Deputy Sister​/Charge Nurse, Aspen Ward

Go back Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 16 June 2026

• Promote and help manage delivery of a quality nursing service, setting and monitoring clinical standards.
• Assess patient care needs and develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care.
• Serve as Team Leader and Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse within the framework of team nursing based on internal night rotation and the nursing philosophy of Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Take lead responsibility for coordinating and facilitating staff training, educational and development needs.
• Lead responsibility for an area of clinical practice appropriate to the ward environment.
• Develop effective working relationships with the Aspen Ward Manager, Clinical Nurse Leader, CSNP team, Discharge Team, Social Services, Emergency Department, mental health institutions and other NHS and private organisations.
• Work closely with the Ward Manager, Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse colleagues, Stroke Consultants, Matron, Senior ward team, Practice Educator, Therapists and Learning & Development Teams.
• Act as a role model and resource, providing information and promoting high standards of patient care while working closely with the multidisciplinary team.
• Support the Ward Manager in financial and risk priorities and liaise with physiotherapy, nutrition, and Divisional Chief Nurse teams.
• Implement and monitor agreed standards of patient care and quality service, ensuring compliance with hospital policy and infection prevention protocols.
• Interpret clinical observations and records to plan patient care, report matters outside responsibility promptly to appropriate staff.
• Investigate and report on all aspects of patient management, including accidents and complaints, in line with hospital policy.
• Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring accuracy and legibility.
• Establish an effective communication system with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Assist with evaluation projects, assessment of new equipment and technology, and maintain competency of staff in equipment use.
• Ensure safe custody and administration of drugs, safe use of equipment, and maintain a safe environment in accordance with Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Report and record accidents/incidents and complaints, undertake investigations as directed.
• Maintain competence in current emergency resuscitation techniques and fire regulations.
• Maintain budgetary control and participate in meetings and working parties to develop effective links with colleagues.
• Initiate improvements in nursing care and ward/department management, and deputise for the Ward Manager in absence.

• Maintain a suitable learning environment for all staff and ensure registered nurses understand educational objectives.
• Manage day‑to‑day education of staff, promoting competency through work‑based education.
• Devise and implement teaching programmes that complement wider Trust programmes.
• Ensure staff undertake professional development and attend mandatory updating as required by the Trust.
• Promote and provide health education for patients and their carers.
• Support performance reviews and provide guidance for staff development.
• Participate in approved research projects.

• Participate in planning and implementing quality and risk management initiatives and targets.
• Maintain evidence‑based quality standards, conduct audits, and initiate appropriate changes in practice.
• Engage in clinical benchmarking programmes.
• Conduct and lead staff appraisals, identifying development needs.
• Assist in supervision and performance management of bank staff.
• Develop and implement clinical supervision programmes for staff.

• Years of experience in nursing, particularly in a stroke unit.
• Competent shift leader.
• Mentorship skills or equivalent.
• Advanced life support skills.
• Completed a management course.

• Minimum 3 years qualified as a registered nurse (RN).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£41,957 to £50,387 a year inc. HCAS