Junior Sister​/Charge Nurse

Overview

There are many reasons to join our Ophthalmology team  Eye Hospital in Sunderland is taking shape and will be our new home in Spring 2026. Sunderland will remain home to the region's only dedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our reputation as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care within the NHS regionally and nationally. We are a research‑oriented site that encourages innovation and development in new treatments and technologies.

If you share our vision for excellence, we would love you to join us.

We are looking for an enthusiastic 1st level NMC registered adult Band 6 Nurse to join Haygarth Ward. Haygarth Ward is a 24/7, 22‑bed ward service with a multidisciplinary team providing holistic care for patients with varying ophthalmic conditions. On moving to the New Eye Hospital, we will be responsible for an 8‑bed inpatient ward; a 10‑bed day of surgery admissions unit;

a treatment and investigations unit and an outpatient pre‑assessment unit.

• Be responsible and accountable for the safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for all patients in a ward/department area.
• Exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
• Supervise, support and educate junior team members, acting as a role model.
• Support ward/department manager to ensure organisational goals/objectives are met within ward/department.
• When taking charge of the ward/department or in the absence of the ward/department manager, ensure clinical, professional and cleanliness standards are maintained in the entire ward/department.
• Ensure effective communication internally and externally regarding patient care and resources.
• Comply with the trust's vision, values and behavioural compact.

You will primarily be 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 safety standards, checklists and infection control are followed. 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.

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.

• Aware of national health and social care policy.
• Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
• Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
• Clinical teaching experience.
• Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information with persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassuring skills.
• Able to work without supervision.
• Competent in the use of IT packages.
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of competency in nursing practices appropriate to the post.

• Understanding of budget and financial control systems.

• Experience as a Band 5 nurse.
• Experience of leading a team.
• Evidence of innovation in practice.
• Experience coordinating a team in caring for patients from admission to discharge.

• Expertise within the ophthalmology specialty.
• Experience of line management of staff.

• Current NMC Registration (Level 1 adult nurse).
• Degree in nursing studies or healthcare related subject or evidence of currently working towards this (UK equivalent).
• Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.

• Management and leadership training.
• ILM qualification.

• Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.

• Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires a DBS check.
• UK Registration:
  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.

Employer:

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Address:
Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland SR29HP

Employer's website:

Note:

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