Job overview
To apply for this post you must hold an appropriate and current UK NMC professional registration
We are looking for enthusiastic nurses who are keen to work at the leading edge of cardiothoracic practice in a fast-paced HDU and ward setting. You will need to be a highly motivated nurse who is committed to delivering high standards of care. If you are looking for a career in Cardiothoracic nursing, this is your chance to join a friendly and supportive team at Harefield Hospital.
Juniper ward is a Private Patients ward, consisting of 16 Level 1 ward beds and 4 High Dependency Unit beds. This role involves caring for a range of Private Patients pre and post complex cardiothoracic surgery, thoracic surgery, cardiology and transplant patients.
Our Practice Education Team will support you through a supernumery period during your orientation to the ward and the hospital. You will have the opportunity to attend a preceptorship programme, in-house study days and regular surgical team days to support your learning and keep you up to date with current practice. Following orientation and completion of relevant competencies, you will have the opportunity to access university-based post-graduate courses.
Main duties of the job
1. The post holder will work under the guidance of the Sister/Charge nurse and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team.
2. The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the guidance and support of more senior staff.
3. To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according to experience for any area specified.
4. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking. The post holder will be accountable for their nursing practice, adhere to the policies and protocols of the Trust and the NMC. He/she will have a responsibility for their own personal and professional development evidence-based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the needs of the patients.
5. A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological, pathological, spiritual, socio-economic and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific specialty.
Closing date: 15th October 2025
Interview date: 23rd October 2025
Working for our organisation
Critical care experience with either level 2 or level 3 patients is essential for this vacancy.
Cardiothoracic experience is not required as there will be opportunity to gain skills and knowledge under the guidance of our Practice Education teams, ward mentors, and nursing development team.
Hours of work are weekdays/nights/weekends – flexible working can be discussed.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
6. The post holder will work under the guidance of the Sister/Charge nurse and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining excellent standards of nursing care and staff development, as part of the ward team.
7. To assist in the continuing professional development and overall performance of learners and junior staff in the clinical area.
8. The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the guidance and support of more senior staff.
9. To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according to experience for any area specified.
10. The post holder will be accountable for their nursing practice, adhere to the policies and protocols of the Trust and the NMC. He/she will have a responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect
Seeking advice/guidance as necessary:
11. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence based practice which will improve the quality of care and meeting the needs of the patients.
12. A holistic approach to caring should be planned that will include the appropriate level of physiological, pathological, spiritual, socio-economical and cultural aspects which influence the care of clients within your specific speciality.
13. Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re-assessment formulated for individual care pathways and discharge planning.
14. Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.
15. Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
16. Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
17. Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and co-ordinate clinical services across the ward/department.
18. Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records).
19. Participate in conducting nursing audits to achieve the agreed standards.
20. Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and benchmarking standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
21. In conjunction with the staff team, contribute to developing and maintaining a ward/department ethos and provide a standard approach to the delivery of excellent nursing care.
22. To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
23. To be aware of the Trust’s framework of clinical governance and patient safety walk rounds within the ward or department area, seeking advice or guidance where necessary.
24. Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/departmental Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
25. To provide a suitable and safe environment for the physical, psychological and spiritual well being of staff, patients/clients and their relatives/carers, seeking guidance or advice where necessary.
26. Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
27. Collaborating with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients needs are met to a consistently high standard.
28. To delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to patient care. (for example, when taking supervised charge or as a link nurse)
29. To actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with national strategy requirements.
Communication
30. To demonstrate politeness, courtesy, respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
31. Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other Wards/Departments.
32. To adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding language.
33. Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust wide.
34. To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
35. To work cohesively with all members of the ward team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
36. Registered Nurse
37. Training to a diploma/degree level
Experience
Essential criteria
38. Ability to practice within the scope of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
39. Ability to demonstrate application of the NHS Plan to own sphere of practice
40. Critical care experience looking after level 2 or level 3 patients
Desirable criteria
41. Depending on previous experience the candidate may be expected to supervise junior staff
42. Awareness of the structure and organisation of the wider NHS
Skills
Essential criteria
43. Good basic level of English and excellent verbal communication skills
Desirable criteria
44. Able to manage difficult situations
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.