Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Staff Nurse RMN

Job summary
Do you want to experience what its like working in a Low Secure Forensic Unit? Are you a nurse looking for a new opportunity or challenge? Are you a newly qualified nurse seeking your first nursing role within the NHS.

The Male Forensic Low Secure Unit based within St Anns Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a staff Nurse to join our team.

Twynham is a 12 bedded Low Secure Male Forensic Unit that provides a secure setting, with the primary goal being rehabilitation, assessing risk and providing therapeutic care to reduce future offending and harm, acting as a step down from a more secure ward. This post will work closely with all disciplines to assist and coordinate patient care packages aimed at recovery and supporting transition into the community.

We would love to hear about what attributes you believe you will bring to the team within your application, and what has driven you to apply for this role within Low Secure.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

You will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course, and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.

Main duties of the job
We would welcome applications from newly qualified nurses and we provide a very comprehensive and fully supported Preceptorship Programme for newly qualified healthcare professionals, alongside a ward based induction programme where you will be closely supported by the Clinical Team Leaders and wider team in settling in to your new role as a qualified nurse.

As a specialist service, we can provide opportunities to further develop your skills within specialised training specific to the Forensic field. Following successful completion of your 6-month probation period, you will meet with your supervisor to discuss your personal development plan which will identify your learning and training needs, so we can ensure you have all the skills you need to be the best you can be in your role.

Working pattern
The post is full time working 37.5 hours a week although part time will be considered.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role. All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification
Educational Requirements / Qualifications

• Essential: Registered Nurse (RMN / RNLD)

Skills / Knowledge base

• Essential: Preceptorship or working towards it
• Essential: Ability to mentor students
• Essential: Ability to supervise other staff
• Desirable: Working knowledge of criminal justice agencies
• Desirable: Good working knowledge of Part III of the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 as amended)

Personal Qualities

• Essential: Ability to work unsupervised

Experience

• Essential: Supervised experience gained during clinical placements
• Essential: Ability to take charge of a ward/case load regularly
• Desirable: Experience of forensic nursing

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Twynham Ward St Ann's Hospital, 69 Haven Road, Poole, BH13 7LN, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager Alice Stillman, Alice.Stillman@nhs.net, 01202492422

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 152-M420.26
Date posted: 13 November 2026
Closing date: 29 November 2026

Supporting documents
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