Job summary
We are seeking full-time Band 6 nurses for our busy 35 bedded ward on 33B

The post holder will work closely with and provide clinical and managerial support for the ward Sister and wider team. The post holder will take charge of the ward as and when required in the absence of the ward manager on a daily basis. The post holder will be expected to lead on an area of ward quality and working with the ward sister and other Band 6' ensure the ward submits all quality and Infection control audits monthly and that the results are reviewed and acted upon to ensure continuous improvement. In the absence of the ward Sister, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that care delivery by all members of the care team is carried out in accordance with Trust policies and procedures and the guidelines for practice set by the NMC code of conduct. The post holder will take responsibility for the management, supervision and guidance of other qualified staff, Health care assist provision of an effective support of the ward Sister. The post holder will take personal responsibility and accountability for ensuring that the Trust policies and procedures are known and followed by all members of the care team in the absence of the ward Sister.

Main duties of the job
Working in collaboration with the Senior Sister, the post holder's main duties will include:

• Leading the nursing team in the delivery of evidence based patient-centered care, which is of a high standard.
• Working in partnership with the Senior Sister and ward team in developing the team and the provision of the service, forming working relationships with all the surgical teams and surgical division.
• Being involved in the co-ordination of the ward, completion of audits, and mentorship of junior staff.
• Being a key member in facilitating changes in the needs of the service and play a vital role in the development of the ward team including their ongoing professional development.
• Supporting the Band 7 Senior Sister with managerial tasks including sickness management, appraisals and 1:1's, and training.
• Providing support and co-ordination for the ward

Shift pattern
This role will require working both day and night shifts across weekdays and weekends.

About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:

• Better outcomes for our Patients
• More opportunities for our People
• Fairer more consistent care for our Population
• Best Value for Public Purse

Our vision for five years from now:

• Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
• We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
• More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.
• Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
• Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
• We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
• Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
• We will contribute to system financial balance

Job responsibilities

• Ensure that care needs are assessed, and programmes of care are developed, implemented, evaluated and documented contemporaneously for caseload of patients in clinical area.
• Plan, allocate, supervise and evaluate working practices of the team on a day-to-day basis.
• Provide professional advice and support to team members so that they are able to assume responsibility to carry out delegated duties.
• Take responsibility for the timely, effective and safe discharge of patients.
• Lead on planning care and ensure individual plans are in place accordingly to individual patient or family needs.
• Be responsible for implementation and delivery of nutritional and fluid standards including protected meal times.
• Review the effectiveness of treatments and make any necessary modifications, reporting to senior colleagues/medical staff as necessary.
• Ensure the safe storage and administration of intravenous and oral drugs/medication and fluids in accordance with Trust policies.
• Undertake the full range of extended/advanced clinical skills (relevant to clinical area) and supervise/assess others.
• Implement privacy and dignity standards within own sphere of responsibility.
• Respect individuals dignity, wishes and beliefs, involving them in shared decision-making with consideration for the vulnerable patient, learning disabilities and child protection issues.
• Be able to confidently complete the required documentation pertaining to: DOLS, Referral to Social Service, Mental Capacity, Mental Health Act, Safeguarding referrals.
• On identification of concerns, raise through the appropriate line management structures, if necessary, referring to the Trusts Whistle-blowing procedure.
• Act as advocate for staff/patients in internal and external forums, constructively challenging clinical teams as appropriate.
• Facilitate and maintain clinical competence skills of self and others in day to day working practices
• On a shift-by-shift basis, be responsible for minimising the risks of infections and for the implementation of the relevant code of Practice for prevention and control of health care
• Report any issues regarding capacity or skill to Senior Sisters

Person Specification
Essential

• NMC Registration
• Teaching/Mentorship qualification
• 18 months experience at Band 5 level
• Recent experience working in surgical setting
• Competence with surgical clinical skills
• Motivation to develop and support development of current services

Desirable

• Completed/ willingness to undertake additional courses at Master's Level
• Recent experience triaging surgical patients
• Experience working at Band 6 level
• Ability to lead others

Closing date
The closing date is 09 November 2026

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Please see the NHS Careers website for further information.

Employer contact
Senior Sister Lisa Hayward, Lisa.hayward20@nhs.net, 01174140649

Apply through our website