Job overview
** Please note that this role is a secondment opportunity. Before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current line manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without your current manager’s approval. If you are unable to gain your managers approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position **
To have continuing responsibility for the effective management of ESCU and Chiltington wards at Worthing General Hospital. In addition, the post holder will provide clinical and professional leadership within this unit ensuring an effective, quality service with responsibility for patient safety and standards of care.
ESCU (Enhanced Surgical Care Unit) is a level 1 unit for general surgery patients and Chiltington ward is a General Surgical ward at Worthing General Hospital, caring for elective and emergency surgical admissions.
The post holder will ideally work opposite the other ward sister in post Monday to Friday.
Main duties of the job
To maintain a high level of skilled staff on the ward at all times, to supervise junior staff, and to have your own workload as and when required.
To have continuing responsibility for the effective management of Chiltington ward. In addition, the post holder will provide clinical and professional leadership within this area ensuring an effective, quality service with responsibility for patient safety and standards of care.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. To act as an expert practitioner demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills and expertise within the area of work ( elective and emergency surgery, admission/discharge) and within the context of changing health care provision.
2. Take the lead in developing/implementing evidence-based practice within the designated clinical area of expertise in conjunction with the Matron. Ensuring a multi professional focus, have the ability to facilitate, initiate, manage and evaluate change in practice to improve quality of care.
3. Ensure that a supportive teaching and learning environment is in place.
4. Ensure that all staff are working to their required level of clinical and professional competence whilst adhering to their NMC professional code of conduct. Ensuring that all staff are developed to attain competence as highlighted at appraisal.
5. Ensure that the quality of patient care is assured by involvement in the implementation and maintenance of Tendable audits.
Infection control audit:
6. Ensure that all clinical environments reflect infection control standards of cleanliness, be proactive in response to any issues raised through cleaning audits, infection control audits or patient environment inspections.
7. Ensure high levels of patient satisfaction; ensure that any required actions reported back to the Matron.
8. Ensure the control and custody of all medications and drugs in accordance with University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust policy and statutory regulations.
9. Act as a role model and ensure effective staff supervision within clinical practice, working with staff and patients in an advisory, teaching and support capacity, maintaining professional competence, authority and credibility.
To provide specialist advice within the clinical area and expert advice within the speciality team.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
10. RGN 1st Level with NMC registration
11. Mentorship/PSPA
12. Degree or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
13. Leadership Course Recruitment and Selection training
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
14. In depth knowledge and experience in relevant area Evidence of professional development since qualification Substantial Post Registration experience Significant experience at Band 6 Demonstrable understandings of managing a team including skill mix and support required to junior staff Aware of Health & Safety issues and risk management Experience of undertaking IPR/appraisal
Desirable criteria
15. >Substantial Post Registration experience Significant experience at band 6 deputy sister Significant relevant experience in the speciality Experience of recruitment and selection
Skills
Essential criteria
16. Proven track record of leading a team Motivation and Innovation Ability to participate and implement the development of ward practice.
Desirable criteria
17. Broad professional vision People management skills Facilitation skills
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
18. Leadership experience – utilising direct and influential leadership skills. Effective leadership skills in own team and multidisciplinary situations. Evidence of line management experience. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Demonstrates personal resilience. Recognises and actively promotes development opportunities in self and others – ensuring equity of access
Desirable criteria
19. Influential leadership in the wider context of the department / organisation
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
20. Able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust values and behaviours
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
21. Is guided by precedent and clearly defined occupational policies, protocols, procedures or codes of conduct. Work is managed, rather than supervised and results/outcomes are assessed at agreed intervals. Is guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs), good practice, established precedents and understands what results or standards are to be achieved.
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. 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