Job overview
** 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 Nursing Associates **
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic nurse associate to join our friendly well established Children’s Nursing Team. This post would be suitable for either newly qualified nurse associate or nurse associates with experience.
We are offering a permanent position working full time or part-time of a minimum of 23 hours per week up to 37.5 hours per week.
Bluefin ward nurses children and young people from birth to 18 years. Our patients have a variety of medical and surgical conditions. The unit has an HDU area and separate Children's and Young Person's Day Unit.
You will build on essential skills in nursing sick children such as respiratory support, fluid and pain management and stabilisation of the critically ill child.
We provide excellent opportunities for ongoing professional development and leadership.
Main duties of the job
We have a strong multi disciplinary team and welcome enthusiastic, motivated nurse associates who are passionate about providing excellent care to children and their families. We encourage applicants to arrange a virtual visit to the unit and meet the team.
The service is committed to providing a high standard of nursing care for sick children and young people up to the age of 18 years, within the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, including outpatient, emergency and elective care within the division, by ensuring the most effective use of resources. Assist team members with the assessment and delivery of care, under the direction and supervision of the team leader.
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 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.
Candidate Information Pack :
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Be responsible for delivering high quality, patient centred, compassionate care under the leadership and direction of a Registered Nurse (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) working within all aspects of the nursing process, providing high quality holistic and person-centred care
to individuals.
2. Support the registered nurse in the assessment, planning and evaluation of care with focus on promoting health and independence.
3. Carry out specific clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the leadership and direction of a registered nurse or other registered care professionals dependent on setting.
4. Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values.
5. Be an accountable professional.
6. Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.
7. Have the ability to work without direct supervision, at times delivering care independently in line with the individual’s defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the Nursing Associate role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.
Please see our detailed job description for the main duties and responsibilities.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. Nurse Associate Qualification
9. Evidence of functional skills in mathematics and English Level 2 or GCSEs in maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent.)
10. Foundation Degree or Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education delivered by an institution approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council to provide preregistration nursing education.
Desirable criteria
11. Cannulation
12. Venepuncture
13. Paediatric experience in hospital setting
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
14. Previous child care experience
15. Awareness of current government initiatives
16. Experience with medical devices
17. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
18. Able to demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to respond to varying situations
19. Understanding of the NMC and their professional responsibilities and accountability
20. Completion of relevant clinical/specialist competencies
Skills
Essential criteria
21. Communication skills
22. Team worker in multidisciplinary environment
23. Keyboard and IT system skills
24. Ability to use initiative
IT
Essential criteria
25. Computer skills (word, excel, email, internet)
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
26. Positive and Adaptable
27. Ability to work under pressure
28. Flexible
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
29. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
30. 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