Band 8 Nurse Jobs in the NHS

Band 8 covers four sub-bands (8a through 8d) ranging from experienced specialists and small team leads to heads of department and associate directors. Applications at this level need a clear track record of impact: service improvement, governance, budget management, or advanced clinical expertise.

52 live vacancies at this grade · 45 NHS employers · salary £57,528 - £108,814

52

Open Positions

£56k - £112k

Salary Range

45

NHS Trusts

26

New This Week

What to expect from Band 8 Nurse roles

Band 8 covers four sub-bands (8a through 8d) ranging from experienced specialists and small team leads to heads of department and associate directors. Applications at this level need a clear track record of impact: service improvement, governance, budget management, or advanced clinical expertise. For nurse candidates, this usually means matching the advertised responsibilities to your evidence before applying: the same band can cover different service settings, rota patterns, and levels of supervision across NHS employers.

Job Clerk is currently tracking 52 live band 8 nurse vacancies across 45 NHS employers. Use this page to compare the broad market, then narrow into a city page when you need local salary expectations, employers, and closing-date pressure.

Recent salary data for band 8 nurse roles ranges from about £55,690 to £112,426 per year, depending on employer, setting, rota pattern, and high-cost area supplements.

Band expectations

  • Professional registration and advanced qualifications
  • Extensive experience in specialist area
  • Proven leadership and management track record
  • Master's degree or equivalent (often required)

Role evidence to prepare

  • Managing a patient caseload across a shift or clinic autonomously
  • Escalating deteriorating patients using NEWS2 or equivalent
  • Mentoring students and supervising junior staff on placement
  • Leading or contributing to audit, QIP, or service improvement

Typical requirements

  • Active NMC registration in the relevant field (adult, child, mental health, or learning disability)
  • Specialist qualifications or training for Band 6+ roles
  • Evidence of revalidation-ready CPD portfolio
  • Mentorship or practice assessor qualification (for supervisory roles)

Hiring locations

Current band 8 nurse demand is visible in London, Wigan, Derby, Exeter, and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Location pages help you compare local trusts, travel expectations, and live job counts before applying.

Employer mix

Recent listings include employers such as Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, and NHS England. Review each advert for the person specification, application method, and whether the post closes early after enough applications.

Band 8 Nurse Jobs by City

Browse band 8 nurse jobs in the UK's biggest NHS hubs.

Where Band 8 Nurse Roles Are Hiring

London, London4 jobs
Wigan, North West2 jobs
Derby, Midlands2 jobs
Exeter, South West2 jobs
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, West of Scotland2 jobs
Shrewsbury, Midlands1 jobs
Maidstone, South East1 jobs
Abbey Wood, London, London1 jobs
Warwick, Midlands1 jobs
Oxford, South East1 jobs
Doncaster, North East and Yorkshire1 jobs
Norwich, East of England1 jobs

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