Head of Service, Lead Nurse

Job/Role Summary

Clinical and operational management responsibility for in-patient hospital wards and also the community service.

Specific qualifications and experience required

RMN with 5 years post registration experience including staff management and a post qualifying qualification in management.

Career Milestones

RMN and RGN qualification. Staff nurse. Ward manager. Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarship to attend Standford University, USA, for 2 week summer semester. RCN Nurse of the Year 2016.

What attracted you to this job?

I had a wealth of experience in mental health nursing and I wanted to be in a position to influence change and improve patient services.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

I love the variety; no two days are ever the same. I love working with a broad range of professionals and I continue to have some direct patient care.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

The enjoyable aspects of my job are also the ones that provide challenges for me.

Important success factors

Florence Nightingale Scholarship to Standford University. RCN Nurse of the Year 2016. International Memory Award in Birmingham 2016.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

Never lose sight of putting the patient and the care they receive at the centre of all your decisions. Demonstrate strong leadership and optimism even when days are challenging.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Tolerance, patience and understanding.

Career Profiles