Staff Nurse
Job Description
Are you a dedicated and resilient nurse looking to make a real impact in mental health care? This is an opportunity to join an Acute Inpatient Service, providing 24-hour care in a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing severe mental health episodes.
You’ll play a vital role in supporting patients whose needs cannot be managed in less restrictive settings, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care, dignity, and respect throughout their recovery journey.
Role Overview
As a Staff Nurse in Acute Mental Health, you will work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver person-centred inpatient care.
Following a structured preceptorship period, you will also take on leadership responsibilities, including supervising junior staff and occasionally taking charge of the ward.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver Safe and Effective Patient Care
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised inpatient treatment plans
- Conduct accurate and timely risk assessments
- Provide high-quality care to patients experiencing acute mental health conditions
Leadership & Ward Management
- Take charge of the ward when required, following competency assessment
- Support and supervise junior staff members
- Promote a safe, structured, and therapeutic ward environment
Training & Development
- Support the learning of students and newly qualified staff
- Deliver training to both qualified and unqualified team members
- Contribute to continuous improvement in clinical practice
Professional Practice
- Maintain a professional, approachable, and compassionate attitude
- Build strong relationships with patients, families, carers, and colleagues
- Uphold EPUT’s values of excellent patient care and teamwork
Why Join EPUT?
At Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, we believe that supporting our staff is key to delivering exceptional care.
What We Offer
- Structured supervision and career development support
- Access to mental health and wellbeing services
- Inclusive staff networks and engagement opportunities
- Recognition programmes celebrating staff contributions
Benefits Package
- 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days with service
- Generous NHS pension (up to 14.5% employer contribution)
- Staff discounts including Blue Light Card and NHS offers
- £8,000 relocation package (subject to eligibility)
- Interest-free season ticket loans for travel
Flexible Working Options
We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer:
- Flexible working arrangements from day one (where possible)
- Job share opportunities
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a nurse who is compassionate, adaptable, and committed to delivering high-quality mental health care.
Essential Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Professional, flexible, and patient-focused approach
- Commitment to continuous learning and development
Important Information
- Applicants must provide professional references covering the last 3 years
- A DBS check is required (cost deducted from first salary)
- Role may involve working in environments requiring COVID-19 vaccination compliance
- Applications should be completed personally (AI-generated applications may not be accepted)
- Posts may close early due to high application volumes
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
EPUT is committed to:
- Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Supporting applicants from all backgrounds
- Safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults
We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental health services and those with disabilities.
Start Your Career in Mental Health Nursing
This is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to support recovery, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Join Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and be part of a team delivering compassionate, high-quality mental health care every day.
