Charge Nurse - Pavilion Ward

Job overview

The Charge Nurse is a senior clinical practitioner responsible for the coordination and delivery of high-quality, safe, and person-centred care on Pavilion Ward. The post holder will provide visible leadership on shift, ensuring the ward operates effectively, safely, and in line with Trust policies and procedures.

Acting as nurse in charge, the Charge Nurse will oversee the day-to-day management of the ward environment, including staffing, patient flow, and risk management within a dynamic acute/PICU setting. They will lead and support a multidisciplinary approach to care, ensuring that patients receive timely, recovery-focused interventions.

The post holder will role model professional standards, support staff development, and contribute to a positive team culture, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Main duties of the job

- Act as nurse in charge of the ward, coordinating shifts and ensuring safe staffing levels

- Lead on the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care

- Manage risk effectively, including observation levels, incidents, and safeguarding concerns

- Support and supervise junior staff, students, and support workers

- Ensure compliance with Trust policies, including observation, medication management, and documentation standards

- Contribute to admission, transfer, and discharge processes in line with operational pathways

- Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic care

- Lead on incident response, including debriefs and learning

- Promote a therapeutic ward environment that supports recovery and engagement

- Participate in audit, quality improvement, and service development initiatives

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Deliver high standards of nursing care in line with the NMC Code and Trust policies
• Undertake and lead comprehensive risk assessments and care planning
• Ensure care plans are individualised, recovery-focused, and regularly reviewed
• Monitor and manage patient risk, including leading on observation practices
• Administer and oversee safe medicines management
• Respond to clinical emergencies and incidents appropriately

Leadership and Management

• Take charge of the ward on a shift-by-shift basis
• Allocate staff effectively based on patient need and acuity
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and support to junior staff
• Promote a positive team culture, addressing performance and conduct concerns as required
• Support staff wellbeing and development

Safety and Governance

• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures, and clinical standards
• Lead on incident management, including reporting, investigation, and learning
• Support safeguarding processes and escalate concerns appropriately
• Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant clinical records
• Contribute to audits, reviews, and quality improvement activity

Multidisciplinary Working

• Work collaboratively with medical, psychology, OT, and wider MDT colleagues
• Contribute to ward rounds, reviews, and care planning meetings
• Liaise with carers, families, and external agencies as appropriate

Operational Responsibilities

• Support patient flow, including admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Ensure the ward environment is safe, therapeutic, and well-managed
• Assist with roster coordination and resource management where required

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional registration and adhere to the NMC Code
• Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuing professional development
• Act as a role model for high standards of care, professionalism, and conduct