Job summary
Are you an excellent leader? Do you have a passion for Emergency care? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Sister/Charge Nurse to join us on Brantham Ward - our Emergency Assessment Unit at East Suffolk North Essex Foundation Trust, based at Ipswich Hospital. This post is to cover 12 month maternity leave on a Secondment/Fixed Term contract. We are looking for an experienced nurse who is enthusiastic and motivated to lead a team, who thrives on working at a fast pace, is quick thinking and able to work well under pressure. You will need to have proven experience as a band 6 or band 7 in the acute medicine environment. You will be required to manage the complex discharge planning as well as working with the networks to support development of care and access to services for this specialist group of patients.

Main duties of the job
To have overall responsibility for the operational management of clinical service delivery at ward level. To promote high standards of professional practice and the delivery of quality care within the corporate policies, protocols and guidelines. To be accountable for the delivery and monitoring of robust infection control measures at ward/department level through relentless vigilance by ensuring delivery of all aspects of the Infection Control Strategy as outlined in section 3 of the strategy. To provide clinical and managerial leadership to nursing and support staff. To be a highly skilled clinical expert with specialised knowledge in caring for patients.

About us
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes. We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff. We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options. Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services. Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients. We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what's widely regarded as the world's best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients. If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you. Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A

Details
Date posted: 15 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 432-HR537-26
Job locations: Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, IP4 5PD, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Personal Skills
Essential

• Leadership skills with evidence of staff motivation and team building
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written
• Computer/IT skills

Desirable

• Recruitment and selection skills
• Involvement in standard setting and audit

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of current Trust wide and Department of Health initiatives
• Knowledge of shared Governance
• Demonstrates ability to influence and manage successfully

Qualifications
Essential

• RGN / 1st Level registration
• Teaching / mentorship qualification e.g. ENB 998 or equivalent

Desirable

• Evidence of continuing education
• Relevant degree or working towards
• Advanced Life Support provider / other course of similar calibre

Experience
Essential

• Registered Nurse with proven experience at Band 6
• Uses evidence based practice to support care delivery
• Evidence of implementing significant changes or service developments that promote good practice

Desirable

• IV cannulation & venepuncture skills
• Leadership course
• Experience of relevant specialities
• Experience of working in an acute Hospital setting

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).