Charge Nurse
Illustrative calculators for Charge Nurse within NHS, part of the Health sector. Pick a tool below to model pay, working patterns, leave, take-home pay or CPD. Then confirm anything important with your employer, contract or union.
All figures are illustrative. Use your contract, payslip or employer for definitive amounts.
About this role
Find out more about the Charge Nurse role within NHS and whether it would be the right role for you.
What is a Charge Nurse?
A Charge Nurse (or Ward Sister/Charge Midwife equivalent) is a registered nurse or midwife who holds clinical and often managerial responsibility for a ward, unit or team. They coordinate care, supervise staff, manage rotas and resources, and act as a senior clinical lead. Most hold a band 6 or 7 role on Agenda for Change.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Charge Nurse roles are often highly rewarding: you combine hands-on care with leadership, mentoring and service improvement. Pay and job satisfaction depend on specialty, trust and band. Progression to band 7 and above or into matron/lead roles is common.
Progression and pay
Typical routes: Band 5 Staff Nurse → Band 6 Charge Nurse/Ward Manager → Band 7 Senior Charge/Matron → Band 8a+ lead roles. Use the calculators on this page to see how pay changes over time on AFC.
Calculators for this role
Browse our career-focused calculators for those who work as a Charge Nurse, covering pay progression, promotion paths, take-home pay, working patterns, leave, allowances and more. Click the calculators below to get started.