Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Sister/Charge Nurse - Acute Medical Unit (AMU)

The closing date is 06 July 2025

Job summary

The post-holder carries responsibility for the assessment of care needs, the development of programmes of care and assisting the senior sister with the setting of standards of care. Also carries responsibility for the management of the ward in the absence of the Senior Sister/Senior Charge Nurse, including development of nursing staff and teaching of learners. Responsible for ensuring excellent clinical standards on the ward at all times.

Main duties of the job

To optimise hospital bed utilisation by facilitating the reduction of the length of patient stay by ensuring the timely, safe transfer/discharge of patients to the most appropriate and agreed environment.

To prevent future inappropriate hospital admissions by providing/co-ordinating the provision of specialist care for the patient by other agencies, in the most appropriate and agreed environment.

To ensure the learning of new specialist skills and knowledge within the team.

To develop within the ward skills in the management of chronic diseases, working within agreed Trust protocols, in collaboration with medical clinicians and chronic disease practitioners.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Details

Date posted

20 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,205 to £47,084 a year incl HCAS per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7127222-A

Job locations

Darent valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA28DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

To work independently and without direct supervision in a variety of clinical settings Trust wide, prioritising workload to meet the regular unpredictable situations that may occur within this role.

To demonstrate highly developed clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

To make direct referrals to the relevant members of the multi-professional teams.

To have the necessary knowledge, skills and training to recognise emergency clinical situations such as anaphylaxis, cardiac and respiratory deterioration and to act appropriately, knowing when to seek assistance.

To recognise high risk, difficult situations regarding the transfer of some patients and prioritise promptly the actions needed for the safety and well-being of patients/carers.

To ensure that appropriate, consistent and realistic information is provided to patients and families.

To provide sensitive and complex information to relatives and patients in sometimes hostile and emotive atmospheres.

To use expert communication skills to create and sustain new alliances. Using the highest level of interpersonal skills, to break down the barriers and develop inter-professional collaborative working relationships with staff Trust-wide and in the community.

Agree with the Senior Sister/Senior Charge Nurse the standard of nursing care and ensure that these are maintained at optimum levels.

To co-ordinate the provision of patient care throughout the working shift, ensuring that there is effective communication within the ward, liaison with medical staff and other disciplines and services.

To be responsible for the assessment of patients care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of research based programmes of care, to ensure that these comply with all policies and guidelines as laid down by the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust and all legal/statutory requirements.

To ensure that all nursing records and documentation is completed accurately and legibly to meet the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust and legal requirements.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work independently and without direct supervision in a variety of clinical settings Trust wide, prioritising workload to meet the regular unpredictable situations that may occur within this role.

To demonstrate highly developed clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

To make direct referrals to the relevant members of the multi-professional teams.

To have the necessary knowledge, skills and training to recognise emergency clinical situations such as anaphylaxis, cardiac and respiratory deterioration and to act appropriately, knowing when to seek assistance.

To recognise high risk, difficult situations regarding the transfer of some patients and prioritise promptly the actions needed for the safety and well-being of patients/carers.

To ensure that appropriate, consistent and realistic information is provided to patients and families.

To provide sensitive and complex information to relatives and patients in sometimes hostile and emotive atmospheres.

To use expert communication skills to create and sustain new alliances. Using the highest level of interpersonal skills, to break down the barriers and develop inter-professional collaborative working relationships with staff Trust-wide and in the community.

Agree with the Senior Sister/Senior Charge Nurse the standard of nursing care and ensure that these are maintained at optimum levels.

To co-ordinate the provision of patient care throughout the working shift, ensuring that there is effective communication within the ward, liaison with medical staff and other disciplines and services.

To be responsible for the assessment of patients care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of research based programmes of care, to ensure that these comply with all policies and guidelines as laid down by the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust and all legal/statutory requirements.

To ensure that all nursing records and documentation is completed accurately and legibly to meet the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust and legal requirements.

Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • RN Level 1
  • ENB 998 or equivalent
  • Evidence of CPD

Desirable

  • Degree or working towards
  • Research evidence
  • Recognised management course (or be prepared to undertake

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Promote leadership skills
  • Computer skills
  • IV additives
  • Phlebotomy and cannulation
  • High dependency course

Desirable

  • Knowledge and research within specific specialty
  • Human Resource skills
  • Male catheterisation

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Effective role model
  • Dynamic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Vision
  • Supportive
  • Proactive leader
Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • RN Level 1
  • ENB 998 or equivalent
  • Evidence of CPD

Desirable

  • Degree or working towards
  • Research evidence
  • Recognised management course (or be prepared to undertake

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Promote leadership skills
  • Computer skills
  • IV additives
  • Phlebotomy and cannulation
  • High dependency course

Desirable

  • Knowledge and research within specific specialty
  • Human Resource skills
  • Male catheterisation

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Effective role model
  • Dynamic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Vision
  • Supportive
  • Proactive leader

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA28DA


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA28DA


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward manager

Swapna Sukumaran

swapna.sukumaran@nhs.net

01322428701

Details

Date posted

20 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,205 to £47,084 a year incl HCAS per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7127222-A

Job locations

Darent valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA28DA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)