Job overview
We are looking for a Deputy Sister or Charge Nurse to become a member of our multi-disciplinary team, providing skilled care and expert advice to malignant and non-malignant haematology/oncology patients and their families / partners / friends in the clinical setting.
The post holder will lead by clinical excellence, the management and support of staff, administration of blood products, intravenous therapy, and SACT.
We are looking for a nurse with the ability to identify the particular needs of these patients and will provide information, support and specialist clinical expertise to enable nursing staff and haematology/oncology patients to understand and cope with their diagnosis and treatment.
The post holder will assist in the management and organisation of the nursing service in the clinical cancer areas. This will include managing shifts and the rotation between the haematology/oncology ward and the haematology day units at RSCH and PRH as required by the service. Teaching and support of more junior staff and those in training is expected.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 nurse who strives for high standards of patient care to join our team of cancer nurses.
The haematology unit consists of an acute 17 bedded ward nursing both haematology and oncology patients. We nurse neutropenic septic patients as well as post bone marrow transplant/immunocompromised patients, chemotherapy and SACT patients and palliative and patients at the end of their life. We also have a 6 chaired Haematology Day Unit providing out-patient treatments including chemotherapy, SACT and supportive therapies.
Other services include our satellite haematology and oncology unit at Princess Royal Hospital. Rotations may be required.
You will need to have:
1. NMC registration
2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
3. Experience in Cancer and Haematology
4. At least 6 months hospital experience
5. Experience leading a team or coordinating a shift
6. SACT training is an essential part of the role, however we would also consider applicants with significant clinical leadership experience and a strong interest in the specialty.
If you would like to work with us in developing cancer services for Sussex, then please contact us for further details and to arrange an informal visit. Tel: 01273 696955. Ext 63806/67413/64771
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require Tier 2 sponsorship please apply for our Internationally Qualified Nurse Advert.
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
Detailed job description 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. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
7. Work unsupervised providing nursing care as part of the multi-disciplinary team to patients - communicating with, and referring to other healthcare professionals as necessary.
8. Deliver a high standard of individualised holistic patient care to promote and maintain all aspects of his / her physical, social, cultural and psychological well-being.
9. Provide highly complex information to patients / carers about all aspects of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, venous access devices, side effects management). Using the highest level of communication and interpersonal skills and ensuring that the information is in easily understood language.
10. Act as a role model and ensure effective staff supervision with clinical practice, working with staff and patients in an advisory, teaching and support capacity and maintaining professional competence, authority and credibility.
11. Lead in the implementation of quality initiatives that improve patient care
12. Lead on agreed areas and projects.
13. Promote a culture that anticipates and addresses any patient concerns before they become a complaint. Is familiar with the procedure for dealing with patient / relative complaints.
14. Support the Nurse Managers and Matron in the nursing management of the day units and ward.
15. Lead the nursing team and co-ordinate all the activities on the unit and ward on a regular basis.
16. Assist with management of staffing resources to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Person specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential criteria
17. NMC registered
18. SACT Qualification
19. Experience in supervising and educating junior staff
20. Excellent Communication skills
21. Evidence of service improvement
22. First Degree in Nursing SACT/Oncology/Haematology course or equivalent experience
23. Hospital experience
24. Mentorship qualification
25. Communication course
Desirable criteria
26. Leadership Course
27. Physical assessment course
28. Experience in supervising junior staff
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
29. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
30. 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