Ward Sister

Posting date:	26 February 2026
Salary:	£38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£38682.00 - £46580.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	23 March 2026
Location:	Waterlooville, PO7 5RU
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	B0494-26-0000

Summary

Your Role The Ward Sister role will work across the In-Patient Unit, which is led by the Ward Manager who is responsible to the Clinical Lead. The role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook. Job Purpose The Ward Sister is responsible for ensuring that the assessment of care and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care is completed for all patients admitted to the In-Patient Unit. The Ward Sister will supervise and support RNs and HCSWs in delivery of this care. The Ward Sister will also take responsibility for the line management of a specified number of the Ward RNs and HCSWs Key Working Relationships Patients, carers and relatives. All Hospice staff and volunteers. NHS Trusts, Primary Health Care Team, other Hospices and Charitable organisations, Nursing Homes, Social Services, Emergency Services, Funeral Directors and Coroners. Key Areas of Responsibility / Key Accountabilities To assess the care needs of patients to ensure that programmes of care are developed and implemented by members of the nursing team. To maintain continuing personal contact with patients and evaluate the effectiveness of programmes of care. To carry out and / or supervise the carrying out of specific treatments and clinical procedures. To base clinical practice on current research based evidence To assess the needs of patients and carers requiring intervention from other professionals/therapies within or outside the hospice referring and liaising as appropriate. To provide advice on symptom control/care management to other health care professionals out of hours. To take responsibility as nurse co-ordinator when rostered for the efficient running of the Inpatient Unit. To comply with Hospice nursing policies, standards, guidelines and procedures. To assist the Ward Manager/Director or Care/Associate Director of Quality in compiling standards to promote a high quality of patient care. To administer drugs, and assist with their ordering and storage, in accordance with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Royal College of Nursing Professional Guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Healthcare Settings. To recognise and report any errors or omissions in the administration of medications. To report to the Ward Manager/Director of Care/Doctors any relevant information on the condition of specific patients, their care or treatment. Out of hours to report to the on-call Hospice Doctor any relevant information on the condition of specific patients, their care or treatment. To report any feedback, concerns and complaints from patients, their relatives or others acting on their behalf and assist with the investigation as appropriate To adhere to The Code from the NMC. To ensure knowledge about patients is maintained in the strictest confidence and is not divulged except to professionals where it would materially assist with the programme of care or protection of the individual. (See Confidentiality and Information Governance including Caldicott and GDPR Compliance). To ensure that all nursing records are completed and updated at each shift change over. To monitor the content and quality of record keeping. To contribute to the recorded assessment of patients and referral of patients during admission and discharge planning; to supply relevant services with necessary information. Completion of all competencies relevant to role as listed in Core Skill Competency Passport and Medicine Competency Passport. To ensure that clinical stores held on the unit are used efficiently and economically. To take overall responsibility of the unit, according to the rota, in the absence of both the Ward Manager, Director of Care, Chief Executive and Associate Director of Quality. To report to the Ward Manager / Director of Care/Chief Executive any matter affecting the smooth running of the unit. To support and supervise members of the nursing team and volunteers within the Hospice. To support change within the nursing environment, supporting decisions by Managers. Chair regular monthly meetings for members of the Nursing Team, distributing minutes and taking all relevant information to Ward Manager. Support staff by facilitating a reflective session within team meetings. Work alongside Student Coordinators to ensure that Students are supported throughout their placements and achieve the competencies required in their placement. In conjunction with the Ward Manager assist with the recruitment of staff to include short-listing, interview selection, induction of staff and probationary review for their team members. In conjunction with Ward Manager/ Director of Care/Associate Director of Quality, carry out annual appraisals for staff allocated to them. Review KPIs annually alongside the Ward Manager and ensure these are completed twice a year for all staff. Promote clinical supervision, critical incident review and risk management reviews in line with Clinical Governance recommendations. In conjunction with the Ward Manager to ensure staffing levels are maintained at the optimal level, writing staffing rotas, altering shifts and booking bank nurses to cover sickness/study leave. To allocate staff, considering skill mix, to ensure continuity of care for the patients and their carers. To promote a harmonious working environment, dealing with discord between staff members as able, reporting all incidents to the Ward Manager /Director of Care /Chief Executive. To ensure that the procedure for the care of patients effects is observed, Understand the need to report Pressure Ulcers accurately and promptly, completing investigations and documentation in Vantage and with Safeguarding and CQC Ensure Vantage incident forms are completed promptly and the reflections required following CD incidents are discussed with staff. To inform, advise and teach patients, carers and staff on aspects of the patients condition and care required. To develop and maintain own knowledge and skills in palliative care. To maintain and extend management knowledge and skills. To actively contribute and teach both formal and informal, unit based clinical education as appropriate. To act as a link in one area as appropriate i.e. audit, bereavement, education or clinical. To act as a mentor for students. To attend and participate in clinical supervision. To attend lectures, formal meetings etc. to maintain professional update, adhere to aspects related to the Health and Safety at work act and promote the effective running of the Hospice. To attend all required mandatory education sessions, fire lecturers, manual handling training sessions, CPR lecturers and participate in fire drills as directed. To build and participate in induction programmes for new staff. To be familiar with current research and developments within palliative care. To participate in the collection of data for approved survey, research management, planning projects and auditing. To undertake training and development as required for Hospice and personal development using clinical supervision, performance review and revalidation as a basis for identifying training needs To assist the Ward Manager in identifying the training and development needs of individuals within the nursing team, and to participate in relevant programmes. Ensure that audits such as Drug Error and Infection Control are discussed at team meetings Person Specification Experience, knowledge and qualifications RGN or RN Adult Branch/or RMN On NMC Register parts 1 Two years of experience in Palliative Care Experience of supervising trained and untrained staff Values based behaviours relevant to the role Compassion, empathy, and respect in all interactions. Integrity, honesty, and transparency in leadership. Collaboration with patients, families, colleagues, and partners. Commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability. Essential Competencies Excellent basic nursing care skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to facilitate individualised evidence based care Leadership insight and potential with the evidence of effective team co-ordination skills Ability to prioritise workload and be flexible to changing demands Ability to share knowledge with others to develop and influence practice Able to maintain active and contemporaneous records Well-developed coping strategies Personal grief resolved sufficiently to cope and perform within palliative care setting Desirable Competencies Diploma level qualification or willingness to attain. Teaching qualification/experience Managerial experience or clear demonstration of the potential for good leadership