Job summary
The Acute Stroke Unit at Darent Valley Hospital comprises 21 Hyper Acute Stroke beds and 25 Acute Stroke beds, offering specialist care across the stroke pathway. We are seeking dedicated Band 5 Registered Nurses to join our expanding team. Successful candidates will be supported in their professional development, with opportunities to work across the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) and Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), alongside structured mentorship from a preceptor and the Stroke Professional Development Nurse (PDN).
The post holder will be responsible for delivering high-quality nursing care within the HASU and ASU, including the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of individualised programmes of care. The role involves supervising junior staff, contributing to teaching activities, and providing safe and effective care for hyperacute and acute stroke patients, including those requiring post-thrombolysis and post-thrombectomy treatment.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for delivering the highest standard of individualised and holistic patient care in both hyperacute and acute settings. Care will be provided in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate treatment tailored to patient needs.
In addition, the role requires working effectively within a large multidisciplinary team, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive team culture. The post holder will supervise and mentor junior staff and students, uphold Trust values, and consistently demonstrate compassion, respect, integrity, and teamwork in all aspects of practice.
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. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
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 our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will deliver highquality nursing care tailored to the needs of stroke patients, including those requiring complex posttreatment support. They will communicate sensitive information to patients, carers, and families with empathy and professionalism, while working closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, coordinated care.
Additional responsibilities include supporting the Senior Ward Sister with staffing, audits, and governance activities, reporting incidents in line with Trust policy, and promoting a safe working environment. The post holder will maintain professional registration, comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct, and engage in ongoing professional development. Upholding Trust values of compassion, respect, integrity, and teamwork will be central to all aspects of practice. For a comprehensive outline of clinical, managerial, professional, and educational responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.
For a comprehensive outline of the role, including clinical, managerial, professional, and educational responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will deliver highquality nursing care tailored to the needs of stroke patients, including those requiring complex posttreatment support. They will communicate sensitive information to patients, carers, and families with empathy and professionalism, while working closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, coordinated care.
Additional responsibilities include supporting the Senior Ward Sister with staffing, audits, and governance activities, reporting incidents in line with Trust policy, and promoting a safe working environment. The post holder will maintain professional registration, comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct, and engage in ongoing professional development. Upholding Trust values of compassion, respect, integrity, and teamwork will be central to all aspects of practice. For a comprehensive outline of clinical, managerial, professional, and educational responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.
For a comprehensive outline of the role, including clinical, managerial, professional, and educational responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Graduated with a nursing degree or diploma
- Active NMC registration
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Recognized Stroke Course
- Completion of STARs Core Competencies
- Completion of STARs Advancing Modules
Experience
Essential
- 1 year experience of working in an acute setting or adult inpatient ward
Desirable
- Experience of working in a stroke unit environment (HASU / ASU)
- Experience of implementing evidence-based practice
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- IT Literate and able to use a range of Microsoft packages such as Outlook, Word and Excel
Desirable
- Cannulation / Phlebotomy skills
- Enteral tube feeding and management
- Knowledge of stroke care and management
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Graduated with a nursing degree or diploma
- Active NMC registration
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Recognized Stroke Course
- Completion of STARs Core Competencies
- Completion of STARs Advancing Modules
Experience
Essential
- 1 year experience of working in an acute setting or adult inpatient ward
Desirable
- Experience of working in a stroke unit environment (HASU / ASU)
- Experience of implementing evidence-based practice
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- IT Literate and able to use a range of Microsoft packages such as Outlook, Word and Excel
Desirable
- Cannulation / Phlebotomy skills
- Enteral tube feeding and management
- Knowledge of stroke care and management
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).
