Job overview
****This vacancy is only available to current UHSussex employees****
The Pre-Operative Assessment Team at St Richard's Hospital is excited to offer an opportunity for a motivated and experienced nurse to join us as a full-time Band 6 Pre-Operative Assessment Deputy Sister.
Based across the Elmer Suite Pre-Operative Clinic and Pagham Suite Pre-Admission area, this varied and rewarding role combines specialist clinical practice with leadership and team coordination. You will play a key part in assessing, reviewing, and optimising patients’ health before elective surgery, ensuring they are safe, prepared, and well supported throughout their surgical journey.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop both advanced assessment skills and management experience, working closely with a friendly, supportive team while contributing to high-quality, patient-centred care and service improvement.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ post-registration experience as a Registered Nurse. Experience in leadership or supervisory responsibilities is desirable. Current experience in pre-operative assessment, or a similar role with transferable skills, is essential.
If you are organised, proactive, and passionate about improving patient outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
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
1. Act as a clinical role model, providing effective supervision and support to staff while maintaining high standards of professional competence, credibility, and compassionate patient care.
2. Work in an advisory, teaching, and supportive capacity to develop colleagues’ skills, confidence, and clinical practice.
3. Provide professional and visible leadership within the department, promoting a positive, collaborative team culture.
4. Support safe, effective service delivery across both pre-operative units (Elmer Suite and Pagham Suite), ensuring smooth day-to-day coordination of clinics and patient pathways.
5. Assist with managerial responsibilities including clinical governance and risk assessment audits, roster planning, incident and complaint investigations, data collection, and supporting sickness management and appraisals.
6. Contribute proactively to the continuous improvement, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of the teams and services in which you work.
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
7. Acting as a clinical role model and providing visible leadership, supervision, and professional support to nursing and support staff within the pre-operative service.
Undertaking comprehensive pre-operative assessments, identifying and optimising clinical risks, and ensuring patients are safely prepared for elective surgery.
Supporting staff development through teaching, mentoring, and competency assessment, promoting a positive learning culture within the team.
Working collaboratively with the Department Line Manager, Matron, Consultants, Nurse Specialists, and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver high standards of personalised, evidence-based care.
Assisting with the coordination and smooth running of clinics across both units, ensuring effective patient flow, appropriate workforce utilisation, and safe staffing levels.
Undertaking delegated managerial and governance duties including roster planning, audits, risk assessments, incident and complaint investigations, data collection, and supporting sickness absence management and appraisals.
Responding to patient feedback and concerns in partnership with PALS to support service improvement and enhance patient experience.
Demonstrating initiative, resilience, and sound judgement during periods of service pressure, supporting the management team to identify and mitigate clinical and operational risks.
Contributing to continuous quality improvement and the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the pre-operative assessment service.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
8. NMC Registration
9. Current experience in pre-operative assessment or a related acute/surgical setting with transferable skills
10. ENB 998 / Mentorship course (or equivalent)
11. Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject (Pre-Operative Assessment)
12. Educated to Degree level or equivalent
Desirable criteria
13. Previous Band 6 or deputy/lead role experience
14. Teaching, mentoring, or assessor qualification/experience
Leadership / Management
Essential criteria
15. Experience of coordinating workload or leading shifts/clinics
Desirable criteria
16. Leadership or management training/qualification
Improvement Initiatives
Essential criteria
17. Experience contributing to service improvement projects or initiatives
18. IT skills and experience using electronic patient systems
Desirable criteria
19. Experience undertaking audits, data collection, or quality improvement work
20. Experience managing incidents, complaints, or patient feedback appropriately
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
21. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
22. 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