Job summary
An exciting opportunity to cover shifts in one of SEL Acute Trusts through a single bank registration. As a bank worker you will have priority access to shifts in various departments across the Acute Trusts where the Multi-Disciplinary Team have identified that a Registered Mental Health Nurse is required to provide care to patients with complex and enduring mental health needs

Main duties of the job
To cover shifts in various departments across the Acute Trusts where the Multi-Disciplinary Team have identified that a Registered Mental Health Nurse is required to provide care to patients with complex and enduring mental health needs. Understands the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2008) in relation to consent and best interest decision making. To utilise specific care planning tools as instructed by the clinical team contained in Trust policy (Managing Challenging Behaviour in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment Policy) for patients with specific needs, when necessary, for example, nursing care plan for the confused and disorientated patient, and behaviour chart for patients with cognitive impairment. Establishing and maintaining effective communication with assigned patients, carers and relatives. Ensures that clear and accurate records and communication systems relating to clinical and care delivery are maintained and effectively used. Under direction of the nurse in charge is able to support optimum patient care management including supporting the patient with their activities of daily living.

About us
There are opportunities at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and Lewisham Hospital to work on an ad hoc basis as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. We are currently looking at increasing our supply of RMNs to work on both sites in a variety of departments on an as and when required basis. You will be registered with the NMC as an RMN and have a MINIMUM OF 6 MONTHS POST REGISTRATION, NHS EXPERIENCE WITHIN A MENTAL HEALTH SETTING. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to supervise and support other team members. Reliability, confidence and commitment are essential characteristics you will need to succeed in this role.

Only short listed candidates will be notified by email.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to sit a drug calculation test prior to being offered an interview. This test will be based on the Queen Elizabeth site and details will be sent if shortlisted.

Job responsibilities
LEWISHAM & GREENWICH NHS TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB DETAILS
Post Title: Bank Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Grade: Local Pay Rates
Hours: Ad Hoc
Department/Ward: Bank
Reports To: Ward Manager/Team Leader
Accountable To: Director of Nursing and Education
Location/Sites Lewisham Hospital & Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich

2. JOB PURPOSE
To cover shifts in various departments across the Acute Trust where the Multi-Disciplinary Team have identified that a Registered Mental Health Nurse is required to provide care to patients with complex and enduring mental health needs. The post holders under the direction of a nurse in charge, is accountable for the provision, organisation, and direction of safe and person centred nursing care approaches for patients. As a bank member of staff you will liaise with all staffing groups so that the best possible care is given to meet the individual needs of patients.

3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Site Manager
Matron
Ward Manager
Nurse In Charge
Bank Nurse

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Practices in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate guidelines. In collaboration with the clinical (Multi-disciplinary) team assess the mental health care needs of patients and assist in developing programmes of care and implement psychological interventions as agreed. Participate in the Admission Procedure and ensure that it is undertaken as smoothly as possible and that discharges / transfers are communicated effectively with patients and that all appropriate agencies are informed of the discharge / transfers and all necessary arrangements made. To utilise specific care planning tools as instructed by the clinical team contained in Trust policy (Managing Challenging Behaviour in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment Policy) for patients with specific needs when necessary e.g. nursing care plan for the confused and disorientated patient, and behaviour chart for patients with cognitive impairment. Co-ordinating care for the patient and work in partnership with the patient, clinical team and the specialist healthcare providers to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and programmes of care. Establishing and maintaining effective communication with assigned patients, carers and relatives. Understands the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2008) in relation to consent and best interest decision making. Observes confidentiality of patient information at all times and complies with Data Protection Act (1984). Ensures that clear and accurate records and communication systems relating to clinical and care delivery are maintained and effectively used. Under direction of the nurse in charge is able to support optimum patient care management including supporting the patient with their activities of daily living. Taking prompt action on changes in condition, liaising with other members of the clinical team when necessary, reviewing nursing care and communicating any amendments to the programmes of care.

