Job overview
We are looking for a committed, adaptable, hard working Surgical Children’s Nurse with good interpersonal and communication skills.
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
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
• Maintain effective communication with carers about routine and daily activities of the children in designated area.
• Negotiate sensitively with children and their carers particularly if there are any barriers to understanding.
• Behave in a consistent manner with children and their carers, multi-disciplinary team and the public.
• Communicate with children in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development and their carers.
• Articulate current status of all children in their care to nurse in charge on each shift, if in charge then to the children’s services bleep holder as required and to the multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate use of basic IT skills to complete details of admission/discharge of patients.
• Write precise, accurate and timely nursing records.
• Listen actively and respond appropriately to information given.
• Take part in and leads shift handovers ensuring relevant detail is communicated to the team.
• Recognise when own and other’s (staff, children and carers) behaviour is not acceptable and take action to address this effectively.
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 Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital is located on the Royal Sussex County Hospital site in Brighton. In June 2007 RACH opened on the current site in its brand new state of the art facility. It has won an international design award and continues with offering pioneering children’s care.
The RACH has a long history of progressive and innovative Children’s care embracing medicine, nursing and related professions, children’s nurse training and research. It is one is of the leading children’s centre’s on the South Coast and has a 24 hour dedicated children’s emergency department. RACH works closely with the neonatal service providing support and services for neonates such as surgery. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dedicated team player to join our dynamic paediatric Surgical department.
Our Surgical ward is a busy unit which cares for children and babies from 0-16 years old. These children have had/ are going to have surgery or investigations and treatment of surgical conditions from a wide range of specialities.
Please see the attached job description for a detailed overview of the role and main responsibilities.
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.
Person specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
1. Registered paediatric nurse
2. Experience within a surgical ward
Desirable criteria
3. 1 year post experience
4. Mentorship qualification
5. PILS/APLS
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
6. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
7. 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