Senior Charge Nurse

2 weeks ago - Be among the first 25 applicants

As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is committed to delivering excellent care to our 22,000 residents. Whether you’re new to the NHS or bringing experience from elsewhere, your skills will make a real difference.

Our modern healthcare facility, The Balfour, brings together inpatient care, emergency services, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices and the Scottish Ambulance Service. We’re also investing in services across our outer isles, ensuring high‑quality care reaches every corner of Orkney.

Open and honest, Respect and Kindness guide everything we do – from how we care for patients to how we support each other as colleagues.

With over 70 islands, 20 of them inhabited, Orkney offers a unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit community and adventure. From dramatic coastlines and rare wildlife to rich cultural traditions, it’s a place where compassion thrives and every day brings something new. Regularly named one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney offers a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and inspiring.

The post holder will lead the operational management of HLIN Assessment & Rehabilitation, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and person‑centred care. They will take responsibility for budgetary control, clinical governance, and the strategic allocation of resources to maintain high standards of service. Acting as a professional role model, they will provide clear direction and inspirational leadership to the multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The role demands strong organisational and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage change effectively, and a commitment to enhancing patient experience.

The ideal candidate is a registered nurse on the NMC register with the appropriate level for the area of speciality and a strong foundation in assessment and rehabilitation/care of the elderly. Educated to degree level or equivalent through experience and professional development, they have completed mentorship and preceptorship training, alongside evidence of continuous professional development. With significant post‑registration experience including Band 6, the candidate possesses advanced clinical skills complemented by a sound understanding of audit processes, policy development, and resource management.

They are adept at managing staffing and area budget, planning resources effectively, and leading teams through change. Their ability to analyse data, identify trends, and present findings confidently ensures informed decision‑making and service improvement. Highly organised and motivated, they exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaborative relationships built on trust and respect. Flexible and proactive, they demonstrate enthusiasm for enhancing patient care and driving nursing development.

Their commitment to professional standards and participation in senior nurse on‑call duties reflects their readiness to take on this pivotal leadership role.

Location:

The Balfour, Kirkwall
Working Pattern:
Full Time – 37 hours per week
Contract Duration:
Permanent
Condition:
Must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Salary:
Band 7
For residents on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,654 pro rata per annum.

Additional benefits include an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work‑life balance policies, an employee assistance programme and various discounts to local and national retailers.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If there are additional requirements you would like to request, please contact the recruitment team.

For further guidance on the recruitment process and tips for creating a strong application, please refer to our Candidate Application Pack.

To find out more about this opportunity please contact Michelle Mackie, Interim Deputy Director of Nursing, or Samantha Thomas, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP and Acute. This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Health Care Provider

• Hospitals and Health Care