NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Staff Nurse - Mental Health
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Staff Nurse - Mental Health
Vacancy: Mental Health Nursing Roles – Low Secure, IPCU & Forensic Rehabilitation
About NHS Ayrshire and Arran
NHS Ayrshire and Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards in Scotland, dedicated to:
- Caring, Safe, and Respectful patient-centered care
- Working collaboratively to achieve "The healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran"
To learn more, visit their official website.
Role & Specialisms
Positions Available
NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Mental Health Inpatient Services at Woodland View are recruiting Compassionate, Motivated, and Skilled Nursing Staff across three specialist wards – applicants may state their preferred roles in order of preference:
- Ward 6 – Low Secure Mental Health
- Ward 8 – Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU)
- Ward 7C – Forensic Rehabilitation
Select the roles you wish to apply for.
Each ward offers unique yet essential clinical experience across stages of recovery: ✔ Crisis stabilisation (Low Secure & IPCU) ✔ Rehabilitation & community reintegration (Forensic Rehabilitation) ✔ Person-centred, recovery-focused care
Key Responsibilities
| Ward 6 (Low Secure Mental Health) | Ward 7C (Forensic Rehabilitation) | Ward 8 (IPCU) |
|---|---|---|
| - Person-centred, recovery-focused interventions |
- Trauma-informed relational security
- Assists with collaborative care planning for progression | - Supports patients transitioning from secure to community care
- Focuses on daily living skills and risk reduction
- Facilitates transition planning | - Provides acute phase support in a fast-paced, high-risk clinical environment
- Collaborates in multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment and crisis intervention |
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Person Specification
We are seeking candidates with:
Core Competencies
✅ Person-centred care – Delivering evidence-based, recovery-focused support ✅ Teamwork – Thriving as part of a multidisciplinary team ✅ Soft Skills –
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong time-management
- Compassion & resilience
Preferred Background
While all nurses are encouraged to apply, preference may be given to those with:
- Prior experience in mental health nursing, particularly forensic, secure, or IPCU settings
- Understanding of trauma-informed care and recovery principles
A diverse skillset—from newly qualified to experienced practitioners—is warmly welcome.
Why Join Us?
As part of this service, you will join an organization that values: 🔹 Compassion – Putting patients first 🔹 Teamwork – Collaborative, supportive culture 🔹 Learning & Development – Opportunities to grow clinically and professionally 🔹 Innovation – Cutting-edge therapeutic approaches 🔹 Safe, High-Quality Care – Committed to best practice
Contract Details
�ც� Job Type: Permanent, full-time (36-hour shifts)
- Ward 6: 2 x 36-hour contracts
- Ward 7C: 1 x 36-hour contract
- Ward 8: 2 x 36-hour contracts
📞 Informal Enquiries
- Ward 6: Senior Charge Nurse Mark McColgan (
mark.mccolgan@aapct.scot.nhs.uk| 01294322370) - Ward 7C: Senior Charge Nurse Lindsay Porter (
lindsay.porter@apct.scot.nhs.uk| 01294322367) - Ward 8: Senior Charge Nurse Dougal McClarty (
dougal.mcclarty@apct.scot.nhs.uk| 01294322370)
⚠ Notice for Shortlisted Applicants DO NOT send a CV.
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Applications Open
📅 *Close Date: Midnight on (specified date) 💬 All communication is via email; ensure your details are accurate.
Important Information for Candidates
✔ Working in the UK
- Right to Work: To legally work in the UK, you must first obtain permission from the UK Visa and Immigration Service.
- Candidate Information Pack: Details NHS Scotland’s right-to-work obligations.
🇺🇸 Visa Sponsorship
-
NHS can offer visa sponsorship for eligible posts, provided:
- Salary meets the minimum threshold (pro-rata for part-time).
- Not applicable to Band 2 or bank contracts.
- Subjects to approval post-interview and pre-employment checks.
-
For more details: [NHS Visas Sponsorship Policy](direct link per update guidelines)
Application Process
⚠ How to Apply
- Complete your application via NHS Jobs Scotland, ensuring you select the preferred roles in order.
- Follow guidance at: How to Apply
- Use either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when applying.
✅ Follow-Up Support
For technical support, visit: JobTrain Candidate Hub
📊 Accessibility & Notes
- Accessibility Statement
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Full-time workers: Reduced shift expectations to 36 hours from 1 Apr 2026 (no pay reduction).
✉ Inquires? For urgent contact, use the applications channel or check your junk emails.
📜 [View Job Description & Person Specification](direct/updated links) – Required for deeper understanding of duties and requirements.
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