Lead Nurse for Critical Care Response Team

Position Overview

The Patient Emergency Response and Resuscitation Team (PERRT) at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a dedicated group of critical care outreach and resuscitation professionals providing around-the-clock support for critically ill and deteriorating patients. This role is integral to the implementation of comprehensive training programs, quality enhancement initiatives, and patient safety measures throughout the organization.

The PERRT position is ideal for driven individuals possessing exceptional leadership capabilities and substantial experience in critical care outreach. This role presents an excellent opportunity to master the management of deteriorating patients across the institution, encompassing all four pillars of advanced practice.

Our nurse-led team is well-established and offers a clear career progression pathway from band 6 upwards, featuring diverse clinical specialties across multiple inpatient sites, day care, and outpatient settings, with a trust-wide responsibility for resuscitation services.

Key Responsibilities

The PERRT team and its leadership are deeply committed to maximizing the potential of our team members and fostering their professional growth. To support this, we have developed a comprehensive plan that will enhance your learning and develop your clinical, leadership, research, and educational skills.

Our recruitment process is designed to allow candidates to effectively demonstrate their skills. We recognize that success in interviews is not solely about verbal responses; candidates will also have the opportunity to showcase their clinical and leadership potential through practical assessments.

Informal visits are highly encouraged for this role, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the Trust, the PERRT team, our core values, and our operational practices, which will aid in preparation for the recruitment process.

About Us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the most intricate NHS trusts in the UK, catering to a large and diverse community. We deliver academically driven acute and specialized services to individuals from the local area, across the UK, and internationally. Our vision is to provide exceptional patient care, outstanding education, and leading-edge research.

We offer top-tier acute and specialized services across eight locations:

• University College Hospital (including the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a variety of complex health conditions. UCLH specializes in women's health and cancer treatment, as well as managing infections, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and oral diseases. Our support services, including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine, and pathology, are world-class.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to achieve carbon net zero status, integrating sustainable practices throughout UCLH. Our ambitious targets include reaching net zero for direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Role Responsibilities

For a detailed Person Specification and further information regarding the primary responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Join us at one of the leading NHS trusts in England, recognized for our exceptional work environment and staff satisfaction.

UCLH has been acknowledged as the top trust to work for in England for two consecutive years, based on the most recent NHS staff survey, which highlighted our high percentage of staff recommending us as a workplace among all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Registered General Nurse (RGN), Registered Nurse (RN), or equivalent professional qualification.
• Honours degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of three years' experience at senior band 6 level (clinical and leadership).
• Completion of an advanced physical assessment course (Masters level).
• Recognized mentorship/teaching qualification.
• Relevant post-qualification clinical course (intensive care).
• Master's degree or progression towards a Master's degree/willingness to undertake.
• Resuscitation Council (UK) Advanced Life Support (ALS) Provider certification.
• Resuscitation Council (UK) Immediate Life Support (ILS)/pILS Instructor certification.
• Evidence of involvement in research or quality improvement initiatives.

Desirable

• Evidence of leadership and management development.
• Resuscitation Council (UK) Emergency Paediatric Advanced Life Support (EPALS) or Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG) Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Provider certification.
• Resuscitation Council (UK) ALS Instructor certification.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Proficient in managing deteriorating patients and cardiac arrest clinical events.
• Awareness of the significance of collaborative work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Effective and sensitive communication skills, both verbal and written (including electronic formats).
• Ability to articulate relevant motivations for working in this clinical area.
• Capability to engage with all levels of Trust staff.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team.
• Skills in debriefing teams following resuscitation attempts.
• Embodiment of the Trust's values.

Personal and Professional Development

Essential

• Experience as a preceptor/facilitator/mentor.
• Reflective practice.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively.
• Up-to-date knowledge and expertise in the specialty.
• Resourceful and cost-effective in resource management.
• Understanding of audit and risk assessments, contributing to strategy development.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Experience in auditing.
• Capability to translate national/local policies related to healthcare delivery into resuscitation practice.

Service Improvement

Essential

• Awareness of quality improvement, research, and evidence-based practice.
• Participation in quality improvement, research, and audit projects, taking responsibility for specific process or outcome measurements.
• Ability to work across organizational and professional boundaries.
• Effective negotiation skills with various disciplines.
• Understanding of relevant national strategies/policies and their relation to the service.
• Innovative approach to service delivery.
• Experience in contributing to the development of service strategies.

Specific Requirements

Essential

• Flexible work pattern approach.
• Physically capable of responding to cardiac arrest calls and assisting as a team member.
• Ability to facilitate the safe transport of training equipment, such as manikins.
• Good dexterity for performing emergency procedures like defibrillation and cannulation within their scope of practice.
• Proficient in using electronic health record systems.