Staff Nurse – Mental Health

Job Description

Overview

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website – NHS Ayrshire & Arran – Home (nhsaaa.net)

Position

Positions available – NHS Ayrshire & Arran – Low Secure • IPCU • Forensic Rehabilitation

(please indicate preferred positions, in order of preference on your application)

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Mental Health Inpatient Services at Woodland View are recruiting compassionate, motivated, and skilled nursing staff to join our dynamic teams across:

• Ward 6 – Low Secure Mental Health
• Ward 8 – Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU)
• Ward 7C – Forensic Rehabilitation

Our specialist services support individuals with complex mental health needs within safe, therapeutic environments that prioritise recovery, rehabilitation, and meaningful patient engagement.

Whether you are newly qualified, experienced in mental health nursing, or looking to develop your skills within forensic, rehabilitation, or intensive psychiatric care, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Ward 6 – Low Secure Mental Health

Ward 6 provides care for individuals who require a safe and structured environment with enhanced support. The team delivers:

• Person-centred, recovery-focused interventions
• Relational security and trauma-informed practice
• Collaborative care planning to support progression along the clinical pathway

Ward 7C – Forensic Rehabilitation

Ward 7C supports patients stepping down from secure care as they move toward greater independence. The service focuses on:

• Recovery and rehabilitation
• Skills for daily living
• Risk reduction
• Transition planning for safe reintegration into the community

Ward 8 – Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU)

Ward 8 supports people during acute phases of mental illness where continuous support, risk management, and rapid assessment/intervention are required. You will work within a fast-paced, clinically rich environment as part of a highly skilled MDT.

We welcome applications from individuals who

• Deliver person-centred, evidence-based, and recovery-focused care
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrate strong communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills
• Bring a positive attitude, compassion, and commitment to high-quality care

Working within Low Secure, IPCU, or Forensic Rehabilitation offers diverse, meaningful, and specialist clinical experience. You will play a vital role in supporting patients through some of the most significant stages of their recovery journey-from crisis, to stability, to rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

You will join a service that values:

• Compassion
• Teamwork
• Learning and development
• Innovation
• Safe, high-quality care

Ward details and informal enquiries

Ward 6 (Forensic Low Secure)

x2 36hr permanent

For informal enquiries please contact SCN Mark McColgan, email ,

Ward 7C

x1 36hr permanent

For informal enquiries please contact Senior Charge Nurse Lindsay Porter, email

Ward 8

x2 36hr permanent

For informal enquiries please contact Senior Charge Nurse Dougal McClarty, email

Additional information

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description. For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification.

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

Please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

Additional information for candidates

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
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