Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

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Main area General Surgery Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent: Shift Patterns Including Night Shifts Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Weekend and Bank Holidays) Job ref 969-NOV25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Worthing General Hospital Town Worthing Salary £38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 26/11/:59

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form:

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

This vacancy is open to all applicants

We are a dedicated, diverse and committed team caring for patients with acute general surgery conditions and surgical post-operative patients in a 27 bedded area. We care for a wide range of surgical emergencies including Urology and ENT patients. Post-operatively, the ward cares for elective cases under General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer, Stomatherapy, Gynaecology, Breast, Urology and ENT specialties.

The ward also recently opened a 6 bedded level 1 area as part of Colorectal Cancer Relocation Project. This gives an opportunity for all staff to have an added experience of caring for level 1 patients.

Ideally, you will have substantial acute surgical experience, be clinically competent with experience of supervising/mentoring others and be able to coordinate care for a diverse patient group on a fast paced ward.

This is the ideal opportunity for you to progress in your career within a supportive team.

- This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role specific criteria.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the professional evidence-based nursing care delivered to patients. Ensuring the highest quality, effective and compassionate care is received by the patients and their families / carers whilst on the ward.

Excellent, holistic and individualised nursing care will be delivered through assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating. This will be in line with local, Trust wide and National policies, procedures, values and behaviours. To support the ward manager in providing effective clinical leadership that ensures patient safety at all times together with high quality patient care.

Promoting a supportive learning environment in which to supervise and mentor Staff Nurses, Student Nurses and Health Care Assistants. The post holder will act as an advocate whilst demonstrating effective communication and listening skills.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Acting as shift leader (including Level 1 care), managing patient flow, reducing length of stay, coordinating complex discharges (e.g., end-of-life care), ensuring infection control, and participating in ward rounds.
• Deputizing for the Ward Manager, managing resources/budget, mentoring/appraising a small team, ensuring effective shift handovers, and adhering to NMC documentation guidelines.
• Acting as an expert role model, improving nursing practice, managing risk, addressing poor care standards, and proactively handling complaints to positively influence Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Effective communication with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and external partners is essential.

Person specification Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Council, UK)

Experience

• Substantial experience working on a surgical ward
• Evidence of continuing professional development ALS/ILS proficient
• IV therapy, cannulation, and venepuncture
• Experience gained in more than one specialist area
• Co ordinating a surgical ward
• Experience working in ITU/HDU or Enhanced Surgical Care Unit (ESCU)
• Previous experience as a band 6

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations-elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email .

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email .

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.