Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Band 5 Staff Nurse - Bath

The closing date is 29 December 2025

Job summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Registered Nurse who is passionate about advocating and providing good high quality nursing care.

Ideally, we are looking for at least 12 months qualified experience with a strong understanding of physical health needs. However, we would consider applications of newly qualified mental health nurses looking for opportunities for growth and development.

You will have excellent communication skills, be able to demonstrate shift coordination and an ability to adapt to the demands of the role. You will be able to demonstrate effectiveness in ensuring continuity of care and implementation of trust policies.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to ensure that the clinical, environmental and social needs of the service users are met. You will also support junior staff and nursing students and participate in their professional development while working on the ward.

Main duties of the job

Objective:

To carry out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality evidence-based nursing assessment, care planning, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided. This will include:

o Undertaking a comprehensive, person-centred, nursing assessment and prepare care plans in consultation with the service users to provide the best nursing care

o Implementation of care and rehabilitation programme

o Evaluation of effectiveness of care provided in partnership with users

o Ability to implement research-based practice

o Following successful completion of preceptorship, ability to supervise junior and unqualified staff

o Ability to administer medicine within relevant Trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

o Ability to undertake risk assessment and develop risk management strategies for individual clients; ICPA/SAP to people who present with mental health problems.

o Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant mental Health Legislation

o Ensure the ordering storage, administration and disposal of medication complies with relevant trust and legislative guidance e.g. NMC Standards for Medicines Management 2010, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and MHA (1983).

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust):a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.

We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.

Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

Details

Date posted

15 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

342-BNS092-1225

Job locations

RUH site

Hillview Lodge Sycamore ward

Bath

BA1 3NG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

Teaching, Education & Health Promotion

Objective: To use own skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health.

This will include:

Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.

Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post-registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.

Continuing Professional Development

Objective:

To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).

Abide by the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC's 'The Code': Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.

Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.

To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.

To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the line manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.

Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). Work to the Clinical and Personnel Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.

Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant medicines, related medication management issues and act in accordance with the appropriate NMC standards and Trust policy, and ensure that others also work within these guidelines.

Finance and Workforce

Objective:

To make best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models ensuring provision of best care possible.

Follow Trust and Service Policies in regard to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public.

To take part in PEAT and environmental risk assessments as requested so that best use is made of resources.

Manage temporary staffing resources in line with AWP best practice guidance.

Ensure that service provision is both safe and therapeutic within span of knowledge.

Effective time management

Utilize electronic rostering systems (Rosterpro).

Participate in education and training opportunities.

To take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Charge Nurse or Clinical Team Leader.

To be familiar with and comply with all Policies & Procedures operational within the Trust.

Record Keeping and Administration

Objective:

To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines.

This will include:

The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.

Work under the direction of Essence of Care lead.

Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.

Maintain safety of clients and staff within the Unit and ensure legal obligations are fulfilled.

Evidence-Based Nursing, Practice Development & Clinical Audit

Objective:

To contribute to practice development activity and evidence-based mental health nursing.

This will include:

Undertake relevant practice development/research activity.

Take part in a rolling programme of audit.

Comply with activity as outlined in The Essence of Care.

Work within the framework of AWP and Department of Health Research Governance.

Professional Nursing Advice

Objective:

Contribute to providing professional nursing advice within the post-holders area of responsibility and span of knowledge.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

Teaching, Education & Health Promotion

Objective: To use own skills, knowledge and resources to provide mentoring opportunities for staff within designated areas and promote positive attitudes towards mental health.

This will include:

Regular provision of advice and mentoring to staff.

Support the provision of an appropriate learning environment for pre- and post-registered students, novice practitioners, and new team members as directed.

Continuing Professional Development

Objective:

To maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and expertise to ensure that practice reflects best practice, remains evidence based, is current and responsive to meet changing patient and NHS service needs, as outlined in the NHS Plan (2000).

Abide by the legal rules, statutory regulations and professional responsibilities relating to practice as outlined in the NMC's 'The Code': Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.

Take responsibility for post-registration education and for continuing professional development as outlined in NMC Standards.

To receive clinical supervision in accordance on a contracted and regular basis from an identified Senior Practitioner, as per trust Clinical Supervision Policy.

To be aware of the need for appropriate management support and supervision from the line manager, and to maintain records of these meetings.

Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). Work to the Clinical and Personnel Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.

Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant medicines, related medication management issues and act in accordance with the appropriate NMC standards and Trust policy, and ensure that others also work within these guidelines.

