Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Staff Nurse post within the supportive friendly team on the Gynaecology Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Southlands Hospital and the Gynaecology Day and Ambulatory Unit at Worthing Hospital. We are looking for an enthusiastic nurse who is passionate about delivering efficient and holistic patient care to patients. The CDC provides care and support to patients requiring urgent assessment and diagnostic investigations. The CDC delivers outpatient care to patients attending General Gynae, Hysteroscopy, Colposcopy, Rapid Access (two-week rule suspected cancer). The Gynaecology Day Unit and Ambulatory Unit also provides a similar diagnostic services but on a larger scale. The role will involve supporting patients and clinicians to sensitively deliver a consistent high standard of care.
The successful candidate will have a keen interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding of gynaecology. They will be supported by multidisciplinary team. Candidates will need to demonstrate a holistic, adaptable and caring approach to their work and be highly effective communicators with an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The team will support you to gain and further enhance your skills within the service.
This is a cross-site part time post of 28.5 hours within a department that works Monday to Friday between 08.00-18.00 and 07:30 and 20:00 on a shift basis.
Main duties of the job
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
To provide a high standard of nursing care and assist with the assessment and delivery of care, ensuring that all interactions with patients and staff are appropriate and of the highest quality.
Demonstrate exemplary communication and customer relation skills; positively promoting and influencing staff attitudes, knowledge and behaviour in line with the Trust Vision ‘We Care’. Assist and support with the smooth running of General Gynaecology, Early Pregnancy, Hysteroscopy, Minor Procedure, Colposcopy, Rapid Access clinics and the Gynaecology Day Unit and Community Diagnostic Centre; including regularly taking charge.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication
1. Providing and receiving complex or sensitive information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or re-assurance skills are required. This includes complex issues around the Mental Capacity Act, child protection and vulnerable adults, along with safeguarding assessments.
2. Effectively communicate with patients and relatives in a sensitive & compassionate manner where the atmosphere may be emotive, distressing and /or antagonistic. This may require persuasive and reassurance skills.
3. Provide health education and information to patients and their carers.
4. Interact with patients, visitors and colleagues in a professional manner at all times.
5. Assists in the resolution of any conflicts within the clinical area, resolving informal complaints locally and assisting in the investigations of and response to formal complaints as required.
Service Delivery and Improvement
6. Works within the team and manages own workload on a day-to-day basis but occasionally acts as shift co-ordinator, allocating staff and organising cover for staff shortages to cover unexpected sickness.
7. Follows local policies, protocols and national policy to ensure KPI and targets are met whilst delivering a safe and evidence based high quality service to clients.
8. Contribute to clinical governance and risk assessment and ensure formal reporting and recording of any adverse incidents in line with Trust Policies.
9. Ensure accurate data entry by self to enable reports to be pulled that will support audit requirements and production of dashboards.
10. Ensure the health, safety and welfare of the department staff, taking action where necessary and report issues of concern to the senior staff nurse.
11. Ensure appropriate stock levels and equipment availability to support the smooth running of the department at all times.
12. Undertakes audits as necessary for own role.
People Management and Development
13. Provides supervision for HCAs, receptionists, students and Nursing Associates on a daily basis.
14. Demonstrates own role to new staff and supports the training of new staff and apprentices, including acting as a Practice Supervisor or Assessor to students.
15. Acts as unit/clinic coordinator as part of own development and ensures cover is adequate for subsequent shifts.
16. Delegate appropriately tasks and workload to match the capabilities of more junior team members.
Patient Care Delivery
17. Support patients undergoing clinical procedures ensuring their comfort and safety.
18. Ensure patients have a clear understanding of the clinical situation are prepared to provide informed consent.
19. Chaperone and assist the clinicians and staff working within the clinic.
20. Be an advocate and clearly present the patient/client point of view.
21. Ensure the provision of clear and appropriate verbal and written communication with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team at all times.
22. Identify incidences of concern to either patients or staff and deal effectively with the consequences, completing the appropriate documentation and escalate to line manager.
Person specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
23. Demonstrates an interest in women's health
24. Registered nurse
Desirable criteria
25. Evidence of gynae experience
26. Evidence of professional development since qualification
27. PSPA accreditation or equivalent
28. Counselling qualification
29. Experience in a Gynaecology setting
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
31. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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