Job overview
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.
An exciting opportunity to work within an expanding Endoscopy unit at St Richards Hospital.
St Richards Endoscopy is part of the University Hospitals covering the South Coast. The Endoscopy unit offers a high level of training and development within the field. The unit is JAG accredited and has 4 endoscopy rooms.
The post holder will be supported by a team of Consultant Endoscopists and existing non-medical endoscopists. The nurse endoscopist will act as a clinical expert and professional resource to the multi-professional team, patients and carers within their specialist service. This will include the management of a caseload of patients. The post holder’s will be supported to develop their working practice to a level whereby they directly or indirectly influence all aspects of care and management of patients within the specialty.
There will be opportunities for involvement in service development projects and research.
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 successful candidate will be expected to act as an autonomous clinical expert in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy nursing practice and work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team.
The post holder will be a role model for professional practice, exercising accountability and providing support and leadership within the endoscopy team.
The post holder’s primary role will be to undertake diagnostic and therapeutic upper and/or lower GI endoscopy.
The successful candidate will be independent in either diagnostic gastroscopy or colonoscopy and be supported to work towards further accreditation.
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
Clinical
1. The nurse endoscopist will be allocated a caseload from consultant colleagues to undertake patient investigations, manage patient care and undertake all appropriate correspondence for patients in their care with primary and secondary care colleagues within their professional competence.
2. The post holder must be skilled and proficient in undertaking informed consent, including discussion of the risks, complications and alternatives to treatment ensuring this information is delivered in a manner which the patient can understand. Where a person lacks capacity to make an informed decision, or give consent, the post-holder must act in accordance with the requirement of the Mental Capacity Act and associated code of practice.
3. Independently perform diagnostic / therapeutic GI endoscopy for patients who fit into the nurse endoscopist criteria.
4. Assess patient fitness for procedure, including patients who may have highly complex past medical history or health care needs. Discuss patients, whose fitness for a procedure may be in doubt, with the referring Consultant or medical practitioner to ensure the patient receives appropriate treatment.
5. To apply advanced communication skills to establish a relationship and build a rapport with patients to lessen patient anxiety prior to the procedure
6. To flexibly manage responsibility for own clinical caseload and to seek support from clinical colleagues in the management of complex cases and where necessary to transfer care to a consultant colleague.
7. Act based on own interpretation of clinical findings, referring the patient on to specialist medical/surgical teams as appropriate
8. Use expert and specialised clinical and theoretical knowledge to safely and appropriately assess and diagnose patients, requesting further tests and investigations in a timely manner.
9. To undertake advanced venepuncture and cannulation on complex patients where manual dexterity and skill is required
10. The post holder will apply highly specialist knowledge and experience to manage complex patients before, during and after their procedure and where necessary communicating with patients, relatives and relevant health care professionals to ensure care is continued in the appropriate setting
11. The post holder will apply advanced skills to assess the patient’s level of understanding about their clinical condition and simplify complex medical information for patients, giving explanations of the possible diagnosis and treatment required to ensure that patient is fully informed and encouraged to engage with their own healthcare.
12. The post holder will deliver highly sensitive or difficult information, regarding possible diagnosis, to the patient and will communicate findings to the appropriate multi-disciplinary team colleagues to ensure the patient is followed up and supported in the appropriate manner.
13. Provide comprehensive reports, utilising appropriate reporting systems, to ensure findings are communicated to the referring Consultant colleague or medical practitioner
14. Ensure the effective use of specialist endoscopy equipment to deliver comprehensive and compassionate patient care in line with practice and services.
15. Undertake placement of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tubes with Consultant Gastroenterologist / Nutrition Nurse specialist when required.
16. Contribute to developing clinical governance within the endoscopy team, including undertaking quality improvements using audit findings.
17. Attend relevant meetings to deliver formal presentations about audit findings, and/or recommendations for changes to practice to consultant colleagues and senior managers
18. Take a lead role in research and audit activities relevant to endoscopy, for the trust and utilise findings to change practice, where appropriate.
19. Participate in processes for JAG accreditation and GRS census submissions.
20. Devise systems for monitoring standards which are able to demonstrate continual improvements in the quality of patient care.
21. Develop competencies which safeguard practice and effectiveness in role as a credible and accountable practitioner. Ensuring compliance with NMC/HPC Codes of Conduct.
22. Demonstrate awareness of, and participation in development and management of the service to meet demands, and adapt to the changing needs of the service.
23. Develop protocols for role development and skill enhancement within the team whilst maintaining a distinct nursing focus.
24. Consider cost improvement measures, including appropriate use of equipment and measures to generate income
25. Act as a leader and role model to set standards and develop protocols, policy and guidance for the management of patients with suspected GI cancers / disease.
Please see Job Description for more information.
Person specification
Trained in undertaking Ensoscopic procedures
Essential criteria
26. Has met JETs requirement for scope numbers annually
Competent in Gastroenterology
Essential criteria
27. Has met JETs requirement for scope numbers annually for OGD and Colonoscopy
Train the Trainers
Essential criteria
28. Has undertaken teaching certificate
Desirable criteria
29. Has completed JAG TTT course
Audit
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of undertaking JAG related Audits
Undertaking Clinics
Essential criteria
31. Evidence of managing own clinic
Qualifications
Essential criteria
32. Registered nurse, radiographer, ODP
33. Relevant post-registration education
34. Formal post-graduate teaching and assessment qualification
35. Educated to Masters level in a health related subject, or equivalent
36. Non-medical prescribers course or working towards
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
37. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
38. 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