Job overview
Head of Nursing for the acute floor and DMS lead for PRH. If you would like to apply, then please submit your application, ensuring to state why you are suited to the position. Experience of leading on a service transformation is essential. This is a permanent and forms part of the senior medical divisional team, leading and aligning with the Trusts true north objectives. The Head of Nursing will lead the Daily Management System (DMS) across PRH and also lead the Fundamental Standards of Care (FSoC). Intrinsic to the role is leading with compassion, and continuous improvement for patient safety, quality, clinical governance. The post holder will also be the lead for transforming the nursing workforce and improving patient pathways, including reducing length of stay and emergency performance at PRH. These are exciting times ahead and this offers a great opportunity for a senior nurse to influence at a more strategic level.
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
The Head of Nursing will be an integral member of the Divisional management team supporting the Division in the delivery of key performance targets and the clinical strategy. The post holder will provide proactive senior nursing leadership and management for the acute floor directorate within the Division.
As an experienced senior nurse, the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean, safe environment for patients in line with the highest clinical care and infection control standards ensuring patients receive optimum care whilst being treated with dignity and respect.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing and monitoring quality governance arrangements that are in place within the Division. In conjunction with and on behalf of the Head of Nursing, the post holder will address the FSoC, the CQC standards, risk management, review critical incidents, identify and review key clinical and service indicators/audit outcomes and implement information governance requirements.
The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the nursing budgets associated with their area of responsibility. This will include the oversight of the bank and agency expenditure and ensuring good financial grip and affordability within the defined staffing models.
They will be responsible for the performance and delivery of safe, high quality nursing services within the acute floor and providing cross cover to other areas as required.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will:
1. Be responsible for the performance management and professional standards of Matrons, Ward/Department Managers and Nurse Specialists to ensure delivery of healthcare performance standards and Trust objectives within their designated area of responsibility.
2. Take the lead for Fundamental Standards of Care (FSoC), safety and quality for all nursing services provided within their designated area of responsibility, undertaking investigations and producing reports where required.
3. Act as a positive role model through the provision of effective senior professional nurse leadership and demonstration of competent, accountable, high quality clinical practice.
4. Provide day-to-day visible (in uniform), accessible and authoritative leadership in clinical areas.
5. Be responsible for the standards of ward based and outpatient-based care delivered within their area(s) to ensure the delivery of patient care is of the highest possible standard at all times and for improving patient experience.
6. Actively support the Division in the provision and ongoing development of high quality, modern, dynamic and patient centred services.
7. Provide support to patients, and their relatives/carers.
8. Be responsible for optimising patient flow to ensure patients are in the right bed at the right time to receive the right care.
9. Work in liaison with other Directorates and Divisions and the wider local health community and local service providers to ensure care pathways are optimised, supporting resolution of any issues where they are identified.
10. To work closely with other Directorates and Divisions to ensure that related clinical pathways work in tandem with those in these areas and are as efficient as possible in all respects of the care delivered to patients.
11. To ensure that the services within the Division work together seamlessly providing safe high-quality care to patients.
12. Provide support in relation to workforce development, training, recruitment and performance management of the nursing teams within the Division.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
13. Registered Nurse Level 1
14. Masters degree in Nursing or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential criteria
15. Extensive experience at a senior level
Skills
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of excellent managerial, leadership and organisational skills
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
17. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
18. 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