Lead practice nurse

Posting date:	08 January 2026
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	Negotiable
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	30 January 2026
Location:	Plymouth, PL5 1PL
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	A2381-27-0000-PLYM

Summary

Role purpose The Nurse Team Leader is a pivotal figure in steering the nursing team towards excellence in patient care. This role encompasses oversight of clinical nursing practices, enhancing nursing protocols, and leading quality improvement initiatives across the practice. The Nurse Team Leader is responsible for the management, development, and leadership of the nursing service ensuring it meets contemporary standards and delivers effective outcomes for patients This position requires a combination of clinical expertise and managerial acumen to coordinate the nursing team's activities effectively. The Nurse Team Leader will liaise with other healthcare professionals to integrate nursing with broader healthcare operations advocating for high standards in patient safety and care quality. The role involves substantial patient interaction, clinical duties, and administrative oversight providing a comprehensive patient centred approach to nursing within the practice. The Nurse Team Leader will also ensure adherence to infection control and cold chain standards The Practice aims to provide a primary site for the post holder to work from fostering stability and a strong patient clinician relationship. However flexibility is required and the post holder must be willing to work at other branch sites when necessary either on a temporary or permanent basis. Practice core hours are monday to friday with extended hours on weekdays and saturday. The post holder must be willing to work their contractual hours during both core and extended hours although the Practice will consider their preferences Role duties Clinical and Operational Leadership The Nurse Team Leader provides clinical and operational leadership to the nursing team overseeing recruitment rota management performance and professional development to ensure high standards of care. They maintain clinical governance systems ensuring compliance with health and safety guidelines including infection control measures and clinical audit standards. The post holder leads the development and revision of nursing policies and protocols integrating best practice guidelines into everyday clinical procedures and ensures compliance with all nurse related regulatory areas Patient Care The Nurse Team Leader provides direct patient care using specialist nursing skills particularly in chronic disease management emergency care and preventative measures. They support effective patient flow and care coordination within the practice working with multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient outcomes. They lead health promotion initiatives educating patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyles Quality Improvement The post holder leads quality improvement projects to enhance patient safety experience and care outcomes. They conduct and facilitate clinical audits using findings to improve clinical practice and patient care protocols. Patient and staff feedback is used to refine clinical practices and enhance service delivery. They adhere to strict infection control protocols including the use of personal protective equipment and hand hygiene practices Educational Leadership The Nurse Team Leader designs and delivers training programs for the nursing team and other healthcare staff ensuring all members are up to date with the latest clinical practices and technologies. They mentor nursing staff and healthcare assistants fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the practice Administrative Functions The Nurse Team Leader manages nursing resources efficiently including medical supplies and staffing. They oversee documentation processes within the nursing team ensuring all patient records are accurate and compliant with legal standards. They regularly attend and contribute to practice meetings sharing insights and coordinating with healthcare professionals to enhance service delivery Person specification Essential criteria Educational Background Registered Nurse with active NMC registration Degree in nursing Chronic disease management Cervical screening Clinical Skills Extensive nursing experience including advanced practice skills in primary care settings Proficiency in managing a wide range of clinical scenarios including chronic disease management emergency response and preventive care Leadership and Management Demonstrated leadership experience capable of managing and developing a nursing team Experience in clinical governance and implementing quality improvement processes within a healthcare setting Communication Skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary team meetings and patient consultations effectively Strong capabilities in conflict resolution and in building a cohesive team Organisational Abilities Proven ability to manage resources efficiently including staffing budgets and medical supplies Skill in policy development staff training and performance evaluation Regulatory Knowledge In depth understanding of current NHS practices healthcare regulations and legal guidelines affecting nursing and patient care Desirable criteria Specialist Nursing Skills Prescribing qualification Additional certifications in areas such as diabetes education palliative care or minor surgery procedures Experience in public health nursing promoting community health initiatives and programs Research and Development Engagement with clinical research particularly in studies focused on improving patient care and nursing practices Ability to integrate research findings into practical nursing strategies and protocols Technological Proficiency Familiarity with SystmOne Competence in using digital tools for patient management and data analysis Additional Competencies Flexibility and adaptability in a fast evolving healthcare environment Commitment to personal and professional development aiming to stay informed about the latest healthcare innovations and nursing practices