Bank Nurse Mental Health - InpatientNHS
Job summary
Join Us as We Reopen Our New CAMHS Inpatient Unit
We are pleased to invite applications for Bank Band 5 Mental Health Nurses to join our newly redesigned Children and Young People's Mental Health Inpatient Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026.
Following extensive co-design with young people, families and staff, and significant investment in our workforce and therapeutic approach, this is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, recovery-focused inpatient service delivering high-quality, purposeful care to young people with acute mental health needs.
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About the unit
Our refreshed CAMHS inpatient service is built around:
- Purposeful admissions with early review points
- Structured, therapeutic care programmes delivered across 7 days
- Strong links with crisis and community services, including COAST (Crisis Outreach Acute Support Team),
- Trauma-informed and autism-aware practice
- A focus on least restrictive practice and improving experience and outcomes
- Supportive MDT working, safe staffing and strong clinical leadership
You will work as part of a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, delivering therapeutic care to young people and working closely with families and carers from admission through to discharge.
Main duties of the job
The role
As a Band 5 Mental Health Nurse, you will deliver high-quality, evidence-based inpatient nursing care for children and young people (aged 12- up to 18th birthday) experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
This is a developmental role, ideal for newly qualified nurses or nurses wishing to expand their skills. The service will be offering preceptorship support, CAMHS specific training, structured clinical supervision, and learning and progression opportunities.
You will work under the guidance of the ward manager, Clinical Nurse Specialist and senior nurses, while building confidence in assessment, care planning, safety management and therapeutic engagement.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver compassionate, person-centred and trauma-informed nursing care
- Act as primary (named) nurse for young people during their inpatient admission
- Complete comprehensive assessments, care plans and risk assessments in collaboration with the MDT
- Implement, monitor and review nursing interventions and therapeutic care plans
- Support young people and families during periods of distress and crisis
- Administer and monitor medication in line with NMC and Trust policy
- Take charge of shifts as appropriate, with senior support available
- Work collaboratively with families, carers and partner agencies to support discharge planning
- Maintain clear, accurate and timely clinical documentation
- Participate in supervision, appraisal, mandatory training and development opportunities
Job description
As a Band 5 Mental Health Nurse, you will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care to children and young people within the inpatient setting.
You will contribute to assessment, care planning, risk management and therapeutic interventions, supporting young people through their admission and working collaboratively with families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes. You would be supporting CYP with a range of mental health difficulties who will be struggling with acute symptoms related to anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders and psychosis. Many of the CYP that we support are also living with Neurodiversity.
You will be supported through supervision, preceptorship (where applicable) and ongoing professional development to build your skills, confidence and clinical practice within CAMHS inpatient services.
You would be expected to work a mixture of nights and days (12-hour shifts) and would be supported by a Band 6 nurse on each shift.
You would be working alongside a full MDT including psychiatry, Psychology, Occupational therapy, dietetics, Support workers, family therapy and social work.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Registered Mental Health Nurse (or newly qualified nurse awaiting registration)
- A genuine interest in working with children and young people in an inpatient setting
- A compassionate, recovery-focused and trauma-informed approach
- Good communication and team working skills
- Willingness to learn, develop and reflect on practice
- Commitment to providing safe, high-quality and inclusive care
About us
LocationThe unit is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with on-site parking and good transport links to London and across Sussex, and close proximity to Gatwick Airport.
Working for our organisation
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust delivers specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services across Sussex.
This post sits within our Specialist CAMHS Services, providing opportunities to gain experience across acute, crisis and community pathways as part of your career development.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating a compassionate and supportive working environment where staff feel valued, developed and able to thrive.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to be part of a newly reopened CAMHS inpatient unit
- Comprehensive induction programme prior to opening where all new staff train together and contribute to the team's therapeutic approach
- A welcoming and supportive team culture with strong clinical leadership
- Structured preceptorship (where applicable) and high-quality clinical supervision
- Access to CAMHS-specific training and ongoing CPD
- Clear development and progression pathways into senior nursing roles
- NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits
If you are looking to start or develop your career in CAMHS inpatient nursing and want to make a meaningful difference to young people and their families, we would love to hear from you.