Ward Nurse SDL - Gynaecology, ENT & General Surgery

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ward Nurse (SDL) to join our weekend service at James Paget NHS Trust. This role offers the opportunity to take on a leadership position within a busy ward environment, supporting patient care across specialties including general surgery, ENT, and gynaecology.

As a Ward Nurse SDL, you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred care, while coordinating ward activity and supporting junior staff during your shift. You will play a key role in ensuring patients receive high-quality pre- and post-operative care, maintaining clinical standards, and promoting patient safety at all times.

Working within a structured shift pattern, including early, mid, and late shifts across weekends, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure smooth patient flow and efficient service delivery. You will also act as a point of escalation, helping to resolve issues and ensure the ward operates effectively within a supportive and well-established clinical environment.

Main duties of the job

Coordinate day-to-day service delivery across the ward for gynaecology, ENT, and general surgery patients

Act as shift lead, overseeing staff allocation, workload management, and patient flow

Ensure safe staffing levels and escalate concerns in line with hospital policies

Support clinical decision-making and provide senior nursing guidance to junior staff

Monitor patient acuity, prioritising care and admissions/discharges effectively

Liaise with theatre, recovery, emergency department, and other wards to maintain patient flow

Ensure high standards of patient care, safety, and experience across all specialties

Oversee complex post-operative care, including managing complications or deterioration

Lead ward rounds coordination and ensure actions are completed promptly

Promote adherence to infection control, clinical governance, and NHS policies

Support discharge planning and work closely with multidisciplinary teams

Handle escalation of incidents, complaints, and operational pressures in a timely manner

Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to audits and service improvement initiatives

About us

Xyla are a leading provider of clinical and community healthcare services across the UK, recognised for their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Working in close collaboration with NHS trusts, Integrated Care Systems (ICS), and local authorities, Xyla supports the delivery of essential services that help improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on frontline healthcare providers.

Their service offering spans a wide range of areas, including diagnostic services, specialist outpatient pathways, waiting list management, mental health support, and community-based care. By leveraging experienced clinical teams alongside innovative service models, Xyla is able to deliver flexible and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of each healthcare partner.

A key strength of Xyla lies in their ability to enhance patient access to care, particularly in addressing NHS backlogs and improving pathway efficiency. Their focus on early intervention, preventative care, and timely diagnosis supports better long-term health outcomes while helping to optimise system capacity.

Underpinned by robust clinical governance frameworks and a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and compliance, Xyla maintains high standards of care across all services. This, combined with a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of NHS priorities, positions them as a trusted partner in supporting the ongoing transformation and sustainability of healthcare services across the UK.

Details

• Date posted: 26 June 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £410 a day PAYE or Umbrella
• Contract: Locum
• Duration: 4 months
• Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
• Reference number: M0073-26-0017
• Job locations: James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Yarmouth, NR31 6LA, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Job Description: Ward Nurse Shift/Day Lead (SDL)

Location: James Paget NHS Trust, Great Yarmouth

Organisation: Xyla Clinical Services

Contract Duration: November 2025 October 2026

Service Type: Onsite

Shift Pattern: Weekends (Saturday & Sunday, rotational)

Shift Details

• Early: 06:45 14:45
• Late: 14:00 22:00
• Requirement to work both early (Saturday) and late (Sunday) shifts on a rotational basis

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Ward Nurse to act as Shift/Day Lead (SDL) for weekend services at James Paget NHS Trust. This role combines clinical nursing expertise with leadership responsibility, ensuring safe staffing, effective coordination of care, and smooth ward operations.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to surgical patients (pre- and post-operative).
• Monitor patient conditions, escalating concerns and managing deterioration.
• Support complex patient needs, ensuring safety, dignity, and comfort.
• Administer medications and treatments in line with policies and best practice.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient documentation.

Leadership & Coordination

• Act as the Shift Lead, overseeing ward activity and patient flow.
• Coordinate staffing levels, allocations, and workload across the ward.
• Provide guidance and support to ward nurses, HCAs, and junior staff.
• Liaise effectively with theatre teams, recovery, and bed management teams.
• Escalate operational or clinical concerns to senior management where required.
• Ensure smooth admissions, transfers, and discharges across the pathway.

Governance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with infection control, clinical governance, and NHS standards.
• Promote a safe working environment and uphold patient safety protocols.
• Support incident reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to maintaining efficient ward operations and service delivery.

Specialties Covered

• General Surgery
• ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
• Gynaecology

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Registered Nurse (NMC registered)
• Significant experience on surgical or acute hospital wards
• Previous experience in a leadership/shift coordinator role
• Strong clinical decision-making and prioritisation skills
• Ability to manage teams and coordinate patient flow effectively
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience acting as Nurse in Charge / Shift Lead within NHS settings
• Knowledge of theatre-to-ward patient pathways
• Leadership or management training

Pay Rate

• PAYE: £410 per weekend shift

Additional Information

• Weekend-only position with rotational leadership responsibilities
• No travel or accommodation allowance provided
• Accommodation may be available at £30 per night
• Compliance requirements include ID verification, documentation, and mandatory e-learning completion prior to start