Finance and Workforce

Objective:

To make best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models ensuring provision of best care possible.

Follow Trust and Service Policies in regard to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public.

To take part in PEAT and environmental risk assessments as requested so that best use is made of resources.

Manage temporary staffing resources in line with AWP best practice guidance.

Ensure that service provision is both safe and therapeutic within span of knowledge.

Effective time management

Utilize electronic rostering systems (Rosterpro).

Participate in education and training opportunities.

To take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Charge Nurse or Clinical Team Leader.

To be familiar with and comply with all Policies & Procedures operational within the Trust.

Record Keeping and Administration

Objective:

To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines.

This will include:

The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.

Work under the direction of Essence of Care lead.

Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.

Maintain safety of clients and staff within the Unit and ensure legal obligations are fulfilled.

Evidence-Based Nursing, Practice Development & Clinical Audit

Objective:

To contribute to practice development activity and evidence-based mental health nursing.

This will include:

Undertake relevant practice development/research activity.

Take part in a rolling programme of audit.

Comply with activity as outlined in The Essence of Care.

Work within the framework of AWP and Department of Health Research Governance.

Professional Nursing Advice

Objective:

Contribute to providing professional nursing advice within the post-holders area of responsibility and span of knowledge.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse with current registration
  • Willingness to complete or completed relevant course on teaching and assessing in clinical practice or equivalent

Desirable

  • Relevant specialist CPD qualification
  • Post-graduate qualification in nursing or related discipline

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience of working with people who experience mental health difficulties
  • Practical experience of providing high quality care and exceeding expectations
  • Experience of medication administration within inpatient settings and medication management
  • Understanding the importance of Health and Safety
  • Experienced in current developments in mental health care and nursing practice
  • Understanding effective risk assessment and developing coproduced safety plans/risk management plans
  • Understanding of and demonstrable practice within the NMC Code of Practice
  • Working understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983

Desirable

  • Training in specific clinical interventions
  • Evidence of basic counselling and group work
  • Evidence of QI work

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to: Build excellent therapeutic relationships
  • Demonstrate highly effective listening skills
  • Demonstrate a commitment to reducing restrictive practice
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently with other members of the MDT
  • Function as named nurse undertaking all aspects of the nursing process
  • Recognise signs of stress in self and in others
  • Empathise for individuals who have experienced mental health problems
  • Manage behaviour which may be challenging at times
  • Maintain patient confidentiality
  • Demonstrate leadership skills - motivating others, using own initiative and supporting change management
  • Be motivated to provide the highest standard of care in a changing service
  • Be able to undertake and pass RRI, PERT and manual handling training courses

Desirable

  • Able to undertake clinical supervision
Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse with current registration
  • Willingness to complete or completed relevant course on teaching and assessing in clinical practice or equivalent

Desirable

  • Relevant specialist CPD qualification
  • Post-graduate qualification in nursing or related discipline

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience of working with people who experience mental health difficulties
  • Practical experience of providing high quality care and exceeding expectations
  • Experience of medication administration within inpatient settings and medication management
  • Understanding the importance of Health and Safety
  • Experienced in current developments in mental health care and nursing practice
  • Understanding effective risk assessment and developing coproduced safety plans/risk management plans
  • Understanding of and demonstrable practice within the NMC Code of Practice
  • Working understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983

Desirable

  • Training in specific clinical interventions
  • Evidence of basic counselling and group work
  • Evidence of QI work

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to: Build excellent therapeutic relationships
  • Demonstrate highly effective listening skills
  • Demonstrate a commitment to reducing restrictive practice
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently with other members of the MDT
  • Function as named nurse undertaking all aspects of the nursing process
  • Recognise signs of stress in self and in others
  • Empathise for individuals who have experienced mental health problems
  • Manage behaviour which may be challenging at times
  • Maintain patient confidentiality
  • Demonstrate leadership skills - motivating others, using own initiative and supporting change management
  • Be motivated to provide the highest standard of care in a changing service
  • Be able to undertake and pass RRI, PERT and manual handling training courses

Desirable

  • Able to undertake clinical supervision

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

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Address

RUH site

Hillview Lodge Sycamore ward

Bath

BA1 3NG


Employer's website

http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Address

RUH site

Hillview Lodge Sycamore ward

Bath

BA1 3NG


Employer's website

http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Abi Challoner

abigail.challoner@nhs.net

01225362731

Details

Date posted

15 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

342-BNS092-1225

Job locations

RUH site

Hillview Lodge Sycamore ward

Bath

BA1 3NG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)