Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the busy and dynamic team working within the Sexual Health and Contraception Service in Brighton. This integrated service operates across three sites within the city, with outreach to other parts. We are a multi-professional progressive team providing a comprehensive, evidence based and patient focused service for Contraception and Sexual Health.
We are looking for an experienced registered nurse to fill the role of Band 6 Sexual Health and Contraception Nurse. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of an effective and efficient service in a professional and sensitive manner, and it is essential that the post holder has a recognised qualification and experience in the provision of contraception as well as qualification/experience in sexual health care.
Experience within safeguarding and working with vulnerable young people is essential.A letter of competence in the insertion and removal of subdermal implants (or working towards) would be desirable, as would a recognised post graduate basic teaching qualification. Excellent communication and team working skills are imperative. Flexibility in working hours is expected including weekend & evening working.
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 post holder will be able to:
1. Support patients with distressing, sensitive and personal information in a skilled and knowledgeable manner, utilising well developed communication skills of listening, responding, engaging and empathising.
2. Deliver bad news, including positive sexually transmitted infection results and pregnancy test results.
3. Discuss sensitive sexual health issues with patients to support decision making including condom use, unexpected or unplanned pregnancies, sexual practices, sexuality issues, sexual assault and infections such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV.
4. Work within cross agency agreements to provide access to emergency contraception for young people within secondary schools across Brighton and Hove.
5. Ensure through good practice that patient care initiatives are continuously improved and sustained;
6. Be committed to a team approach to service provision and patient management.
7. Liaise effectively with other key staff within the service.
8. Demonstrate, through thoughts and actions, commitment to the Trust Core Values
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 directly hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
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. 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, 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 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 post holder will assess, plan and implement and evaluate ‘packages’ of care to provide holistic sexual and reproductive health care to patients attending the service in relation to their sexual health. The post holder is required to be clinically competent to:
9. Works autonomously as an independent practitioner to manage a patient episode of care within a team framework.
10. Assess patient’s level of understanding and factors impacting on ability to consent to care (including HIV testing, clinical examination and treatment); Able to effectively support junior members of the team to manage patients with complex needs where appropriate.
11. Identifies high risk patients including, safeguarding, vulnerable adults, sexual risk taking, those in abusive relationships or victims of past or current assault. Able to assess needs, negotiate care and make sensitive ongoing referral.
12. Support young people, including those aged under 16 years of age, with support from other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Participate in safeguarding and young people themed training and educational opportunities
13. Assess and appropriately respond to risk of / experience of sexual exploitation and abuse.
14. Assess contraceptive needs, negotiates individual care plans, initiate and change methods of practice, provide appropriate patient education and assess and initiate any ongoing support required.
15. Undertake patient assessment and triage.
Manage episodes of patient care, including history taking, care planning, examination (including genital examination), specimen collection (including venepuncture and cervical cytology), vaccination in patients
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. Registered General Nurse (level 1)
17. Undertaking study at degree level / equivalent level of knowledge, with significant post-registration experience
18. Evidence of post-graduate experience and recognised qualifications within the specialist area to include contraception (CaSH), GUM, HIV or equivalent experience at Band 5 level
19. Certificate in teaching and assessing/ mentorship
Skills
Essential criteria
20. Extensive post-graduate experience within sexual health providing GUM and contraceptive care
21. Excellent in depth skills and knowledge base
22. Ability to run nurse only provided clinics
23. Competent in utilisation of contraception knowledge and skills
24. Undertake patient care autonomously within agreed policies and procedures, and using patient group directives (PGDs) or working as an independent nurse prescriber
25. Competent in diagnostic Microscopy Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships with the multi-disciplinary team members.
26. Demonstrate advanced communication skills to support patients and their carers and convey difficult and sensitive information, overcoming barriers to communication
27. Knowledge and ability to apply Fraser competencies for those aged 16 and under
28. Competent in performing venepuncture
29. Competent in HPV ablative therapies
30. Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable criteria
31. Experience in HIV triage and care including a working knowledge of ARVs including short and long term side effects
32. Competent in insertion and removal of contraception implants
33. Competent in insertion and removal of IUCD’s
34. Competent in bimanual examinations
35. Proven ability to deliver training sessions to patients and staff
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
36. Able to plan and organise workload for self and others on a day to day basis
37. Proven understanding of clinical governance with risk management, its importance and its application
38. Knowledge around the safe use of relevant equipment
39. Knowledge and awareness of documents and initiatives relevant to sexual health both locally and nationally
40. Evidence of continuing professional development
41. Excellent understanding of Infection control practices and policies
42. Maintain good working relationships with colleagues and professionals from other agencies, as appropriate
Desirable criteria
43. Management Experience Experience of supervising junior staff and students
44. Involvement in carrying out clinical audit including co-ordination, evaluation and service development
Specific Requirments
Essential criteria
45. Able to plan and prioritise a complex and unpredictable caseload efficiently
46. Manage the conflicting demands of team leader and clinical responsibilities
47. Excellent time management and organisational skills
48. Computer skills including use of Electronic Patient Records (EPR), databases, spreadsheets, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other clinical support systems
49. Experience of planning workload of other team members to ensure service delivery
50. Ability to perform venepuncture and use a microscope accurately
51. Good hand/eye co-ordination for insertion and removal of implants
52. Able to operate all other relevant equipment
53. Able to work shifts as defined by staff rota and service needs
54. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Positive and enthusiastic Reliable
55. Well motivated to learn and develop new skills
56. Non judgemental attitude Reflective practitioner
Desirable criteria
57. Experience of change management and introducing service improvements.
58. Leading meetings
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
59. Work within codes of practice and according to professional standards and guidelines.
60. Take responsibility for assessing service requirements and delegate work as appropriate in response to changing demands
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
61. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
62. 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