Junior Sister​/Charge Nurse

Junior Sister/Charge Nurse

Go back South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 02 February 2026

There are so many reasons to join our Ophthalmology team de from our fantastic staff, we have lots of exciting things going on. Our plans for our Eye Hospital in Sunderland are taking shape and will be our new home in Spring 2026. The new hospital means Sunderland will remain home to the region’s only dedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputation across the NHS, both regionally and nationally as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care.

We also never stay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. We encourage innovation and research in everything we do. There is always something to get involved in. If you share our vision for “excellence in all that we do”, we'd love you to join us!

We are looking for an enthusiastic 1st level NMC registered adult band 6 Nurse to join our team on Haygarth Ward. Haygarth Ward is a 24/7 22‑bedded ward service with a multidisciplinary team providing holistic care for a large group of patients with varying ophthalmic conditions. We are a large team which includes Registered Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Ophthalmologists, Ward Doctors and Admin.

Moving to our New Eye Hospital we will be responsible for an 8‑bedded inpatient ward; a 10‑bedded day of surgery admissions unit; a treatment and investigations unit and an outpatient pre‑assessment unit.

The Ophthalmology Directorate at STSFT is nationally and internationally recognised for excellence in Ophthalmology, providing specialist services in Cataract, Medical Retina, Glaucoma, Ocular Motility, Paediatrics and Oculoplastic Surgery. We are seeking a dynamic, motivated Band 6 NMC Registered Adult Nurse to join our team.

You will be an excellent communicator with proven leadership skills, able to motivate and support nursing staff. Primarily based in our Day of Surgery Unit (DOSA), you will oversee patient flow from admission through discharge, allocate staff based on acuity and skill mix, and ensure compliance with safety standards, checklists and infection control.

Clinical duties include patient assessment, pre‑op preparation, medication support, discharge planning and acting as clinical lead in emergencies. You will supervise and mentor Band 5 nurses, HCAs and students, lead handovers and address skill gaps. Key responsibilities include adherence to WHO checklists, LocSSIPs, fasting protocols, risk assessments and incident reporting. You will coordinate with theatres, anaesthetics, surgical teams and pharmacy to maintain safe, efficient care.

When holding the senior nurse bleep, you will respond to clinical queries, support rapid decision‑making and attend emergencies. Weekday working is standard, with occasional weekend cover for senior duties.

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award‑winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff…