Junior Sister/Charge Nurse

Role overview

An opening has been created within the Orthopaedic Directorate at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust for a Band 6 Junior Sister/Charge Nurse. The post sits in the Elective Orthopaedic Unit, a purpose-built 13-bed area with individual side rooms designed to support concentrated, high-quality patient care.

This is a busy elective orthopaedic service covering a broad range of procedures, offering a varied and fast-moving clinical setting. The team is expanding and is looking for nurses who are energetic, motivated, and committed to delivering excellent evidence-based care.

What the role involves

In this position, you will play an active part in the assessment, planning, delivery, and review of patient care. You will help drive improvements in standards, support smooth patient movement through the unit, and promote safe discharge planning in line with GIRFT principles.

You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure care remains patient-centred and of a high standard. When required, you will also step into the Senior Sister/Ward Manager role to support leadership, service coordination, and team delivery.

The role also includes contributing to audits, quality improvement work, and wider service development activities.

Main duties

You will be expected to practice in line with the NMC Code of Conduct, Trust policies, and relevant professional guidance. You will take responsibility for assessing the needs of a defined group of patients and independently plan, implement, and evaluate their care.

Other key responsibilities include monitoring nursing standards and team performance, supporting the growth of the service, and helping staff development within the clinical area. In the absence of the Ward Manager, you may be asked to deputise, attend meetings, and help maintain an organised and effective workforce.

Organisation information

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is an inclusive employer and is recognised as disability confident. The Trust has also received Gold recognition under the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. It offers strong opportunities for professional, leadership, management, and clinical development.

The organisation places a high value on work-life balance and supports flexible working wherever possible, taking into account both staff needs and service requirements.

The Trust serves a population of more than 900,000 across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and South Buckinghamshire. Its long-term strategy, FHFT 2030, aims to make the Trust the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS.

Ongoing investment includes a new hospital at Frimley Park, expansion of diagnostics and inpatient capacity, and continued service transformation across sites. Recent developments include a new £100m Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m maternity upgrade.

Sustainability is also a major focus, with estate developments planned to be energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The Trust is working toward the NHS Net Zero ambition through greener operations and more sustainable care delivery.

Digital improvement is another priority, including the rollout of the Epic electronic patient record in 2024 to support safer, more connected care and improved efficiency.

Vacancy details

There are 2 permanent full-time positions available for this post.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold current first- or second-level NMC registration. A Mentorship or SLIP qualification is also required. A leadership course is considered an advantage.

Experience

You should have at least 2 years of post-registration nursing experience in a relevant clinical environment. Evidence of current clinical practice standards is essential, along with experience of audit work. Knowledge of GIRFT principles would be beneficial.

Skills and knowledge

Essential skills include completion of an Orthopaedic module or study day, leadership ability, strong written and verbal communication, and advanced nursing skills. ACLP leadership experience or training is desirable.

Working style

The Trust welcomes applicants who can work flexibly, recognising that flexible arrangements may involve different patterns and hours. The organisation aims to work with staff to balance personal needs with service delivery requirements.

Additional information

Further details about the full job description and person specification are provided in the attached documents. Applications are invited online.