Job overview

Make a difference to each patient’s experience of the NHS.

Want to make a real difference? Interested in working in an exciting Level 2 higher care area?

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse to join our well established team. You will be working for Specialist Medicine on a busy 27 bedded ward which includes a 6 bedded Level 2 Respiratory Support Unit.

Wellington Ward cares for patients with both chronic and the most acute respiratory illnesses/diseases at the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

An often busy ward, working as part of a team is critical. We have a dynamic and forward thinking multidisciplinary team that you will be an active member of. You will be expected to lead the team, provide clinical support, guidance and supervision on a daily basis. You will be given training opportunities to build your Respiratory knowledge and skills.

As the Deputy Sister or Charge Nurse you will also be responsible for ensuring a SAFER approach in care delivery. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team you will ensure safe and appropriate care, assessment, and treatment of patients.

Main duties of the job

Wellington Ward cares for a broad range of patients with differing respiratory needs and often complex chronic conditions, such as Cystic Fibrosis, Type 2 Respiratory Failure, COPD and acute conditions, such as Pneumothoraces, Asthma, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Lung Cancer. You will also gain experience with Intercostal Drains, High Flow Nasal Oxygen and Erector Spinae Catheter (ESP).

The types of nursing activities that you will be involved in are: Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), Chest Drain management, chest trauma and pain management, including caring for patients with ESP's,  Portacath's and midlines. You will work closely with our respiratory nurse specialist team who specialise in NIV, CF, Asthma and COPD.

We are very proud of our team working, with a Consultant led medical team, nursing, therapies and visiting specialties such as Trauma and Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Palliative Care.  We are an innovative and forward thinking team and frequently participate in new trials and projects, enabling us to have real influence in developments across the trust.

We pride ourselves on being able to deliver excellent care not only to those sick patients who require level 2 high care, but also supporting patients with their daily activities, rehabilitation goals and discharge plans, through to their end of life care.

Working for our organisation

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high‑quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds: 

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance 

As a teaching hospital, we’re proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future. The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non‑clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams. 

We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that’s safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.