Job overview
Dorcas Ward is a 28 bedded thoracic surgical ward specialising in patients with respiratory conditions and Lung cancer.
Dorcas Ward provides the highest quality of nursing care to both male and female patients, on emergency and planned admission pathways.
We carryout major lung surgery, requiring cardiac monitoring, intense nursing respiratory skills and high flow oxygen therapy. Our patients often have high acuity levels requiring advanced nursing assessment skills.
Closing date: 22/02/2026
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a wonderful nursing team at Guys Hospital.
Dorcas Ward is a 28 bedded surgical ward specialising in patients with respiratory conditions and Lung cancer.
Dorcas Ward provides the highest quality of nursing care to both male and female patients, on emergency and planned admission pathways.
Post holder will be responsible for carrying out clinical practice within designated clinical
areas, ensuring that high quality, current evidence-based nursing
assessment, care planning, implementation, interventions and evaluations
for patients is provided from admission through to discharge.
Working for our organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and – as part of King’s Health Partners – we are one of England’s eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research’s biomedical research centres, established with King’s College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Will be responsible for the application of knowledge across the range of
work procedures and practices, underpinned by theoretical knowledge and
practical experience.
To act as advocate for patients within the area, to ensure a patient
orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within
the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines.
To ensure that patients’ receive high quality clinical care and a good
patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and
doctrines.
Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and
wellbeing of the individuals.
Will advise on the promotion of health and the prevention of illness.
Recognise the significance of observations made, and use them to
develop and initiate nursing assessments and devise a plan of care.
Carry out those activities necessary to conduct a comprehensive
assessment of a person’s nursing requirements.
Will ensure that all patients will have a discharge plan that is safe and
appropriate for their needs.
Carry out nursing procedures and treatments, checking on and
maintaining the highest possible standards.
Work alongside the multi-disciplinary team to ascertain treatments and
advise on nursing priorities.
Take a clear and concise history from patients by assessing their health.
Please see attached Job Description for more details
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Able to assess, plan, implement & evaluate programmes of care
2. Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues.
3. Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice
4. knowledge of patients on a surgical pathway
Skills
Essential criteria
5. Good communication skills
6. Able to work as an effective team member
7. Experience of working in cardio-thoracics or ITU
8. Must have 6 months NHS or Ireland experience in an acute setting
Desirable criteria
9. Skills required for managing chest drains
10. Skilled in managing post operative pain
Experience
Essential criteria
11. Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
12. Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice
Desirable criteria
13. Experience at co-ordinating a shift
14. Able to supervise and teach junior staff
15. Experience of working in the relevant area
Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. Registered Nurse on the NMC register with active PIN
17. Evidence of continuing professional development
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.