About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the North Devon Critical Care team as a Band 6 Junior Sister/Charge Nurse. We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Critical Care nurse with a passion for leadership, education, and delivering outstanding patient care. Our unit cares for both adult and paediatric patients, offering a unique opportunity to develop an extended scope of practice. Previous paediatric experience is desirable but not essential, as we provide a robust development programme including structured education, clinical supervision, and competency-based training.
Main duties of the job
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.
About us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Job description Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
In this role, you will provide clinical leadership, support staff development, and play a key role in advancing nursing practice within Critical Care. You will help foster a positive learning environment while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care for critically ill patients and their families.
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS Trusts in the South West, providing services across North Devon and Exeter. While North Devon benefits from a beautiful rural and coastal setting, it is part of a dynamic and progressive organisation committed to innovation, service development, research, digital transformation, and excellence in patient care.
As a Band 6 Junior Sister/Charge Nurse, you will act as a clinical role model, leading and supporting the nursing team while working collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team. You will use your critical care expertise to deliver safe, individualised care and support the professional development of others.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing clinical and operational leadership within Critical Care. Supporting the induction, education, and ongoing development of staff. Acting as a mentor, assessor, and role model for colleagues and learners. Coordinating the clinical area and ensuring safe, effective patient care. Promoting evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and service development. Contributing to audit, governance, and risk management activities. Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to maintain high standards of care.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Critical Care nurse looking to develop their leadership skills within a supportive, ambitious, and forward-thinking team. If you are passionate about critical care and committed to professional development, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Interview Date: Tuesday 15th of September 2026
For further information please contact: ICU Clinical Educator April Tallamy [email protected] or ICU Senior Sister Jude Bassett [email protected] on 01271 322707.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
Person Specification
General Requirements Essential
See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
Desirable
See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
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.
Employer details Employer name Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4JB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)