Job summary
Haven is a 5-bed female PICU providing intensive, trauma-informed care to women experiencing the most acute phase of serious mental illness. This is a highly rewarding role for nurses who want to deliver skilled, least restrictive care in a calm, low-stimulus environment where clinical judgement, therapeutic relationships, and teamwork are central to daily practice.
We are about to move into abrand-new, purpose-built inpatient facility, offering an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, therapeutic environment and help shape the future of our service.
We welcome applications from experienced mental health nurses looking for their next challenge, as well as newly qualified nurses seeking a well-supported first role within the NHS.
Main duties of the job
We are strongly committed to least restrictive, trauma-informed practice. Our approach prioritises therapeutic engagement, relational security, and skilled de-escalation, supported by consistent team working and clear communication. Care is individualised, risk is thoughtfully assessed, and restrictive interventions are used only when absolutely necessary. Reflective practice is embedded within the team, allowing us to learn from challenges and continually improve the care we provide.
Haven PICU offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your clinical expertise and broaden your professional impact. We work closely with medical staff, psychology, and AHPs in a truly integrated MDT. As a nurse on Haven you have an opportunity to takeon informal leadership and mentorship roles within the shift team, as well as contribute to service development, quality improvement, and ward culture.
Many nurses find PICU to be a career-defining step, strengthening confidence, resilience, and readiness for future Band 6 or specialist roles.
Newly qualified nurses are fully supported through acomprehensive preceptorship programme, alongside a structured ward-based induction. You will receive close support from Clinical Team Leaders and the wider MDT as you develop confidence and competence in your role.
As a specialist service, Haven offers access to enhanced training opportunities, including RAID and CBT.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Additional Information
-
You will be required to successfully complete Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training as a condition of employment.
-
Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are unfortunately not eligible for this post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Additional Information
-
You will be required to successfully complete Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training as a condition of employment.
-
Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are unfortunately not eligible for this post.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- Preceptorship or working towards it
- Ability to take charge of a ward/case load regularly
Information Technology
Essential
- Basic IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
Personal Qualities/Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work with minimum supervision / unsupervised
- Ability to work in a team
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to use initiative / Able to positively influence others
Additional requirements
Essential
- Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour care
- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
Job specific experience
Essential
- Ability to supervise other staff
Managerial/supervisory experience
Essential
- Supervised experience gained during clinical placements
- Ability to mentor students
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- Preceptorship or working towards it
- Ability to take charge of a ward/case load regularly
Information Technology
Essential
- Basic IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
Personal Qualities/Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work with minimum supervision / unsupervised
- Ability to work in a team
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to use initiative / Able to positively influence others
Additional requirements
Essential
- Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour care
- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
Job specific experience
Essential
- Ability to supervise other staff
Managerial/supervisory experience
Essential
- Supervised experience gained during clinical placements
- Ability to mentor students
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
