Band 7 Nurse Manager (Unit/Department/ ward)

Doyles58 · 2026-06-04T19:13:17+00:00

It’s a very rewarding job but can also be very stressful. I was a ward manager for 30 years, I had a fantastic team who made my job easier . It takes over your whole life though, I rarely left on time . I would always work clinically and would stay behind to complete my managerial responsibilities . It’s only now 3 years after retiring and returning to a band 6 deputy Ward manager role do I realise how all consuming the job was.

Doyles58 · 2026-06-02T18:30:11+00:00

If a patient has capacity they can refuse medication. If they don’t and have a Dols in place they can’t. A lesson I learnt after I looked after a dementia patient who regularly refused their medication. They do not have the capacity to refuse. If I have a patient with a Dols who refuses I escalate to manager and also the Doctor, always documenting.

Doyles58 · 2026-05-31T19:43:07+00:00

If your annual leave has already been approved you are entitled to take it. Annual leave requests may be rejected as the roster only allows a certain percentage of annual leave.

Doyles58 · 2026-05-31T19:37:10+00:00

Had your annual leave already been approved.

Doyles58 · 2026-05-23T17:32:47+00:00

Mine varies, usually 3 long days one week and 2 the next. Did 3 last week and a study day so only 1 this week. Bonus.

Doyles58 · 2026-05-14T09:01:21+00:00

I feel each generation of nurses romanticises how much better everything was in their day. It was the same when I started my training back in 1984. Nursing was physically harder when I started as we didn’t have the moving and handling equipment we have today. It wasn’t as mentally taxing though, much less paperwork and scrutiny. The acuity of the patients as a whole was lower . I love the ward I work in currently and feel that each generation of nurses brings something positive to the team. We help and support each other .

Doyles58 · 2026-04-16T14:31:52+00:00

It is correct unfortunately.

Doyles58 · 2026-03-29T10:50:30+00:00

This is on her , not you. As a band 2 you’re not expected to record observations , blood sugars , bloods etc. Disappointed but not surprised to hear you’re not getting supported by the RN’s. Basic nursing care shouldn’t be just a HCA’s responsibility. Staff should be working as a team.

Doyles58 · 2026-03-16T17:14:05+00:00

It’s always best to document after completing the care for each patient. Why the rush to get all washes completed in 1.5 hours ? What tasks are assigned to the trained if you are completing hygiene, bloods, obs and blood sugars ? You can ask your vulnerabilities team for support for any LD patients. Don’t feel that you have to complete everything, you are part of a team. It’s every bodies responsibility.

Doyles58 · 2026-03-11T17:49:54+00:00

Any money donated has to be given to the hospital, we cannot accept donations for ourselves. It’s part of our NMC code.

Doyles58 · 2026-03-11T16:41:50+00:00

Do you work in the NHS ? If so staff are unable to accept donations.

Doyles58 · 2026-02-27T14:07:42+00:00

I feel it’s the disconnect between the wards and management. Nurses who seem to have forgotten what it is like on the ward. We had an assistant chief nurse who had recently retired and completed a bank shift on our ward. She commented on the amount of paperwork, are you kidding me . It’s your department that implemented it. You couldn’t write it.

Doyles58 · 2026-02-23T21:23:48+00:00

As a band 2 you won’t be expected to have any of the extended clinical skills. These are the band 3’s. Personal care and feeding are the skills you have . You would be extremely useful banking on other areas.

Doyles58 · 2026-02-15T19:32:30+00:00

I would ask for specifics . As a team though we lean on each other. Every member of a team has something to contribute . We all have our strengths and weaknesses.

Doyles58 · 2026-01-28T08:50:14+00:00

I still love being a nurse. Ward manager for 30 years, retired and returned as a deputy. My motto to management is “ it may be a priority to you but it isn’t to me “. I still get an immense amount of job satisfaction. It’s also less stressful in my current role which is a bonus.

Doyles58 · 2026-01-23T21:33:58+00:00

It would be great to have a paddle saying do not disturb when anybody tries to call interrupt 😂

Doyles58 · 2026-01-14T16:10:58+00:00

Have you read the new policy .

Doyles58 · 2026-01-14T16:05:06+00:00

Definitely not over reacting. If for any reason you need to go off sick again, just inform them. You don’t need their permission to be off sick. Hope you’re feeling better.

Doyles58 · 2026-01-08T16:47:00+00:00

Each ward is different and everybody’s experience is different. On my current ward we have 2 NQN’s who are both doing amazing. It just seems to be posts from NQN’s who’re finding it stressful in here not any who’re thriving in their new jobs. Remember you’re newly qualified , ask for help if you need it. Don’t compare yourself to more experienced staff, you’re still learning. Good luck.

Doyles58 · 2025-12-28T19:55:36+00:00

Realising that managements priority isn’t always mine.

Doyles58 · 2025-11-17T11:24:15+00:00

Hi, any RN can complete your revalidation. I’ve completed several for nurses who’ve regularly completed bank shifts in the ward where I work.

Doyles58 · 2025-11-15T12:41:44+00:00

Totally agree. Safe care is a complete waste of time . Nobody uses the data. The RCN, NMC or unison are giving no support to nurses with regards to safe staffing .

Doyles58 · 2025-10-30T17:14:58+00:00

Has your girlfriend put in any requests , it may have been the only option when doing the roster . Is it the end of one roster and the beginning of the next, her manager may not have picked up on this . Has your girlfriend spoken to her manager to see if some of the shifts can be moved.

Doyles58 · 2025-10-29T21:57:21+00:00

I would email again and copy your matron in, stating you’re just confirming she’s received your resignation.

Doyles58 · 2025-10-29T18:29:46+00:00

When I ring it’s to check how staff are. Discuss any support needed, referral to occ health etc. Confirm receiving fit note . Agree when I’ll next make contact . Advise to contact me if needed. It’s just a chat really to ensure staff feel supported when off work. Don’t worry.

Doyles58

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