Junior Sister/Charge Nurse - Charles Polkey Ward

Overview

King\’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

The regional Neuroscience service at Kings serves a population of 3.8 million and has an international reputation for Motor Neuron disease, movement and Neuromuscular Disorder and Epilepsy surgery. Providing a wide range of expert clinical services for both regional and local patients, the service is continually expanding and developing, offering new and exciting career options for nursing. This strong clinical specialty, combined with a Nursing Team committed to high clinical standards and a supportive environment, makes us a compelling career option for ambitious neuroscience nurses.

Charles Polkey Ward is a 23 bedded unit that takes not only emergency and elective neurology patients but also looks after patients undergoing neurosurgery with a wide range of neurological conditions.

The closing date is 29 October 2025

Main duties of the job

We are looking for someone who is dynamic, enthusiastic and eager to progress to come join our Senior Nursing Team where you will be supported and guided by the Ward Manager and the current band 6 team. You will be expected to take charge of shifts and to work with the ward manager to develop an insight into the more managerial aspects of bed management, roster planning and optimization of patient flow to name a few and to support, mentor and assist in the development of junior staff.

You will also have responsibility for your own cohort of nurses and will conduct their appraisals and be able to assist the ward manager in areas such as sickness management.

An appropriate post registration qualification and previous experience of leading a team is desirable but not essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential as is a relevant teaching qualification or equivalent experience.

In return we are able to offer the opportunity to work as part of a dynamic specialist nursing team in a modern working environment, with strong peer support and access to excellent educational opportunities, from both in-house studies to degree and the master\’s programme.

This would be a great opportunity for someone with a passion for neurosciences who wishes to experience both the medical and surgical aspects of neuro and is looking to progress in their career.

About us

King\’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK\’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of £1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King\’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King\’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone\’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust\’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• To adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and always adhere to this.
• To demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment in the ward/ department.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the needs of patients on the Ward on an ongoing basis, co-ordinating the care given by all members of the clinical team.
• To accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about the patients condition, promptly report changes and instigate remedial action as appropriate.
• To act as a resource person to others, providing accurate information, advice and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives.
• To ensure that accurate records are maintained reflecting both changes in the patients condition and the treatment delivered.To ensure that patients and their relatives are updated regularly with accurate information and ensure that this is presented in a way that they understand.
• To ensure that Clinical Guidelines are implemented and to be actively involved in auditing practice in conjunction with Line Manager and practice development staff.
• To ensure that practice is evidence based and with support assist in the development of policies and protocols within the clinical area.To uphold high standards of nursing care, according to existing policies and standards.
• To support the Ward Managers and Modern Matron in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in the light of such findings.
• To contribute to the health education of patients and their families ensuring that all patients receive appropriate advice and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• To actively support the implementation of the Trust nursing strategy and uphold the ethos of the local philosophy

Person Specification

Qualifications

• 1st level Registered General Nurse
• Further professional studies relevant to the clinical area
• Mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification
• Degree in Nursing or Equivalent

Skills and Competencies

• Communication skills – able to relate and communicate with patients and staff at all levels and from different professions. Adapts communication style as necessary and is able to work with and through others.
• Team building and working skills – able to lead a team to achieve results

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area
• Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the professional development of others

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.

King\’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£46,419 to £55,046 a year Per Annum Including High Cost Area