Band 6 Charge Nurse – Bristol: Sponsorship Available

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Job summary

Elizabeth Casson House (ECH) is an 8-bed female Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, and we’re looking for a compassionate and confident Band 6 Nurse to join our experienced and supportive team. Our staff bring strong clinical skills, good judgement and a genuine commitment to providing safe, trauma-informed care to women during periods of crisis. You will also have the opportunity to develop knowledge in women’s mental health and understanding the gender specific factors that influence presentation, risk and recovery.

You will be part of a team that values openness, reflection and shared learning. Staff wellbeing is really important to us! We work closely together, support each other day-to-day, and make sure people feel appreciated and equipped to do their best work.

You’ll have opportunities to develop your leadership skills, contribute to service development and build confidence in areas such as de-escalation, relational security and culturally informed practice. We’re committed to developing both our staff and our practice, and to continually improving the experience we offer to the women in our care.

ECH is a bright, calm and therapeutic environment. We are one of the few wards with a dedicated sensory room! A space to support emotional regulation, reduce distress and promote wellbeing.

If you’re looking to join a welcoming, skilled team who are passionate about delivering excellent care and supporting one another, we’d be very happy to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 6 Nurse on ECH, you will take a key leadership role in the day-to-day running of the ward. This includes clinically leading shifts, supervising junior staff, and helping to maintain high standards of safe, compassionate care. You will also support the Ward Manager with operational duties and may provide cover in their absence to ensure continuity for the team.

You will support staff to recognise and respond to rising levels of distress, using relational approaches and de-escalation skills to maintain a calm and therapeutic environment.

The role includes participation in the Duty Nurse rota, offering support and guidance to other wards across the Callington Road Hospital site outside of core hours. This provides valuable experience in site-wide coordination and leadership.

You will be an experienced RMN or RNLD with a strong commitment to clinical excellence, emotional resilience and service development. Professional growth is important to us, and you will be supported to take responsibility for your own learning through training, supervision, reflective practice and involvement in ward-based quality improvement projects. Rotational posts can be considered for those wishing to broaden their experience.

ECH is based within Callington Road Hospital, which hosts a range of mental health units. Wards work closely together and support one another when needed, creating a collaborative and responsive environment.

Person Specification

Essential/ Desirable Criteria

Essential

  • Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) or Registered Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD)
  • Substantial post-registration experience within acute mental health, PICU, LD/challenging behaviour, crisis or similar settings
  • Skilled in recognising and responding to distress, using relational and trauma-informed de-escalation. Completing dynamic risk assessments and contributing to risk management plans
  • Demonstrates effective leadership, including shift coordination, delegation and supporting junior staff. Experience providing supervision, supporting students and contributing to staff development
  • Knowledge and application of the NMC Code and safeguarding responsibilities

Desirable

  • Post-registration training relevant to PICU, trauma-informed care or women’s health.
  • Completed a relevant course on teaching and assessing in clinical practice.
  • Able to evidence successfully providing formal training to others; supporting students
  • Experience of service improvement/ QI projects

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

UK Registration

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

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.