Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Band 6 Ward Sister/Charge Nurse to join our dynamic Neurology Ward team at Gloucester Royal Hospital with an expectation to support Cheltenham General Hospital in line with service needs. This is an exciting opportunity to provide clinical leadership within a specialist environment caring for patients with complex neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and acute neurological presentations.
As a key senior nurse on the ward, you will take responsibility for coordinating shifts, ensuring safe staffing levels, and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. You will lead by example, supporting and developing junior staff, students, and newly qualified nurses while maintaining high clinical standards and promoting a culture of safety, compassion, and continuous improvement.
Neurology Ward offering a supportive and collaborative working environment where multidisciplinary teamwork is central to patient care. You will work closely with consultants, specialist nurses, therapists, and the wider MDT to optimise patient outcomes and improve patient flow. This role provides excellent opportunities to develop advanced clinical decision-making skills, leadership capability, and service improvement experience within a specialist field.
Main duties of the job
Please see Job Description
Clinical Responsibilities
Act as Nurse in Charge of the ward, coordinating and leading the clinical team to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality patient care.
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care for patients with complex neurological conditions including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and acute neurological presentations.
Recognise and respond appropriately to deteriorating patients, ensuring timely escalation in line with Trust policies.
Ensure safe administration of medications in accordance with Trust policies and NMC standards.
Maintain accurate, contemporaneous, and legally compliant patient records using electronic systems.
Lead multidisciplinary ward rounds and ensure effective communication of care plans.
Promote patient safety through risk assessment, incident reporting, and participation in clinical governance processes.
Ensure infection prevention and control standards are maintained at all times.
Provide support to patients and families, including delivering sensitive or distressing information in a compassionate manner.
Ensure compliance with safeguarding, consent, mental capacity, and end-of-life care standards.
Support patient flow and effective bed management in collaboration with site teams.
About us
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to staff wellbeing, professional development, and career progression. We offer access to leadership programmes, ongoing clinical training, and opportunities to contribute to quality improvement initiatives and service development. Our Trust values of compassion, respect, excellence, and working together underpin everything we do.
This position is ideal for a confident and forward-thinking nurse who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys leading teams, and is passionate about delivering outstanding neurological care. Working at Gloucester Royal Hospital offers the opportunity to be part of a progressive Trust while enjoying the benefits of living and working in the beautiful county of Gloucestershire.
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
Evidence of post-registration study or relevant qualification in medicine/neurology or willingness to undertake further specialist training.
Substantial post-registration experience, including experience within acute medical or neurological settings.
Demonstrable experience of acting as Nurse in Charge or coordinating shifts in a busy acute ward environment.
Clinical Knowledge and Skills
Sound clinical knowledge and experience in caring for patients with complex neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and acute neurological presentations.
Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with complex and deteriorating conditions.
Competence in clinical risk assessment, escalation of care, and managing emergency situations.
Strong understanding of evidence-based practice, clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement.
Knowledge of safeguarding, consent, capacity, end-of-life care, and relevant UK legislation and professional codes of practice.
High level of clinical dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Competent IT skills and ability to use electronic patient record systems effectively.
Leadership and Management Skills
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and manage a clinical team effectively.
Experience in supervising, mentoring, and supporting junior staff, students, and newly qualified nurses.
Ability to manage staffing levels safely according to patient acuity and service demands.
Strong organisational, prioritisation, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to contribute to staff development through appraisal, revalidation support, and personal development planning.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across GRH and CGH as required by service needs.
Personal Attributes
Professional, compassionate, and patient-focused approach.
Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement.
Acts as a positive role model, promoting Trust values and high standards of care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
Evidence of post-registration study or relevant qualification in medicine/neurology or willingness to undertake further specialist training.
Substantial post-registration experience, including experience within acute medical or neurological settings.
Demonstrable experience of acting as Nurse in Charge or coordinating shifts in a busy acute ward environment.
Clinical Knowledge and Skills
Sound clinical knowledge and experience in caring for patients with complex neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and acute neurological presentations.
Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with complex and deteriorating conditions.
Competence in clinical risk assessment, escalation of care, and managing emergency situations.
Strong understanding of evidence-based practice, clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement.
Knowledge of safeguarding, consent, capacity, end-of-life care, and relevant UK legislation and professional codes of practice.
High level of clinical dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Competent IT skills and ability to use electronic patient record systems effectively.
Leadership and Management Skills
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and manage a clinical team effectively.
Experience in supervising, mentoring, and supporting junior staff, students, and newly qualified nurses.
Ability to manage staffing levels safely according to patient acuity and service demands.
Strong organisational, prioritisation, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to contribute to staff development through appraisal, revalidation support, and personal development planning.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across GRH and CGH as required by service needs.
Personal Attributes
Professional, compassionate, and patient-focused approach.
Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement.
Acts as a positive role model, promoting Trust values and high standards of care.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
- Evidence of post-registration study or relevant qualification in medicine/neurology or willingness to undertake further specialist training. (e.g module at Level6/7 or working towards)
- Substantial post-registration experience, including experience within acute medical or neurological settings.
- Demonstrable experience of acting as Nurse in Charge or coordinating shifts in a busy acute ward environment.
- Recognised mentorship/practice assessor qualification
Desirable
- Training in quality improvement methodologies
- Leadership or management training (e.g. ILM, NHS leadership academy programme or equivalent)
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and manage a clinical team effectively.
- Experience in supervising, mentoring, and supporting junior staff, students, and newly qualified nurses.
- Ability to manage staffing levels safely according to patient acuity and service demands.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across GRH and CGH as required by service needs.
Desirable
- Ability to contribute to staff development through appraisal, revalidation support, and personal development planning.
Clinical/Experience
Essential
- Sound clinical knowledge and experience in caring for patients with complex neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and acute neurological presentations.
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with complex and deteriorating conditions.
- Competence in clinical risk assessment, escalation of care, and managing emergency situations.
- High level of clinical dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Competent IT skills and ability to use electronic patient record systems effectively.
- High level of clinical dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, consent, capacity, end-of-life care, and relevant UK legislation and professional codes of practice.
Desirable
- Strong understanding of evidence-based practice, clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Professional, compassionate, and patient-focused approach.
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement.
- Acts as a positive role model, promoting Trust values and high standards of care.
- Open to change and able to lead others through change positively
Desirable
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership practice
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
- Evidence of post-registration study or relevant qualification in medicine/neurology or willingness to undertake further specialist training. (e.g module at Level6/7 or working towards)
- Substantial post-registration experience, including experience within acute medical or neurological settings.
- Demonstrable experience of acting as Nurse in Charge or coordinating shifts in a busy acute ward environment.
- Recognised mentorship/practice assessor qualification
Desirable
- Training in quality improvement methodologies
- Leadership or management training (e.g. ILM, NHS leadership academy programme or equivalent)
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and manage a clinical team effectively.
- Experience in supervising, mentoring, and supporting junior staff, students, and newly qualified nurses.
- Ability to manage staffing levels safely according to patient acuity and service demands.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across GRH and CGH as required by service needs.
Desirable
- Ability to contribute to staff development through appraisal, revalidation support, and personal development planning.
Clinical/Experience
Essential
- Sound clinical knowledge and experience in caring for patients with complex neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and acute neurological presentations.
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with complex and deteriorating conditions.
- Competence in clinical risk assessment, escalation of care, and managing emergency situations.
- High level of clinical dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Competent IT skills and ability to use electronic patient record systems effectively.
- High level of clinical dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, consent, capacity, end-of-life care, and relevant UK legislation and professional codes of practice.
Desirable
- Strong understanding of evidence-based practice, clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Professional, compassionate, and patient-focused approach.
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement.
- Acts as a positive role model, promoting Trust values and high standards of care.
- Open to change and able to lead others through change positively
Desirable
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership practice
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).