Professional
The RH (MH) is accountable for any action undertaken in the course of duty, and is aware of the limits of his/her responsibilities and reports promptly to the appropriate personnel any matter that falls outside these responsibilities. Will develop within the Scope of Professional Practice taking responsibility for own professional growth and keeps up to date with professional developments. Attends study days and courses as appropriate. Will keep himself/herself aware of new developments in nursing within scope of practice. Will adhere to the current uniform policy. Observe and continually promote equal opportunities in compliance with the Trust's policies on Equality and Diversity and Dignity at Work.

Health & Safety
Observe and comply with the Trust's policies and procedures for Health and Safety ensuring the environment in which you work is safe, clean and tidy and comply with standard infection control precautions to prevent or minimise the spread of micro-organisms and communicable diseases to patients, staff and surrounding community. Reports any deficiency in the agreed hygiene standard to the appropriate personnel. Ensures that equipment is maintained in working order and correctly used. When commencing duty in the ward, you will familiarise yourself with emergency procedures relating to fire and resuscitation. Will be sure of the role they play in the team and be able to safely participate in an emergency. Will attend annual training for fire and resuscitation. Will know the Moving and Handling policy and take responsibility for ensuring safe moving and handling techniques, making use of appropriate aids. Attend annual update training. Is familiar with the Major Incident Policy and the role of their ward/department within it. Reports all accidents and incidents to relevant personnel and is aware of relevant documentation.

Clinical Governance
Keeps the ward manager and Modern Matron informed of changes in the ward environment particularly when those changes affect standards of care, and reports any unsafe areas to the appropriate personnel. Will participate in ward or departmental quality assurance activities. Will participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of quality standards. Will take into account patients, and other consumer views when developing and assessing quality standards. This job description is intended to be a guide only to the general scope of the post and not an exhaustive list of duties, you may therefore be required to undertake other duties commensurate with your grade.

This is a description of the job as it is presently constructed. This will be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that the job description fully reflects the duties and responsibilities required. This will be done by the line manager in consultation with the postholder.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Confidentiality
Confidentiality/data protection regarding all personal information and Trust activity must be maintained at all times (both in and out of working hours) in accordance with professional codes of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act. The post holder should ensure that they are familiar with and adhere to all Trust Information governance policies and procedures. Any breach of confidentiality will be taken seriously and appropriate disciplinary action may be taken.

Equal Opportunities
Promote the concepts of equality of opportunity and managing diversity Trust wide.

Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, paying due regard to health and safety in the workplace and management of risk to maintain a safe working environment for service users, visitors and employees.

Infection Prevention and Control
Employees must be aware of their responsibilities to protect service users, visitors and employees against the risks of acquiring health care associated infections, in accordance with Trust policy.

Professional Standards and Performance Review
Maintain consistently high professional standards and act in accordance with the relevant professional code of conduct. Employees are expected to participate in the performance review process.

Service/Department Standards
Support the development of performance standards within the Service/Department to ensure the service is responsive to and meeting the needs of its customers.

Finance
All Trust staff will comply with the financial processes and procedures.

Safeguarding.Children
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Children Act 1989, 2004.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• NMC
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.
• An ability to develop a therapeutic relationship.
• An ability to work in partnership with the multi-disciplinary team
• A knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health problems.
• A knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Demonstrates an ability to develop therapeutic relationships.
• Ability to present information both written and oral and communicate this effectively.
• An ability to develop ones own practice using the supervision process.
• Flexible in one's approach to interventions.

Desirable

• Mentorship Training
• Other professional development.
• Experience of shift co-ordination.
• Experience of supervising and mentoring junior staff and students.
• Experience of racial awareness/diversity training
• IT skills
• Clinical skills relevant to the post applied for.
• Skilled in the Communication of sensitive issues.
• Skilled in supervision of others, and in providing critical and constructive feedback.

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: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Address: Lewisham Hospital Nhs Trust, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Bank RMN, Bank Recruitment, lg.bankrecruitment2@nhs.net, 02088364841

Details
Date posted: 29 September 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £17 an hour
Contract: Bank
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Flexible working
Reference number: C9197-26-0872
Job locations: Lewisham Hospital Nhs Trust, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LH, United Kingdom; Queen Elizabeth Hospital Nhs Trust, Stadium Road, London, SE18 4QH, United Kingdom

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