Job overview
We are excited to recruit a dynamic, enthusiastic Band 6 Deputy Sister/Deputy Charge Nurse to the Outpatient Department at St Richards Hospital.
You will be required to provide leadership and support within OPD where we support many specialities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential along with the resilience to meet the challenges of our busy and stimulating work environment. You should have proven time-management and clinical organisational skills as you will be required to manage this busy outpatient department.
You will be responsible for maintaining standards in the day to day management of the department. You will be able to gain or demonstrate clinical and leadership skills. Your primary responsibilities will be to take charge of the department whilst supporting and developing junior staff. You will manage a team ensuring appraisals, mandatory training for all nursing staff are kept up to date. You will assist with managing the e-roster and the allocation of staff to clinics whilst ensuring they are working within their level of competence.
In return we will encourage your professional development with access to educational resources both locally and beyond.
You will be required to work cross site at St Richards Hospitals in the first instance, some evening and weekend work may also be required.
Main duties of the job
You will be an experienced registered nurse with a good understanding and of the planning and delivery of person-centred care.
You will support the OPD Sister with leading the team. In conjunction with the OPD Sister and OPD Deputy Sister, you will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance. You will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the department in the absence of the Sister.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria
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
Act as an expert practitioner demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills and expertise within the area of work and within the context of changing health care provision.
Assist the OPD Sister in developing/implementing evidence based practice within the clinical environment with a multi-professional focus having the ability to facilitate, initiate, manage and evaluate change in practice to improve quality of care.
Work alongside the OPD Sister to ensure that the quality of patient care is assured by involvement in audits and implementation of any change needed as a result of findings.
Assist with ensuring high levels of patient satisfaction, ensure patient questionnaires are monitored and any required actions implemented
Help to ensure the needs of the patient and their carers are kept central to practice and service development.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Shortlisting criteria
Essential criteria
1. RN
2. Practice Supervisor/Assessor trained
3. Educated to Diploma level or equivalent
4. Evidence of professional development
5. Sound clinical and professional knowledge
6. Excellent interpersonal skills
7. Experience leading a team
8. Conflict management skills
9. Change management experience
10. Demonstrates Trust values
Desirable criteria
11. NVQ Assessor
12. Leadership qualification
13. Degree level studies
14. Understanding budgets and financial controls
15. Report writing
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
17. 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