Junior Sister​/Nurse in-charge

An exciting opportunity has arisen for motivated and forward‑thinking nurses seeking career development to join the Rainsford Mowlem Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as a Band 6 Junior Sister/Charge Nurse. Rainsford Mowlem Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) is a 36 bedded ward supporting patients who are medically fit for discharge but awaiting external placement or community support. The DRU plays a key role in improving patient flow, enhancing patient functionality, and creating capacity within acute speciality wards by providing safe, effective, nurse‑led care for this cohort.

Anticipate patient care needs and manage each patient's journey through the unit. Support the Ward Manager in effective unit management, including staff coordination, stock control, and oversight of care delivery. Contribute to the planning, assessment, implementation, and evaluation of care within the multidisciplinary team from admission to discharge. Deliver care in line with the NMC Code, Scope of Practice, and Trust policies.

Act as an advocate for patients and families. Ensure safety in line with safeguarding procedures. Participate in audits, evaluate outcomes, and embed findings in practice. Recognise limitations and elevate concerns appropriately. In the Ward Manager's absence, assess staff performance and sickness, implement action plans, and complete return‑to‑work interviews with accurate documentation. Liaise with the multidisciplinary team to maintain patient safety and wellbeing.

Reduce length of stay through enhanced recovery pathways and effective discharge planning. Mentor and assess student nurses and new staff. Coordinate the unit's daily running and deputise for the Ward Manager when required. Record all activity promptly on the electronic tracking system. Complete timely referrals to Specialist Nurses and elevate issues to the Matron EIC.

• Ensure the patient and their families receive a high standard of care in accordance with the Trusts patient experience strategy.
• Lead on implementation and change of practice where necessary.
• To give advice and clinical support to other areas within the trust as required.
• Be involved in effective multi‑disciplinary team working.
• Ensure patient's privacy and dignity, and individual needs are met.
• To work with the discharge team and community partners to ensure safe and timely discharges.
• Be an expert in the designated basic clinical skills set and teach/inform/coach others as appropriate encouraging a positive learning environment.
• Be proactively involved in the development of competency standards, protocols, guidelines and unified records.
• Actively seek out opportunities to improve skills and increase knowledge.
• Keep up to date with clinical developments within acute medicine.
• Be able to work autonomously.
• Provide high‑quality, patient‑centred nursing care within the Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) for patients who are medically fit for discharge but awaiting external placement or support.
• Demonstrate robust A‑E assessment skills and recognise, elevate, and respond promptly to the deteriorating patient within a nurse‑led environment.
• Accurately screen and assess patients for admission to the DRU, ensuring appropriate consideration of discharge planning requirements, therapy needs, and suitability for the unit against SOP criterion.
• Act as a visible clinical leader, undertaking hands‑on nursing care while supervising and supporting junior staff to maintain high standards of practice.
• Work collaboratively with therapists, the Discharge Hub, volunteers, and carers to optimise patient functionality and support timely discharge.

• Identify problems and actively work towards resolving them.
• Actively look for ways to develop the service.
• Be willing to undertake relevant development.
• Ensure the safety of all patients including visitors at all times.
• Ensuring safe clinical practice is maintained in the unit, especially in relation to junior staff.
• To record and respond to complaints as they arise.
• Identify own development needs and actively work towards own professional development with support…