Job summary
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Registered Mental Health Nurse (Band 5) to join Rydon Ward 2 at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This is a pivotal role supporting individuals with acute mental health needs, working within a recovery-focused service to help patients achieve stability and independence.

Rydon Ward 2 is a 15 bed unit providing specialist assessment and treatment for adults of working age experiencing acute mental health difficulties. Our skilled team of doctors, nurses, and therapists work closely with the Home Treatment Team to deliver seamless, person-centred care. Serving the Bridgwater and Somerset Coast areas, the ward offers a safe, therapeutic environment focused on recovery.

Why join us?
Rydon Ward in Taunton is an excellent place to start or develop your inpatient nursing career. Whether you're newly qualified, experienced, or a General or Learning Disability Nurse seeking a change, we'd love to hear from you.

We offer a supportive environment with supervision, appraisals, psychology-led reflective practice groups, and regular training opportunities. Staff wellbeing is a priority, and clear clinical leadership from Band 6 Clinical Leads ensures guidance and future career development.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the clinical management of designated service users, including assessment, planning, and implementation of nursing care.
• Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver person-centred care.
• Administer prescribed medication in line with Trust policy and professional standards.
• Undertake physical health observations and monitor changes in patients' mental and physical wellbeing.
• Support patients with daily living activities and therapeutic interventions.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and risk assessments in accordance with Trust policies.
• Act as a keyworker for allocated patients, ensuring continuity of care.
• Provide clinical advice and support to junior staff and students, acting as a role model.
• Participate in clinical governance, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities
Rydon Ward 2 is part of the Inpatient Mental Health Service at Wellsprings Hospital Site, Taunton. The ward provides acute mental health care for working-age adults from the Bridgwater and Somerset Coast areas. You will work in a dynamic environment where adaptability, resilience, and teamwork are essential.

This role involves:

• Building therapeutic relationships with patients to support recovery.
• Collaborating with clinical teams, carers, and external agencies to create opportunities and remove barriers to care.
• Managing challenging situations calmly and professionally, ensuring adherence to the Mental Health Act and safeguarding principles.
• Contributing to the development of a positive ward culture that promotes staff wellbeing and morale.
• Engaging in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Mental HealthRelevant degree or equivalent

Desirable

• Teaching/Assessor qualification Evidence of continuing professional development and to have undertaken post registration training

Experience
Desirable

• Experience of working in multi-agency services

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Required to develop knowledge base in line with the KSF requirements for the post.Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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