Registered Nurse RMN/RNLD in Darlington

Priory Hospital Middleton St George has an opportunity for a Registered Nurse RMN/RNLD to join our team on the Preston Ward. Set in spacious and relaxing grounds, Priory Hospital Middleton St George, located in Darlington, County Durham, is a specialist inpatient service for adults with mental health issues, complex needs and behaviours that challenge. We are dedicated to supporting people to transfer effortlessly between the most appropriate care, meeting individual needs, enabling recovery and re-engagement within the community, and maximising life opportunities.

Preston Ward provides treatment and rehabilitative care for adult males in a 13 bed Medium Secure setting. The majority of service users have a diagnosis of Mental Illness, but the ward also manages other enduring and complex mental health needs including co-morbidities such as Personality Disorder, substance use, neurodevelopmental disorders, and behaviours of concern, including violence. Our model of care is flexible and responsive to the needs of the individual.

Our medium secure unit is encompassed by the ‘security triangle’ model with a modern and purpose built unit adhering to the Department of Health ‘Physical’ security standards. ‘Procedural’ security is based upon robust Priory secure service policies and site-specific protocols, with specific adaptations for restricted patients identified in collaboration with our stakeholders (e.g. MoJ, MAPPA). All of this is balanced against the strong ‘Relational’ security systemic within our model of care, which emphasises therapeutic relationships via person centred rehabilitation and therapeutic activities. Our model of care is trauma informed with a focus on core principles of safety, trust, empowerment, choice, collaboration and culture. The impact of trauma is at the forefront of what we do, with all staff trained in trauma informed care at induction and a trauma informed approach embedded into formulation and reflective practice sessions. Our priority is to promote recovery and change via strengthening perceptions of hope, agency and self-determination, in turn fostering personal growth, which includes the building a new non-offending identity. Our ultimate aim is the reduction of risk to self and others.

The primary aim of the ward is to offer service users a safe and structured environment for assessment, treatment, and to prevent relapse and minimise the risk they pose to themselves and others. There is a clear pathway from referral to discharge with processes to suit each stage and each individual service user.

What you'll be doing

You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. As a registered nurse, you will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients. Deliver prescribed care to a defined group within an agreed framework. Assess, plan and deliver, with the patient and their carer/family, nursing care which takes account of patient choice and wishes and acting as the patients named nurse. Accurately observe and engage with patients in order to assess their need and evaluate their progress. Monitor and review Nursing Care plans. Evaluate and respond to changes in patient’s condition and needs.

What you'll bring to the role

The role requires a qualified Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) with post-registration experience (preferably) in a forensic setting with active NMC registration, and completion of a preceptorship program. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of NMC guidelines, requests, and professional practices, along with evidence of continuing professional development. A positive attitude and commitment to change, improvement, and quality are essential, as is the ability to develop and apply flexible and innovative approaches to practice.

Essential for the role

You must be a qualified Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse (RNLD) with a valid NMC registration and a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, person-centred care. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, and a proactive approach to promoting recovery and positive patient outcomes.

The following experience would be beneficial

Previous experience working within a mental health or learning disabilities setting, including acute, rehabilitation, PICU, forensic or community services, would be advantageous. Experience in risk assessment and management, care planning, medication administration, safeguarding, and supporting individuals with complex mental health needs is desirable, along with a commitment to continuous professional development.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us. Free on-site parking, enhanced maternity pay, birthday holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave, contributory pension scheme, flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and private healthcare, access to development opportunities, sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel, leadership & management development, long service award, refer a friend bonuses.

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified. The successful candidate will be required to apply for a disclosure at the required level from the Disclosure & Barring Service.

About Priory: Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children’s mental health – and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader–Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process.