Deputy Sister/ Charge Nurse

Job summary Band 6 Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, committed and enthusiastic intensive care nurse to join our dynamic Cardiac Intensive Care nursing team. Our Cardiac Intensive Care Unit specialises in nurse led fast track recovery for elective and emergency cardiac surgery patients undergoing CABG, valve replacement and aortic dissection repair. The Unit is busy, dynamic and requires nurses that enjoy working in a fast paced and exciting environment. The unit also supports patients who require level 3 ongoing critical care interventions in the post‑operative period. We are looking for an individual who can manage and organise their time whilst leading a team. This post offers an excellent career progression opportunity for an experienced intensive care nurse. As the CICU Deputy Sister/ Charge nurse, you will be supervising the team and the quality of care delivered in the Unit, and coordinating the patients flow from theatres into CICU, and from CICU to the ward. You will act as an excellent role model, clinical practitioner and promote professional practice. 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 Role Summary To plan, provide and evaluate skilled evidence based care to support and facilitate the delivery of high quality, individualised care for L2 & L3 critically ill patients and their relatives/carers without supervision and in collaboration with the multi‑disciplinary team. To lead and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCAs to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care. To progress towards undertaking the shift leader role under the guidance of the nominated Team Leader and the Cardiac Surgery Clinical Educator. To support and develop colleagues by mentoring and assessing their skills and to promote clinical education. To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular staff group and undertake performance developmental reviews/appraisals. To fulfil Local / Trust requirements in specified audit / project work. To act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff providing daily unit management, continuity of care and a high standard of excellent nursing care. About us At UHS Sussex, 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. Candidate Pack Details Date posted: 21 November 2025 Pay Band 6 Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full‑time Reference number 279‑7595635‑NOV25 Job location Royal Sussex County HospitalEaster RoadBrightonBN2 5BE Job responsibilities Clinical To lead in the provision of the highest standards of evidence based nursing care that is in accordance with BSUH, local and national policies and guidelines. To be responsible for the safety of patients and quality of care delivered in one’s own workload and able to work independently being fully competent. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate holistic programmes of patient care, by utilising and sufficiently maintaining care pathways/care plans used on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. To act as the patient’s advocate and contribute to the provision of information to allow patients and their families to make informed decisions regarding their care. Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients, relatives and staff and equal opportunities of practice whilst maintaining privacy and dignity. Provide specialist, technical and clinical advice to patients, relatives and multidisciplinary teams. Contribute to the multidisciplinary team working in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, e.g. regularly reviewing specialist team recommendations and referring patients, when appropriate, to other members of the MDT. To ensure the safe, smooth and efficient handover from theatre and anaesthetic staff of patients admitted following cardiac surgery. Confidently deal with emergency situations, including postoperative tamponade where an aortotomy may need to be performed, taking the lead until medical staff arrive, using management skills to direct care according to the situation. Aim to reduce sensory overload / deprivation by promoting adequate sleep and rest and providing as quiet an environment as possible. Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust’s standards (including electronic records). Ensure that staff adhere to NMC Code of Conduct and guidelines. Work in accordance with the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit philosophy. Learning and Development Attend mandatory training updates as required. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager. Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service. Health, safety and security To be aware of own responsibilities in the event of a major incident and is familiar with the procedure. To identify, assess and report the potential clinical risks in the critical care area, using appropriate assessment and preventative tools and completes clinical incident documentation appropriately, making recommendations and reviewing action instigated and reporting at relevant meetings. Maintain confidentiality of information at all times and has attended Trust Caldicott training. Has attended all Local/Trust/National mandatory/statutory training with appropriate updates. Ensure Health and Safety regulations are complied with. Competently use medical devices safely, undertaking necessary training / updates with completion of competency documentation where applicable. Comply with and promote knowledge of health and safety regulations including safe and secure handling of medicines. Maintain effective asepsis to reduce risk of cross infection through adherence to local / Trust infection control policies. Ensure effective hand washing techniques are adhered to and challenge unacceptable practice. Ensure safety checks / daily checks of equipment and take action when equipment malfunctions, and arrange for safe disposal / repair. In conjunction with senior nursing staff provide a safe and suitable environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients and their relatives/carers and report any concerns. Ensure the correct equipment is used to reduce risk e.g. hoists, sliding sheets, goggles. Challenge individuals who are not readily identifiable and is aware of the channels of report in the event of an intruder being seen. Challenge individuals who put themselves or others at risk. Aware of policies related to health and well-being of staff e.g. harassment, bullying, and aggression. Ensure relatives and staff are advised of the need to keep valuables with them or lock them away. Adheres to correct procedure when dealing with patient property. Person Specification Essential NMC Registration. ITU course or equivalent. Experience in ITU shift leading. Adult Critical Care Course or equivalent (or in progress). Desirable Management course. Mentorship or equivalent qualification. 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). Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Royal Sussex County HospitalEaster RoadBrightonBN2 5BE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) #J-18808-Ljbffr