current developments to provide evidence based nursing care.
• To have access to the intranet and internet to access latest research.
• To attend clinical governance days in the absence of the ward Sister to provide up to date knowledge for the nursing team.
• With the support of the ward Sister implement changes to nursing practice based on the

recommendations of audit or research.

• To be responsible for dissemination of research information to all staff in the absence of the ward Sister.
• To be responsible for teaching and assessing student nurses as required and regularly act as mentor/assessor for other staff and students as agreed with the ward Sister.
• To maintain continuing assessment and written reports for students or junior staff as required.
• Actively participate in the teaching and mentoring of qualified and junior staff and students by

demonstrating and assessing procedures as agreed with the ward Sister.

• To be actively involved with the facilitation of new students and staff to develop their competence.
• With the support of the ward Sister take responsibility for organising and planning ward or

department teaching programmes.

• Actively participate in teaching within the ward or directorate.
• To contribute towards the provision of a positive learning environment within the clinical area.
• With the support of the ward Sister ensure that there are clear, relevant and up to date

orientation and teaching packages available for staff and students. Take responsibility for reviewing

these on a regular basis.

• To ensure all staff are aware of their own responsibilities according to their job descriptions

and take responsibility to support and assist all staff to achieve their objectives within that role.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
• With the support of the ward Sister, be responsible for the organisation and delivery of a high

quality service including patient care, the ward / unit environment and facilities and communication with patients, relatives, visitors and all members of the clinical and multidisciplinary team.

• To regularly act as a bleep holder within the directorate. This role requires the post holder to act as a clinical resource, provide support to other nursing teams and take responsibility for the management/ deployment of nursing staff in relation to workload and dependency issues.
• To have detailed knowledge of requirements for staffing the ward or department.
• To have detailed knowledge of the actions to take to maintain staffing levels and skill mix.
• Undertake aspects of ward administration as agreed by the ward Sister i.e. rostering, monitoring sickness or absence, providing monthly financial reports, maintaining records of annual

leave, bank or agency usage, appraisals, completion of time sheets.

• With the support of the ward Sister actively participate in the recruitment of staff
• With the support of the ward Sister assess the learning needs of team members and arrange

necessary training or updates to promote skill development.

• Participate in multi professional meetings and represent the directorate at Trust meetings as agreedwith the ward Sister

Person specification

Acute Nursing experience

Essential criteria

• 18 months – 2 years experience in an acute environment familiar with ‘level 2’ patients such as Respiratory/HDU/ICU/ED/CCU/AMU

Desirable criteria

• Experience managing patients with acute & chronic respiratory conditions
• Specialist courses relevant to Respiratory/ Acute Care modules

Mentor/Assessor (nursing)

Essential criteria

• Current mentor

Experience coordinating wards

Essential criteria

• Previous experience co-ordinating inpatient wards.
• Leadership skills, professionalism and assertiveness
• Flexible/ able to work a rotational shift pattern to support managament of the ward

Desirable criteria

• Previous B6 experience/management experience
• Experience driving a quality improvement initiative

Please note that if you apply for a position with North Bristol NHS Trust, you may be contacted via TRAC or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your TRAC Account and email accounts including junk and spam folders.

If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.

North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.