Lead Frailty Nurse - Acute & Hospital at Home (6-Month Secondment) in North East

To cover maternity leave we have the opportunity for a suitably qualified RN to join our Frailty Teams on a 6‑month secondment role. As part of this exciting and varied role you will work with the Acute Frailty Team, Frailty Assessment Unit and Hospital at Home services.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial triage and assess patients on the Frailty Assessment Unit, Acute Frailty Team and Hospital at Home.
• Perform comprehensive assessments of patients’ condition, including physical examination, history taking and diagnostic tests.
• Prioritise and provide appropriate care, ensuring patients receive timely interventions.
• Administer medications, therapies and IV therapy as needed.
• Collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients quickly.
• Perform or assist in minor procedures such as wound care, suturing and administering injections.
• Provide clinical leadership to a group of staff within the ward and throughout the care team.
• Lead, mentor and supervise a team of nurses and healthcare assistants, ensuring staff adhere to clinical guidelines.
• Maintain detailed patient care records and update care plans regularly.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, hospital policies and safety protocols.
• Monitor clinical outcomes and quality indicators, implementing improvement plans where necessary.
• Participate in clinical audits and implement action plans based on audit findings.
• Implement infection control practices and uphold hygiene standards.
• Act as a point of contact for patients and families, addressing concerns and providing emotional support.
• Manage resources of the clinical unit, including equipment, medications and consumables, working within a budget.
• Take the lead in managing emergencies and critical incidents, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Promote a culture of safety, identifying risks and taking proactive measures.

Key Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid practising licence.
• Postgraduate qualification in nursing or a related clinical specialty (preferred).
• At least 2–5 years of nursing experience, with some experience in a leadership or management role.
• Strong clinical skills and knowledge in relevant specialty areas.
• Leadership and communication skills to manage teams and liaise with multidisciplinary professionals.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Compassionate and empathetic, with a strong patient‑centred approach.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and make decisions under pressure.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in patient documentation.

Additional Requirements

• Must hold a full valid UK driving licence and be willing to use own car for work purposes (mileage paid as per trust business mileage policy).

Person Specification

• Statutory Registration: Registered Nurse (adult) on Part 1 of the NMC register. Valid UK NMC PIN.
• Experience: Clinical knowledge of acute nursing skills. Knowledge of relevant nursing and health care policies. At least 2 years nursing experience. Experience in working with frail patients. Community nursing experience.
• Qualifications: RGN with current NMC registration. Teaching qualification. Educated to degree level or equivalent experience. Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Special Skills and Knowledge: Current knowledge of professional developments. Full UK driving licence and willingness to use own car for patient visits (mileage paid as per trust business miles). Knowledge of frailty care pathways and services including CGA. Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.

Special Requirements

• Patient Focused: understands how their role impacts the patient journey, and a willingness to place the patient at the centre of what they do.
• Achieving Results: experience of successfully working to deadlines and completing tasks.
• Inspirational Leadership: keen to develop themselves and others, open to new ideas and willing to share their experience with others.
• Maximising Value: takes ownership of problems and does not overly complicate matters or involve colleagues unnecessarily.
• Working Together: approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.

£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum, pro rata.