Job summary
Successful candidates will work as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team in UHL / QEH Adult and Children Accident and Emergency department, using their professional skill-set and calming influence to identify and support patients presenting with mental health needs; supporting the implementation and engagement of care plans set out by the psychiatric liaison team and CAMHS CrisisTeam.

The RMN will work as an interface between the Psychiatric liaison Team / CAMHS Crisis Team and A+E team to ensure patient's mental health needs are interpreted into high quality care whilst in A&E and provide ongoing support with mental state reviews as well as dynamic risk assessments.

The RMN will engage directly with patients in a holistic manner and determine any clinical, environmental and social needs.

Main duties of the job
The applicants will use their specialist knowledge and skill set to identify and detail deterioration / improvements and fluctuations in patient's mental health and feedback to the team/s where there are significant risks that need mitigating and work with your colleagues to do so. Your energy and drive will be rewarded with the support of an enthusiastic team.

It is an integral part of the senior RMN's role to maintain clinical competence by working in their areas providing support, guidance, leadership and clinical advice to staff. The job will also include visible inclusive leadership and engagement with patients and families, frontline staff, senior management teams, the Trust and its key stakeholders.

About us
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

• Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• Improving the experience of staff with disability
• Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• Making equalities mainstream

Details
Date posted: 03 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum plus HCA
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 197-EK8933
Job locations: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, London, SE18 4QH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2015)
• Maintain own level of clinical competence
• Use evidence-based practice
• The post holder will be independently and clinically responsible for the coordination and implementation of effective nursing care in UHL / QEH A&E. The applicant will liaise with other professionals and with those providing support services if / when necessary
• Provide accurate reports to Mental Health Liaison Teams / CAMHS Crisis Team, assisting them to develop plans of care and make difficult decisions in cases where patients are exhibiting complex psychosocial needs and/or challenging behaviours.
• Act as patients advocate to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines
• Ensure that sensitive patient records are documented and stored appropriately
• Ensures the cultural and spiritual needs of patients are recognised and accommodated within resources available.
• Undertake risk assessments for service users who are waiting in Emergency Department and be responsible for communicating information about the risks to all relevant services and agencies
• To work in partnership with the user, carer, Psychiatric Liaison Service, CAMHS Crisis Team, and agencies and have an understanding and awareness of the differences in their values and cultures as well as priorities and objectives and how those differences can affect partnership strategies
• Participate fully in quality assurance initiatives, with particular emphasis on a patient first approach
• Be able to understand local policies, practice and frameworks, keeping up to date with the national agenda.
• Take on a range of management duties at the request of and in the absence of Senior management staff
• Initiate and participate in audit / research projects associated with the work of the service
• To manage flow of MH patients efficiently, economically and escalate any concerns appropriately
• Be required to guide nursing staff, in the general hospital and mental health setting and non-nursing staff both in formal and informal settings
• Will act as a role model for all staff in the general hospital setting in providing a service for people with mental health problems
• To facilitate future learning for staff and students
• To prioritise and assist in the investigate and manage of complaints according to Trust policy
• To maintain accurate and complete records of activities and communications relating to patients in a timely manner in line with Trust and NMC standards for record keeping
• To actively participate in the recruitment and selection process
• To ensure all new staff, temporary staff and student nurses are inducted and orientated appropriately
• To contribute to any audits / research / benchmarking as required
• To communicate clear expectations to staff and colleagues, manage performance and champion change to create an environment where the courage to speak out is welcomed and encouraged.
• To manage staff absences and conduct return to work interviews escalating all performance concerns in line with Trust HR policies and procedures
• To ensure that all staff are up-to-date with mandatory and statutory training, appraisals and personal development plans
• Act to safeguard vulnerable children and adults in A&E.

Person Specification
Knowledge (Essential)

• Knowledge of long-term conditions and patient pathways
• Knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable adults
• Knowledge of how to manage budgets and resources
• Knowledge of the NMC Code and its application to nursing practice
• Demonstrates substantial experience of assessing risk and developing risk management strategies
• Able to articulate a detailed understanding of the relevant legal frameworks/legislation including CPA process, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Safeguarding.
• Knowledge of models of mental health assessment
• Sound evidence based clinical knowledge of adult mental health treatments and support

Personal Qualities (Essential)

• Computer literate - including the use of Outlook, I-Care, Microsoft Office and other software used by the Trust

Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Registered Mental Health Nurse Level 1
• Educated to 1st Degree level
• IT literate
• Mentorship qualification
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Further training and experience to post graduate diploma level equivalent

Desirable

• Additional qualification in clinical specialty
• Post qualification work experience

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable understanding of an Acute Mental Health environment
• Significant post-registration experience gained working in a range of frontline adult mental health services, undertaking assessment and delivering interventions
• Proven ability of working within a multi-disciplinary team and evidence of team development
• Experience of implementation of service developments
• Demonstrates substantial experience of, and relevant professional practice qualification in mentoring/assessing students and learners.

Desirable

• Appraisal completion training

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: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, London, SE18 4QH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
Mental Health Lead, Kevin Ramjeet, k.ramjeet@nhs.net, 07857596927

Apply through our website.