Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Nurse

The closing date is 01 April 2026

Job summary

Waterston Unit is a mixed sex ward, with a total of 18 beds providing a high quality of care and treatment for patients who have physical, social, psychological and emotional health needs. We offer comprehensive assessments and treatment enabling patients to have shorter stays and develop clear plans of care. The team are highly motivated and implement recovery-based care, with an emphasis on therapeutic and diverse interventions. We work closely as a multi-disciplinary team and value learning, having regular teaching and supervision with a shared vision and action plan for the service.

The Multi-disciplinary team provides treatment and care for a wide range of mental health illnesses which include Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. We aim to provide high quality care and treatment for patients who have physical, social, psychological and emotional health needs and enable them to return home with support from the Home Treatment Team and / or their Community Mental Health Team.

We are seekinga Band 5 Staff Nurse to join our Team:

  • You will be able to demonstrate a passion to work in a collaborative, recovery focused, least restrictive way with patients.
  • You will demonstrate high levels of motivation in the delivery of care.
  • You will be able to work well as part of a Team but also an autonomous practitioner.
  • You will be able to demonstrate good leadership qualities and excellent communication skills.

Main duties of the job

You will be expected to:

  • Deliver high-quality, person-centred nursing care to patients detained under the Mental Health Act
  • Lead shifts and act as a role model within a skilled multidisciplinary team
  • Build meaningful therapeutic relationships during times of crisis
  • Use positive engagement, DBT- and CBT-informed approaches alongside medication to promote recovery
  • Carry out dynamic risk assessments and support safe, least restrictive practice
  • Act as a named nurse, coordinating care plans that are truly co-produced
  • Champion both mental and physical health wellbeing
  • Support patients to regain independence, structure and confidence

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.

You will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course, and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.

If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

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 almost800,000 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 create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

19 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M594.25

Job locations

Waterston ward, Forston clinic

Herrison road, Charlton down

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


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 itbecomes 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.

Recommend a friend or family member and earn cash!

Do you have a friend or family member you would recommend to join us? Or do you know someone who wants to return to practice in the NHS? If the person you refer is appointed by the Trust and completes their probationary period, you will receive £250 reward payment for the introduction! Please contact the recruitment team if you require further info!

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 itbecomes 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.

Recommend a friend or family member and earn cash!

Do you have a friend or family member you would recommend to join us? Or do you know someone who wants to return to practice in the NHS? If the person you refer is appointed by the Trust and completes their probationary period, you will receive £250 reward payment for the introduction! Please contact the recruitment team if you require further info!

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
  • Ability to supervise other staff
  • Supervised experience gained during clinical placements
  • Ability to mentor students

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 and positively influence others
  • Good organisational skills
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and lead self effectively

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.
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
  • Ability to supervise other staff
  • Supervised experience gained during clinical placements
  • Ability to mentor students

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 and positively influence others
  • Good organisational skills
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and lead self effectively

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.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Waterston ward, Forston clinic

Herrison road, Charlton down

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Waterston ward, Forston clinic

Herrison road, Charlton down

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward manager

Tom Conroy

thomas.conroy@nhs.net

01305361391

Details

Date posted

19 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M594.25

Job locations

Waterston ward, Forston clinic

Herrison road, Charlton down

Dorchester

DT2 9TB


Supporting documents

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