Job overview
Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care, and clinically are skilled ? Do you enjoy supporting and developing others ? Durrington ward may have an opportunity for you !
We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring, hardworking nurse, with experience in elderly care and dementia to join our dynamic, friendly and highly motivated team as a deputy ward sister to cover a maternity leave for 1 year. Durrington ward is a friendly ward with diverse staff. You will assist in helping to provide high quality care to inpatients with frailty related conditions including dementia, chronic lung disease, parkinsons, heart disease and diabetes. Your role will be supporting the ward sister and be a mentor to junior nurses.
We are a very supportive team, and can offer a good orientation and will be happy to give you guidance for future development.
Successful; candidates are expected to lead the nursing team and deputise for the ward manager. Have strong communication skills with the multidisciplinary team, and also ensure that safety and quality is maintained for patients, their families and staff. This will be achieved by supporting the team with skill and enthusiasm.
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.
Main duties of the job
You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in elderly care and and caring for those with frailty needs as well as dementia and other medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, parkinsons disease, and diabetes.
The applicant will need experience of complex discharge planning, and will require good communication skills to be able to confidently liaise with our extended multidisciplinary team, and have the ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families.
As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations. We have an inclusive team culture and value innovative and creative thinking.
You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward sister, supporting with staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward sister in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.
In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities. The ward has a bespoke learning programme and you will be well supported with personal development goals.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, 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 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 - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she 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, and infection control. The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses, helping them to develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff. He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles daily. A knowledge of complex discharge planning will be necessary to facilitate smooth discharges, and the ability to work under pressure maintaining flow within the ward.
The Durrington team work closely together to optimise patient care and rehabilitation. The ward’s philosophy is to look after our patients with skill, kindness and compassion, and to provide our staff with a strong team support network in which they can achieve, and develop, and gain a variety of skills and abilities. Previous experience in caring for the elderly with confusion and dementia would be advantageous in this role.
Informal visits are very welcome.
Person specification
Experience / Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Nursing Registration
2. Band 5 experience
3. Previous experience of managing a team
4. High standards of patient care
5. Management of patient or staff conflict
6. Excellent organisational skills
7. Manages well under pressure
8. Dementia care knowledge and experience
9. Post registration development evident
10. Knowledge and experience of complex discharge planning
11. IV cannulation and venapuncture skills
12. IV drug administration skills
Desirable criteria
13. Knowledge of Budget
14. Knowledge of audits
15. Dementia qualification or recent experience
16. 3 years post qualification experience
17. Catheterisation male and female
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
18. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
19. 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