Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
We are pleased to offer an exciting 12-month secondment opportunity for a Band 5 Registered Nurse to join our Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Medical Day Case Unit (MDCU) at Princess Royal Hospital.
SDEC and MDCU provide rapid assessment, treatment and same-day care for patients who would otherwise require hospital admission. The service plays a key role in improving patient flow, avoiding unnecessary admissions and delivering timely, high-quality care in a fast-paced and supportive environment.
This role is ideal for nurses wishing to develop acute assessment skills, clinical decision-making and confidence, while working closely with a multidisciplinary team including acute medicine and urology clinicians, emergency care colleagues and specialist nurses.
What we offer
1. A dynamic learning environment with exposure to a wide range of acute presentations
2. Strong clinical support and supervision, including opportunities to take charge under guidance
3. Experience of same-day pathways, patient flow and service improvement
4. A welcoming team committed to compassionate, inclusive and respectful care
About you
You will be a Registered Nurse with current NMC registration, motivated to learn, adaptable, and able to work effectively in a busy clinical setting. Previous acute or emergency care experience is desirable but not essential.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
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.
Main duties of the job
5. Deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centred nursing care within SDEC and MDCU
6. Undertake rapid assessment, monitoring and evaluation of patients with acute medical needs
7. Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support same-day pathways and patient flow
8. Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and colleagues, including providing sensitive information
9. Support safe admissions, transfers and discharges, liaising with ED, wards and site teams as required
10. Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and electronic patient records
11. Take charge of the clinical area in the absence of senior staff, with appropriate support
12. Contribute to service improvement, risk management and maintaining a safe care environment
13. Support learners and promote a positive learning culture within the unit
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will work as a Band 5 Staff Nurse within the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Medical Day Case Unit (MDCU), delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced acute setting. The role involves rapid assessment, treatment and ongoing evaluation of patients, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support same-day pathways, safe patient flow and timely decision-making. The post holder will contribute to maintaining a safe and effective clinical environment, support learners, and participate in service improvement activities. In the absence of senior staff, the post holder may be required to take charge of the clinical area with appropriate support.
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.
Person specification
Motivation, Values & Understanding of the Role
Essential criteria
14. Demonstrates a clear motivation for applying for the SDEC/MDCU secondment
15. Shows understanding of the Same Day Emergency Care service and the nature of working in a fast-paced acute environment
16. Evidence of behaviours aligned with Trust values of being compassionate, inclusive and respectful
Desirable criteria
17. Evidence of interest in developing acute assessment skills, same-day pathways or service improvement
18. Reflects positively on learning experiences or professional development relevant to the role
Clinical Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
19. Experience delivering direct patient care in an acute hospital setting
20. Ability to undertake patient assessments and contribute to clinical decision-making
21. Educated to Diploma or Degree level education in relevant subject or equivalent.
22. Evidence of functional skills in mathematics and English Level 2 or GCSEs in maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent.)
Desirable criteria
23. Experience in acute medicine, emergency care, ambulatory care or same-day pathways
Professional Registration & Qualifications
Essential criteria
24. Current NMC registration as a Registered Nurse (Adult)
25. ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent
Desirable criteria
26. Evidence of recent relevant continuing professional development (CPD)
27. Degree or Masters level post qualification studies
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
28. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
29. 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