About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ward Nurse (SDL) to join our weekend service at James Paget NHS Trust. This role offers the opportunity to take on a leadership position within a busy ward environment, supporting patient care across specialties including general surgery, ENT, and gynaecology.
As a Ward Nurse SDL, you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred care, while coordinating ward activity and supporting junior staff during your shift. You will play a key role in ensuring patients receive high-quality pre- and post-operative care, maintaining clinical standards, and promoting patient safety at all times.
Working within a structured shift pattern, including early, mid, and late shifts across weekends, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure smooth patient flow and efficient service delivery. You will also act as a point of escalation, helping to resolve issues and ensure the ward operates effectively within a supportive and well-established clinical environment.
Main duties of the job
Coordinate day-to-day service delivery across the ward for gynaecology, ENT, and general surgery patientsAct as shift lead, overseeing staff allocation, workload management, and patient flowEnsure safe staffing levels and escalate concerns in line with hospital policiesSupport clinical decision-making and provide senior nursing guidance to junior staffMonitor patient acuity, prioritising care and admissions/discharges effectivelyLiaise with theatre, recovery, emergency department, and other wards to maintain patient flowEnsure high standards of patient care, safety, and experience across all specialtiesOversee complex post-operative care, including managing complications or deteriorationLead ward rounds coordination and ensure actions are completed promptlyPromote adherence to infection control, clinical governance, and NHS policiesSupport discharge planning and work closely with multidisciplinary teamsHandle escalation of incidents, complaints, and operational pressures in a timely mannerMaintain accurate documentation and contribute to audits and service improvement initiatives
About us
Xyla are a leading provider of clinical and community healthcare services across the UK, recognised for their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Working in close collaboration with NHS trusts, Integrated Care Systems (ICS), and local authorities, Xyla supports the delivery of essential services that help improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on frontline healthcare providers.
Their service offering spans a wide range of areas, including diagnostic services, specialist outpatient pathways, waiting list management, mental health support, and community-based care. By leveraging experienced clinical teams alongside innovative service models, Xyla is able to deliver flexible and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of each healthcare partner.
A key strength of Xyla lies in their ability to enhance patient access to care, particularly in addressing NHS backlogs and improving pathway efficiency. Their focus on early intervention, preventative care, and timely diagnosis supports better long-term health outcomes while helping to optimise system capacity.
Underpinned by robust clinical governance frameworks and a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and compliance, Xyla maintains high standards of care across all services. This, combined with a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of NHS priorities, positions them as a trusted partner in supporting the ongoing transformation and sustainability of healthcare services across the UK.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Description: Ward Nurse Shift/Day Lead (SDL)Location: James Paget NHS Trust, Great Yarmouth
Organisation: Xyla Clinical Services
Contract Duration: November 2025 October 2026
Service Type: Onsite
Shift Pattern: Weekends (Saturday & Sunday, rotational)
Shift DetailsEarly: 06:45 14:45Late: 14:00 22:00Requirement to work both early (Saturday) and late (Sunday) shifts on a rotational basisRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Ward Nurse to act as Shift/Day Lead (SDL) for weekend services at James Paget NHS Trust. This role combines clinical nursing expertise with leadership responsibility, ensuring safe staffing, effective coordination of care, and smooth ward operations.
Key ResponsibilitiesClinical DutiesDeliver high-quality nursing care to surgical patients (pre- and post-operative).Monitor patient conditions, escalating concerns and managing deterioration.Support complex patient needs, ensuring safety, dignity, and comfort.Administer medications and treatments in line with policies and best practice.Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient documentation.Leadership & CoordinationAct as the Shift Lead, overseeing ward activity and patient flow.Coordinate staffing levels, allocations, and workload across the ward.Provide guidance and support to ward nurses, HCAs, and junior staff.Liaise effectively with theatre teams, recovery, and bed management teams.Escalate operational or clinical concerns to senior management where required.Ensure smooth admissions, transfers, and discharges across the pathway.Governance & QualityEnsure compliance with infection control, clinical governance, and NHS standards.Promote a safe working environment and uphold patient safety protocols.Support incident reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.Contribute to maintaining efficient ward operations and service delivery.Specialties CoveredGeneral SurgeryENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)GynaecologyPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaRegistered Nurse (NMC registered)Significant experience on surgical or acute hospital wardsPrevious experience in a leadership/shift coordinator roleStrong clinical decision-making and prioritisation skillsAbility to manage teams and coordinate patient flow effectivelyExcellent communication, leadership, and organisational skillsDesirable CriteriaExperience acting as Nurse in Charge / Shift Lead within NHS settingsKnowledge of theatre-to-ward patient pathwaysLeadership or management trainingPay RatePAYE: £410 per weekend shiftAdditional InformationWeekend-only position with rotational leadership responsibilitiesNo travel or accommodation allowance providedAccommodation may be available at £30 per nightCompliance requirements include ID verification, documentation, and mandatory e-learning completion prior to start
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered Nurse NMC reg
Experience Essential
experience in ATLEAST 2 of the following: -Gynaecology -ENT -General surgery
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Xyla
Address James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Great Yarmouth
NR31 6LA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://xylaservices.com/ (Opens in a new tab)