Deputy Charge Nurse

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NHS Scotland:

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)

Position:

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is seeking enthusiastic and experienced Registered Nurses to join the Medicine Division as Deputy Charge Nurses (Band 6) across University Hospital Crosshouse and University Hospital Ayr.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for nurses who wish to develop their leadership and management skills while maintaining a strong clinical presence within acute medicine. As Deputy Charge Nurse, you will support the Charge Nurse in the day‑to‑day management of the ward, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and person‑centred care.

Hours:

Various hours available per week.

What you will do:

• Deputise for the Charge Nurse in the operational management of the ward/area
• Provide strong clinical leadership and maintain oversight of patient care delivery
• Coordinate shifts, manage patient flow and support escalation processes
• Promote and maintain safe staffing levels in line with patient acuity
• Support, supervise and develop Band 6 nurses, Health Care Support Workers and students
• Act as a clinical role model and uphold professional, quality and safety standards
• Contribute to clinical governance, risk management, audit and quality improvement activity
• Support implementation of policies, procedures and service developments
• Foster a positive team culture that supports staff wellbeing and retention

For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required for this post:

You will have:

• Current NMC registration
• Relevant post‑registration experience, preferably within an acute or medical setting
• Evidence of leadership, supervision or acting‑up experience
• Strong communication, organisational and decision‑making skills
• A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice
• The ability to work flexibly across a 24/7 rota, including nights and weekends

We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive leadership environment
• Ongoing development opportunities to prepare for Charge Nurse roles
• Access to leadership, management and clinical development programmes
• Flexible working arrangements, with part‑time hours considered
• A strong focus on staff wellbeing, engagement and career progression

For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification

For further information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact:
Hazel Hainey – Lead Nurse for Medicine

DELETE IF N/A Please note that we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once enough applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at your earliest opportunity.

RIGHT TO WORK / CERTIFICATES OF SPONSORSHIP

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

Please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland .
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
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