Lead Nurse

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Practice Nurse to lead, inspire, and develop our nursing team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on mentoring others, driving team performance, and delivering outstanding patient care in our supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking practice. As our Lead Practice Nurse, you will shape the future of our nursing team, combining strategic leadership with a meaningful clinical caseload. You will work closely with our Practice Manager and GPs to foster a positive work culture, support staff development, and contribute to our practice's growth.

Main duties of the job

• Lead and develop a team of nurses, general practice assistants and healthcare assistants, ensuring excellence in patient care and team performance.
• Combine leadership responsibilities (appraisals, team meetings, HR tasks) with direct clinical care (vaccinations, chronic disease management).
• Partner with GPs and the Practice Manager to drive innovation, enhance patient outcomes, and maintain a supportive and collaborative team environment.

About us

Clifton Court is a thriving, friendly training practice in Darlington, recognised for our commitment to education, professional growth, and patient-centred care. Our multidisciplinary team includes GPs, nurse practitioners, practice nurses, healthcare assistants, general practice assistants, pharmacists, and care coordinators, all supported by a dedicated administrative team that ensures smooth operations and a positive work environment. We pride ourselves on our collaborative culture, work-life balance, and focus on staff well-being, with regular team events and opportunities for development. Join us and be part of a practice that values teamwork, innovation, and making a difference in our community.

Job responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of nurses, healthcare assistants, and general practice assistants. Conduct regular team meetings, appraisals, and training needs assessments to support professional growth. Manage rotas, recruitment, and performance in collaboration with the Practice Manager. Foster a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture. Promote a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and well-being. Act as the primary point of contact for nursing staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and HR support.
• Clinical Responsibilities: Deliver high-quality patient care, including ECGs, dressings, vaccinations, cervical smears, baby immunisations, and chronic disease management. Lead comprehensive vaccination programs (e.g., flu, covid, travel, childhood immunisations) and community health promotion initiatives. Diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions, prescribe medications (within scope), and review patient treatments. Ensure compliance with infection control, safeguarding, and clinical protocols.
• Strategic and Operational Leadership: Act as the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Lead, producing audits, training, and annual statements. Develop and implement nursing protocols, audits, and quality improvement initiatives. Represent the nursing team in practice-wide strategic planning and decision-making. Collaborate with external agencies (e.g., ICB, public health teams) to enhance service delivery, improve patient outcomes, and implement best practices. Lead change management within the nursing team, ensuring smooth implementation of new processes.
• Administrative and Compliance Duties: Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure compliance with CQC standards. Oversee chronic disease registers and ensure effective use of read codes. Support the practice with safeguarding matters and substance abuse policies. Participate in significant event reviews and apply structured approaches to improve patient care.

Person Specification

Qualifications: Registered Nurse (NMC). Full UK driving license. Mentor or teaching qualification. Postgraduate diploma/degree in Leadership, Chronic Disease Management, or Primary Care.

Experience: Substantial experience in a primary care nursing role, including chronic disease management. Proven experience in leading or mentoring a team of nurses or healthcare assistants. Background in team development, HR duties (e.g., appraisals, rotas), and strategic planning. Experience in infection control, safeguarding, and clinical audits. Experience leading a nursing team in a primary care setting. Experience in recruitment, performance management, and conflict resolution. Formal leadership or management training (e.g., ILM, NHS Leadership Academy).

Skills and Attributes: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport. Approachable, adaptable, and committed to fostering a positive team culture. Excellent organisational and time-management skills. Passion for your own professional development and the growth of your team, with a commitment to fostering a culture of learning and excellence. Ability to drive innovation and change within a team. Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration.

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.

Competitive, dependent on experience.