Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join the North Wales Young People's Service (NWAS) on Kestrel Ward in a dual role as Practice Development Nurse and Senior Staff Nurse. This unique position combines clinical leadership with teaching and development responsibilities, and offers you the opportunity to influence practice standards while continuing to take an active, direct role in patient care.

Based on the principle that nurses learn most effectively through experience, the role of the Practice Development Nurse focuses on helping staff to apply knowledge in real clinical situations. You will support the team to provide care that is specific to a condition and also guided by pathways, to ensure that learning turns into confident and suitable practical work. You will also work as a Senior Staff Nurse—leading shifts, coordinating the nursing team, and maintaining a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

This role is central to providing safe, effective and compassionate care for young people with complex mental health needs. You will shape clinical standards, guide staff through change, and promote evidence-based practice within NWAS. Your contribution will ensure patient outcomes, build staff confidence, and foster a positive and therapeutic environment across the service.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

Practice Development Responsibilities:

• Deliver teaching sessions, organize forums, and create innovative learning opportunities tailored to the needs of the ward.
• Support new starters through competency and induction frameworks, ensuring best practice for skills acquisition.
• Collaborate with corporate Practice Development Nurses and Clinical Training Teams to benchmark and ensure the quality of training standards.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, audits, and service evaluation to improve patient care and staff development.

Senior Staff Nurse Responsibilities:

• Being responsible for shifts and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Coordinating the nursing team, delegating tasks, and ensuring that patient activities are well supported and supervised.
• Act as a reliable resource for staff during emergencies or challenging situations, building confidence and teamwork.
• Provide direct nursing care to children and young people with complex mental health needs, using a person-centred approach.

Time will be allocated to maintaining your clinical competence and professional development.

Working for our organisation

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB)  North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh.  Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.