Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic staff nurse to join our friendly well established Children’s Nursing Team to cover Maternity Leave. We also welcome applications from registered nurses with an interest in paediatrics or with previous paediatric experience.
This is a full time position, fixed term for a year.
Howard Ward is an 20 bedded general Paediatric Ward. Our dedicated team cares for babies, children and young people from birth to 18 years. Our patients have a variety of medical and surgical conditions. The unit has an HDU area and separate Children's Assessment unit. You will build on essential skills in nursing sick children such as respiratory support, fluid and pain management and stabilisation of the critically ill child.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses
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 service is committed to providing a high standard of nursing care for sick children and young people up to the age of 18 years, within the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, including outpatient, emergency and elective care within the division, by ensuring the most effective use of resources. Assist team members with the assessment and delivery of care, under the direction and supervision of the team leader.
We provide excellent opportunities for ongoing professional development and leadership.
We have a strong multi disciplinary team and welcome enthusiastic, motivated nurses who are passionate about providing excellent care to children and their families.
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
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
1. Participate in the assessment, implementation and delivery of individualised patient care seeking guidance where appropriate
2. To report on the condition of patients to the Clinical Leader/Medical staff, assisting them in ascertaining treatments and ensure these are carried out
3. To ensure that all patients' data is accurately recorded
4. Ensure that all patients have nutritional assessment and that individual needs are fully me
5. Be responsible for the control and custody of all medication and drugs in accordance with Trust polic
6. To administer drugs as prescribed, checking and witnessing controlled drugs
7. Ensure safe effective discharge planning, involving the multidisciplinary team as necessary
8. Maintain own professional development under the guidance of senior staff
9. Develop teaching and assessing skills through training and practical experience; becoming a mentor to learners
10. Take charge of a group of patients, taking into account patient/relative/carers wishes
11. Be able to confidently take charge of the ward when the occasion presents itself.
12. Ensure that all patients needs are identified and programmes of care implemented to meet individual needs
13. Ensure that best practice care is delivered
14. Mentor, teach, assess and facilitate education for all learners in the clinical are
15. Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication with all health care professionals within the clinical team and across all disciplines
16. Maintain own professional development
17. Work within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
18. Act as a role model showing example in regard to behaviour, attitudes, conduct and appearance
19. To maintain correct standards of uniform and personal appearance, as indicated in the Dress Code & Uniform Polic
20. Report / action any accidents, incidents or undue occurrences reported or witnessed
21. Take an active role in the management of risks, in line with Trust and Directorate policy
22. Ensure that patient activity is monitored and that all patient information is entered into the SEMA system at the most timely point
23. Ensure your role has a positive influence on key performance indicators
24. Seek consistently to improve nursing practice in line with evidence, recent best practice innovations and new developments.
25. Proactively manage ward level complaints and report to senior staff so that they can be dealt with according to Trust Polic
26. Take charge regularly in the absence of a ward/departmental manager/deput
27. Maintain flexibility with staff rosters in order to provide cover with the optimum skill mix, making best use of available resource
28. Deal with patient/relative complaints proactively
-- Please see Job Description and Person Specs for full details --
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
29. RSCN / Diploma in Child Health
30. NMC Registration
Desirable criteria
31. Mentorship or equivalent qualification
32. PILS
33. IV Drug Administration
34. Cannulation
35. Venepuncture
36. Paediatric experience in hospital setting
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
37. Previous child care experience
38. Awareness of current government initiatives
39. Experience with medical devices
40. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
41. Introduction to management course
42. Able to demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to respond to varying situations
43. Completion of Junior Band 5 competencies
44. Understanding of the NMC and their professional responsibilities and accountability
45. Completion of relevant clinical/specialist competencies
Skills
Essential criteria
46. Communication skills
47. Team worker in multidisciplinary environment
48. Keyboard and IT system skills
49. Ability to use initiative
50. Computer skills (word, excel, email, internet)
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
51. Positive and Adaptable
52. Ability to work under pressure
53. Flexible
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
54. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
55. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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