Acute Medical Unit (AMU) Ward manager

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Provide visible leadership and operational oversight of the ward with 24-hour accountability.
• Promote a culture of patient-centred care, safety, compassion, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning, rostering, recruitment, retention, and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure resources are managed effectively within agreed budgets.
• Lead discharge planning and patient flow initiatives to optimise length of stay and patient experience.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant care environment.
• Deputise for the Modern Matron as required.

Clinical Practice

• Maintain expert knowledge of acute medical nursing and delivery of evidence-based care.
• Ensure patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care.
• Lead by example and act as a role model for professional practice.
• Support staff development and clinical competency through education and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with agreed care pathways, standards, and clinical protocols.
• Promote effective multidisciplinary communication and collaboration.

Quality, Safety and Governance

• Lead quality improvement, audit, patient safety, and risk management activities.
• Investigate incidents, implement learning, and promote a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
• Monitor performance against quality indicators and develop action plans where required.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control, medicines management, safeguarding, health and safety, and Trust policies.
• Support appraisal, mandatory training, clinical supervision, and professional development for all staff.
• Use patient, family, and staff feedback to improve services and patient outcomes.

Communication

• Communicate effectively in complex, sensitive, and challenging situations.
• Ensure information is delivered clearly and appropriately to patients, relatives, staff, and stakeholders.
• Develop positive working relationships across professional groups and services.
• Promote collaborative working, inclusion, and shared decision-making.

General

• Undertake duties in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards, and the NMC Code.
• Participate in training, service development, and organisational initiatives.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Key Working Relationships

• Modern Matron and Senior Nursing Team
• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
• Directorate Management Team
• Clinical Site Managers
• Specialist Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
• Discharge Hub, Social Care and External Partners

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse (adult)
• Competent in carrying out basic procedures such as : cannulation, venepuncture, NGT insertion, catheterization (male/female)
• Demonstrable leadership skills/ Change management skills
• Knowledge of clinical governance and its application
• Computer literacy
• Experience with caring for acutely unwell level 2 medical patients
• Experience in caring for patients requiring Non Invasive Ventilation, Chest drains and Tracheostomy care

Desirable criteria

• Nursing Degree
• Project management
• Relevant post registration qualification in Acute care/Respiratory course
• Working towards Masters
• Ability to apply knowledge learned from ILS/ ALS training

Important

• There may be some occasions when we have to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date, this will be due to a high volume of applications. You are therefore advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Please check your emails regularly (and your junk folder) as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process.
• In submitting an application, you authorise the Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process, should you be appointed to the post.
• During the recruitment process your identity documentation (ie passport, driving licence, visa etc) will be scanned using a device which recognises UV, infrared and machine-readable zone security features of the documents provided.
• Employment at the Trust is offered subject to successful completion of a six month probationary period.
• Some roles may require weekend shift working across multiple sites
• We operate a joint recruitment hub across the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative Group. As part of this, your application and personal data may be shared with partner trusts within the group for recruitment and workforce purposes, in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Right to work

If you need sponsorship to work in the UK, please visit the Home Office website for information on sponsorship and visa status before you fill in your application form. Due to recent changes in the UK immigration rules which affect Skilled Worker Visas, Global Business Mobility, Higher Skill Level and Increased Salary Thresholds, please ensure that you are able to meet the requirements to live and work in the UK before applying. Further information about eligibility is available on