At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team in providing exceptional palliative care to patients.
- Company: Join the Royal Derby Hospital, a trusted organisation committed to community health.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, employee assistance, gym discounts, and more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in patient care while working in a supportive, high-performing environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for palliative care are essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 2 September 2025; interviews on 16 September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a substantive Ward Manager on the Nightingale Macmillan Unit (NMU) at the Royal Derby Hospital.
The NMU has 21 Inpatient beds that provide specialist palliative care to the people of Derbyshire. The unit provides complex palliative care with a focus on holistic assessment. The successful applicant will take overall responsibility for the clinical care, environment, patient journey, and experience, by providing professional nursing leadership and guidance, expert clinical advice, and managerial skills. These skills will ensure the delivery of a clinically effective service in line with local and national development plans, and Trust policies and procedures.
The post holder will need to have a specific interest in palliative care and will be able to work in a large MDT to support our patients.
The current Senior Sister has worked hard with the team to create a high performing ward, delivering high quality individualised care to a wide range of patients.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong and effective leadership skills, and an ability to manage a diverse workforce to maintain the high standards set, whilst meeting the key performance indicators within the constraints of policy, guidelines, and budget.
The candidate should demonstrate excellent advanced communication skills, be dynamic and strive for excellence in all aspects of the role. They need to demonstrate that they are supportive and are able to manage the daily challenges of being a ward manager. They will need to act as a role model and maintain and uphold high standards of professional behaviour.
You will work with the ward team but also with our wider palliative care teams and colleagues in professional development as well as other teams across the Trust to provide excellent care for our patients.
Closing date of applications – 2 September 2025
Interview date – 16 September 2025
As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together
Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work.
In Return We Will Offer
- Development opportunities, both professional and leadership development
- On-going support from recruitment to when you join our team and beyond.
- Staff benefits including employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, car schemes
Key Facts
- We see on average 4810 OP appointments a day.
- We are the 4th busiest Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatients department in England – an average of 2077 per week.
- An average of 1115 patients are seen in A&Es across our network every day – 3rd largest in the country.
- Our hospitals admit an average of 195 emergency patients daily.
- Last year we undertook almost 33,700 planned surgical operations in our 57 operating theatres.
- We are one of only 7 Trusts nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
- We carry out more than 140 elective procedures each working day.
- UHDB is a research active University Hospital with a large and varied portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for all staff.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Sophie Wright Job title: Matron Email address: sophie.wright32@nhs.net Telephone number: 07384903344 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Ward Manager (Senior Sister/Charge Nurse) employer: University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Manager (Senior Sister/Charge Nurse)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific palliative care practices and policies at the Nightingale Macmillan Unit. Understanding their approach to holistic assessment and patient care will help you demonstrate your commitment and suitability during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members from the Royal Derby Hospital, especially those in leadership roles. They can provide insights into the ward's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your leadership style and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing diverse teams and how you've maintained high standards in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and ability to meet key performance indicators.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your advanced communication skills by preparing thoughtful questions for the interview panel. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also your understanding of the importance of effective communication in a multidisciplinary team setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Manager (Senior Sister/Charge Nurse)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Ward Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in palliative care and leadership in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your leadership abilities, clinical expertise, and any specific achievements in palliative care or team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for palliative care and your commitment to providing high-quality patient care. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage a diverse workforce.
Highlight Your Values: In your application, make sure to mention how your personal values align with the Trust's values of Compassion, Openness, and Excellence. This will show that you are a good cultural fit for the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Palliative Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in palliative care during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to providing holistic and compassionate care, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Discuss specific situations where you managed challenges, supported your colleagues, and maintained high standards of care, as strong leadership is key for a Ward Manager.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would facilitate communication within a multidisciplinary team and with patients and their families.
✨Understand Trust Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values of Compassion, Openness, and Excellence. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they align with your approach to patient care and team management.