Charge Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide expert, person-centred nursing care to patients with sickle cell disorder, thalassaemia, and other rare inherited anaemias in accordance with local protocols and national guidelines.

Act as a clinical lead during shifts within the Haematology Day Unit, coordinating patient care and staff allocation to ensure safe, efficient service delivery.

Perform and oversee clinical procedures such as venepuncture, cannulation, blood transfusions, apheresis transfusions, venesections, and intravenous therapies safely and competently.

Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, develop and implement individualised care plans, and evaluate patient outcomes in collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team.

Support timely recognition and escalation of clinical deterioration in patients, ensuring appropriate referrals and interventions are initiated.

Facilitate and support drop-in reviews for registered sickle cell patients presenting with acute pain, working within outpatient and acute pain management protocols.

Liaise with consultants Nurse, ACPs, CNSs, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate diagnostic tests, investigations, and onward referrals for specialist care as needed.

Promote and ensure effective infection prevention and always control measures within the unit.

Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in line with NMC and Trust standards, including electronic patient records and incident reporting systems.

Act as a mentor and clinical role model for junior staff and students, supporting professional development and competence in haematology nursing practices.

Participate in daily huddles, MDT meetings, and clinical audits to support continuity of care and ongoing service improvement.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS

Ensure high standards of compassionate, safe, and effective nursing care are delivered to patients attending the Haematology Day Unit for transfusions, venesections, apheresis, and acute sickle cell pain management.

Act as a patient advocate, ensuring that individual need or clinical, psychological, cultural, and social, are recognised and addressed in care planning and delivery.

Provide clear information, education, and emotional support to patients and their families regarding treatment plans, procedures, and disease management.

Ensure that patients are cared for in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner, in line with the Trusts values and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Recognise safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately in line with Trust policies, working with safeguarding teams and relevant agencies where needed.

Facilitate continuity of care through effective communication and coordination with inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, community services, and specialist centres.

Support patients to engage in shared decision-making and self-management of long-term conditions, particularly in relation to haemoglobinopathies.

Promote a positive patient experience by proactively addressing concerns, ensuring timely care, and maintaining a calm and supportive environment in the unit.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING

Support the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in the proactive review of staffing levels and skill mix, contributing to effective staff retention and recruitment strategies.

Collaborate with the Senior Manager to prioritise and implement service developments aligned with strategic and business planning objectives.

Assist in maintaining adequate and safe staffing levels through efficient and competent duty rostering, ensuring optimal use of available resources.

Actively participate in the recruitment and selection process of new staff when requested, including involvement in interviews and onboarding support.

Provide day-to-day leadership within the Haematology Day Unit, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment across the multidisciplinary team.

Promote open communication and facilitate the dissemination of information to ensure alignment and continuity in patient care and service delivery.

Deputise for the Senior Sister/Manager in their absence, maintaining service standards and supporting decision-making across clinical and operational areas.

Contribute to effective management of the units physical and financial resources, including monitoring and maintaining appropriate levels of medical supplies and equipment.

Ensure that patient and staffing information systems are kept accurate and up to date, supporting data-driven decision-making and audit readiness.

Support junior staff and students through supervision, mentorship, and promoting an inclusive and professional team culture.

Person Specification

Education & professional Qualifications

Essential

• First level Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
• Relevant educational or training qualifications, certificates, or demonstrable experience
• Mentorship qualification (e.g., ENB 998, Mentorship Module or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

• Experience working at Band 6 level or above within a relevant haematology or related specialty
• Demonstrable experience in managing patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia
• Experience in the assessment and management of acute sickle cell crises

Skills and aptitudes

Essential

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to use initiative and take responsibility for clinical and operational decisions
• Excellent communication skills across disciplines and agencies, with the ability to foster collaborative multidisciplinary working
• Advanced organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously and meet deadlines

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

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

RFH - North Middlesex University Hospital Site

Sterling Way

Edmonton

N18 1QX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)