Job overview
Ready to take charge of critical care and lead with confidence? As Sister / Charge Nurse in St Richards Hospitals Intensive Care Unit, you'll oversee a 10-bed ICU/HDU, delivering specialist support to critically ill patients and guiding a skilled multidisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
1. This role offers the chance to fully utilise your critical care expertise, leadership skills, and clinical judgement in a setting that values autonomy and growth.
2. You'll be trusted to shape service delivery, influence practice, and support staff development - all while making a meaningful difference to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments.
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.
Main duties of the job
3. Provide visible, effective leadership and clinical expertise within the Critical Care Unit, ensuring high standards of care are maintained across all shifts.
4. Coordinate and manage the daily operational running of the unit, including bed allocation, staffing, and patient flow.
5. Act as a role model, promoting professional standards and supporting the development of junior staff through supervision, teaching, and appraisal.
6. Lead on clinical audits, incident reviews, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and service delivery.
7. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic, patient-centred care and effective communication across services.
8. Support the implementation of evidence-based practice and contribute to the development of clinical guidelines and protocols.
9. Participate in recruitment, induction, and retention strategies to build a resilient and skilled workforce.
10. Ensure compliance with Trust policies, regulatory standards, and safeguarding procedures.
11. Deputise for the Matron or Lead Nurse as required, representing the unit at meetings and contributing to strategic planning.
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
12. Provide clinical leadership and operational management of the unit.
13. Support and mentor junior staff, promoting a culture of learning and development.
14. Ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care delivery.
15. Lead on quality improvement initiatives and contribute to service development.
16. Collaborate with the wider MDT to ensure seamless patient care.
About You
17. Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration.
18. Significant post-registration experience in critical care.
19. Proven leadership and team management skills.
20. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
21. Commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.
Benefits
22. Access to NHS pension scheme
23. Opportunities for CPD and leadership training
24. Employee wellbeing support
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
25. Nursing and Midwifery Council Or Health and Care Professionals Council registration
26. Post registration qualification in Critical Care Nursing
27. Substantial experience at Band 6 within critical care
28. Mentorship course/ ENB 998 or equivalent
29. Masters level or equivalent level of experience
30. Evidence of Informal and formal teaching experience
31. Degree in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience
32. Evidence of involvement in practice development
Desirable criteria
33. Band 7 experience
34. Experience of managing a team
35. Leadership qualification
Communication
Essential criteria
36. Good communication skills
Desirable criteria
37. Experience of ICCA system
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
38. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
39. 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