Experienced Band 5 Nurse - Juniper HDU & Ward - Private Patients
Closing date: Midnight 24th November 2025
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.
The Practice Education Team will support you through a superb 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 postgraduate courses.
Main duties of the job
* 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.
* The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care with the guidance and support of more senior staff.
* To be flexible in the approach to the clinical area and provide cover according to experience for any area specified.
* Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence‑based practice that will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of patients.
* 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.
About us
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.
Patient/customer care (both direct & indirect)
* Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of care, actively seeking evidence‑based practice that will improve the quality of care and meet the needs of patients.
* 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.
* Implement a nursing plan for an assigned group of patients indicating assessment and re‑assessment formulated for individual care pathways and discharge planning.
* Prioritise workload according to changing clinical need for shift.
* Maintain excellent clinical standards of nursing practice.
* Act as a patient advocate in line with the NHS plan.
* Contribute to setting goals and benchmarking standards of care. Develop tools to improve the quality of the service and coordinate clinical services across the ward/department.
* Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records).
* Participate in conducting nursing audits to achieve the agreed standards.
* Contribute to and participate in the process of setting goals and benchmarking standards ensuring CQUIN targets are met.
* 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.
* Demonstrate awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, core behaviours, the 6Cs and the Trust Nursing strategy.
* 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.
* Identify and report clinical risks to the ward/department Sister/Charge nurse, Modern Matron so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with Trust risk management policy.
* 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.
* Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.
* Collaborate with other members of the ward team to ensure the patients' needs are met to a consistently high standard.
* Delegate tasks and activities to a range of team members in relation to patient care (e.g., when taking supervised charge or as a link nurse).
* Actively promote a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff in line with national strategy requirements.
Communication
* Demonstrate politeness, courtesy, respect and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.
* Maintain and promote effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other wards/departments.
* Adapt communication skills to meet the needs of patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g. language.
* Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward/department and Trust‑wide.
* Promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.
* 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
* Registered Nurse.
* Training to a diploma/degree level.
Experience
* Ability to practice within the scope of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
* Ability to demonstrate application of the NHS Plan to own sphere of practice.
* Critical care experience looking after level 2 or level 3 patients.
* Depending on previous experience the candidate may be expected to supervise junior staff.
* Awareness of the structure and organisation of the wider NHS.
Skills
* Good basic level of English and excellent verbal communication skills.
* Able to manage difficult situations.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
£35,763 to £43,466 a year, inclusive of Outer London HCA (Pro Rata for Part Time)
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