Job overview
Maple Ward is a 14-bedded surgical ward caring for a range of patients pre and post complex cardiothoracic surgery. This includes open and minimally invasive cardiac surgery including valve repair and replacement and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts as well as thoracic procedures such as lobectomies, pneumonectomies and minimally invasive procedures.
Our Practice Education Team will support you through a supernumerary period during your orientation to the ward and hospital. You will have the opportunity to attend a preceptorship programme, in-house study days and regular surgical team days to support your learning. Following orientation and completion of relevant competencies, you will have the opportunity to access university-based post-graduate courses.
We are looking for an enthusiastic nurse who is keen to work at the leading edge of cardiothoracic practice in a fast-paced ward setting. You will need to be a highly motivated nurse who is committed to delivering high standards of care and can demonstrate excellent clinical and communication skills. If you are looking for a career in Cardiothoracic nursing, this is your chance to join a friendly and supportive team at Harefield Hospital.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications have been received. To discuss the post please contact Senior Sister Connie Housen on 01895 823737 ext: 85325 or email
Closing date: 21/07/2025
Main duties of the job
·The post holder will work under the guidance of the Sister/Charge nurse and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team.
·To assist in the continuing professional development and overall performance of learners and junior staff in the clinical area.
·The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the guidance and support of more senior staff.
·To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according to experience for any area specified.
·The post holder will be accountable for their nursing practice, adhere to the policies and protocols of the Trust and the NMC. He/she will have a responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
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.
Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ in February 2021 and is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We provide treatment for people with heart and lung disease, including rare and complex conditions, offering some of the most sophisticated treatment that is available anywhere in the world.
Our integrated approach to caring for patients from before birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood and old age has been replicated around the world and has gained Royal Brompton and Harefield an international reputation as a leader in heart and lung diagnosis, treatment and research.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect
Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:
·Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the needs of the patients.
·A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological, pathological, spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific speciality.
·Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways and discharge planning
·Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.
·Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
·Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
·Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the ward/department.
·Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records).
·Participate in conducting nursing audits to achieve the agreed standards.
·Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and benchmarking standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
·In conjunction with the staff team, contribute to developing and maintaining a ward/department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.
·To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
·To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
·Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
·To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.
·Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
·Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients needs are met to a consistently high standard.
·To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to patient care. (for example, when taking supervised charge or as a link nurse)
·To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with national strategy requirements.
Communication
·To demonstrate politeness, courtesy, respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
·Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Department
·To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding language
·Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide
·To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
·To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.
People management
·Take active responsibility for own annual leave in line with Trust and local Policy and Procedure.
·Participate in the Trust’s appraisal and personal development plan schemes by meeting with the team leader/appraiser and to include feedback from a selection of internal staff and team members.
·Participate in the programme for preceptorship and to be a support to new and junior staff as required.
·Maintain a personal and professional profile and maintain skill developments in line with the Scope of Professional Practice.
Information management
·Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.
·Use data which will contribute to the improvement of patient care.
·To have an active Trust and email account and adhere to the Trusts Information Services and Information Governance Policies.
·Use the Trust internet to enhance care and for professional development.
·Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place and under development.
·Following Trust/local guidelines to access results from the electronic databases
Resource management
·To work together with the ward team to ensure effective use and maintenance of resources and adequate stock levels.
·To actively engage with rostering in clinical ward or departments and adopt a flexible approach to personal rostering to ensure the needs of the service are met.
Service development
·To contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment for colleagues, patients and visitors.
·To participate in staff education and development, including utilising appropriate learning opportunities and to act as a resource for learners and the nursing team as/ when required.
Policy development
·Under the supervision of the ward / department Sister/Charge Nurse to work on delegated projects relating to local policy development.
·To be actively involved in the implementation of Trust policies and procedures at ward / department level, reinforcing their use.
Further sections
·To work towards a senior staff nurse level the staff nurse will be expected to complete relevant clinical competencies and would need to be at least one year post qualification. Progression to senior staff nurse level is subject to interview and band 6 vacancy on the ward.
·To ensure all team members have a real voice in the development of the clinical service to patients/customers.
·To ensure a safe and attractive working environment within available resources.
Person specification
Education and qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered nurse with NMC pin
2. Training to a diploma/degree level
Experience and Knowledge
Essential criteria
3. •Ability to practice within the scope of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
4. •Ability to demonstrate application of the NHS Plan to own sphere of practice
Desirable criteria
5. •Depending on previous experience the candidate may be expected to supervise junior staff
6. •Cardiothoracic surgical nursing experience
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
7. Good basic level of English
8. Excellent verbal communication skills
9. English language demonstrated through effective literacy and numeracy skills
10. Good interpersonal skills
11. Teaching skills
12. Able to prioritise and meet deadlines
13. Able to manage difficult situations
14. Organised time management
Desirable criteria
15. Relevant post-graduate qualifications.
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.