At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance patient experience and customer service across the organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking NHS Trust dedicated to exceptional patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by shaping patient experiences and driving meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Exceptional nursing leadership skills and a passion for improving patient care.
The predicted salary is between 115052 - 132053 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Chief Nurse to join us, with a particular focus on patient experience and customer service. This is an exciting expansion of our senior nursing leadership team. I already have a fantastic Deputy Chief Nurse, and this new role will work alongside them, bringing additional leadership capacity and a dedicated focus to an area that I believe is fundamental to everything we do.
This is not a role for someone who wants to simply manage what already exists. I am looking for someone who wants to help me change it. We have made huge progress across our organisation, but when it comes to patient experience, I know we can do more. We listen to our patients. We have strategies, surveys, feedback, complaints data and patient stories. But listening is only valuable if people can see and feel what changes as a result.
I want our patients and families to experience an organisation that is kind, responsive and easy to navigate. I want excellent communication to be the standard, not the exception. I want us to learn properly when we get things wrong, and I want the voices of our patients to genuinely influence how we design and deliver care. That is why this role matters.
Main duties of the job
As one of my Deputy Chief Nurses, you will have the opportunity to lead a major programme of work across patient experience and customer service, working with teams across the whole organisation to turn feedback into meaningful change. You will need to be an exceptional nurse leader, but you will also need to think differently. I am looking for someone who is curious, brave and ambitious. Someone who will spend time with patients and staff, who will challenge us when we are not getting it right and who will bring people with them when things need to change.
You will be joining an organisation with huge ambition and a nursing, midwifery and AHP leadership team that is determined to make a difference. We work hard, we move quickly and we are not afraid to tackle difficult things. You will also be working closely with me and alongside an experienced and established Deputy Chief Nurse. I want someone who will bring ideas, energy and challenge. Someone who can operate at the highest level of the organisation but who never loses sight of the person sitting in a waiting room, lying in a hospital bed or trying to get an answer when they are worried.
Working for our organisation
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
If you believe patient experience should be at the heart of everything we do, and you want the opportunity to help shape what excellent customer service looks like in healthcare, I would love to hear from you. Come and join us.
Band 9 - Deputy Chief Nurse - Patient Experience employer: Westhertshospitals
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and staff wellbeing are at the forefront. With exciting developments underway, including a new hospital in Watford and a commitment to professional growth, employees can thrive in a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and compassionate care. Join us to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes while enjoying flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 9 - Deputy Chief Nurse - Patient Experience
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Westhertshospitals for the Band 9 - Deputy Chief Nurse - Patient Experience role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Band 9 - Deputy Chief Nurse - Patient Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Westhertshospitals, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Westhertshospitals, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westhertshospitals
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Westhertshospitals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Westhertshospitals appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Westhertshospitals supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
