Staff Nurse, Secure Care Division

Job overview

Are you a qualified RNMH / RNLD, or a student nurse due to qualify in 2026? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

If you’re calm under pressure, confident in dynamic situations, and motivated by structured, meaningful work, secure nursing offers a unique chance to make a real impact while developing specialist skills.

As part of the Secure Care Division, you may be asked to work at any of our low, medium and high secure environments, supporting service users with complex mental health needs, personality disorders, learning disabilities and autism.

To support our “Grow Our Own” strategy and attract and retain talented staff within the Secure Care Division, a Recruitment & Retention premia is available. For qualified nurses, this premia ranges from £0 to £7500 pro rata per annum, depending on service allocation. Allocations will be determined by the service and the premia will reflect the amount for that clinical area.

Main duties of the job

As part of this role, you’ll be expected to deliver compassionate, high‑quality nursing care while maintaining a strong focus on safety and security. You’ll combine therapeutic clinical practice with robust security procedures, working with individuals who may present dangerous or violent behaviours. Every shift involves purposeful challenge; upholding professional boundaries, ensuring secure routines are followed, and maintaining a safe, well‑run ward environment. You’ll also be responsible for assessing and reviewing care plans, managing medications safely, working closely with the multi‑disciplinary team, and supporting colleagues through supervision and training. Throughout, you’ll demonstrate the Trust’s values and meet all professional and organisational standards associated with the position.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Successful candidates will deliver high‑quality therapeutic care to service users with complex needs, including those with dangerous or violent propensities. Working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, your main duties will include:

Core Clinical Responsibilities

• Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating comprehensive care plans for patients in secure settings.
• Administering, managing and monitoring medications in line with Trust policies.
• Ensuring high standards of clinical practice, patient safety and infection control.
• Supporting patients’ rights, welfare, spiritual beliefs and diversity.
• Building effective therapeutic relationships to support rehabilitation and recovery.

Multi‑disciplinary & Care Coordination

• Acting as an internal care coordinator/case manager, liaising with the Primary Care Team and contributing to treatment planning.
• Ensuring compliance with mental health legislation and safeguarding requirements.

Ward-Based Responsibilities

• Supporting the daily running of the ward, including periodic responsibility for ward management.
• Maintaining hygiene, safety, security and adherence to NHS security protocols.
• Escorting and accompanying patients both onsite and outside the hospital when required.

Teamwork, Supervision & Training

• Providing supervision and support to Nursing Assistants and colleagues.
• Participating in induction, training and development of learners and qualified staff.
• Engaging fully in personal development planning and clinical supervision.

Professional Standards & Conduct

• Upholding Trust values: Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Respectfulness and Enthusiasm.
• Ensuring confidentiality, accurate record‑keeping and compliance with organisational policies.
• Promoting positive relationships with visitors, the public and external stakeholders.