Job overview
Ward 2A is a specialist Neurosurgical Enhanced High Care ward providing advanced care for patients with complex head and spinal conditions. Our ward supports individuals requiring close monitoring, enhanced assessment, and specialist interventions following neurosurgical procedures, trauma, or acute neurological deterioration. We care for both elective and urgent admissions, offering a highly skilled and compassionate environment for patients who require enhanced levels of observation and neurosurgical expertise.
This post is a 10‑month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. We welcome applications from both newly qualified and experienced nurses who are eager to develop their careers in a dynamic and specialised neurosurgical setting. Successful applicants will receive full support to complete the preceptorship programme and develop the competencies required to thrive in the Band 5 role within Ward 2A.
Join our dedicated and supportive team, where you will have the opportunity to build expert skills in neurosurgical enhanced care and contribute to delivering outstanding patient outcomes.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 5 Staff Nurse on Ward 2A, you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality, safe, and compassionate care to a designated caseload of pre‑ and post‑operative neurosurgical patients. Working under the guidance of the Nurse in Charge, you will contribute to the enhanced monitoring and specialist support required within a high‑care neurosurgical environment.
You will develop competence in undertaking comprehensive neurological observations, providing evidence‑based nursing care, completing electronic risk assessments and care plans using Flex, and safely administering medications. As your skills progress, you will also gain competence in managing PICC lines and other specialist neurosurgical care requirements.
A key part of the role involves recognising clinical deterioration, completing a timely and accurate A–E assessment, and escalating concerns appropriately to ensure safe and effective patient management.
You will assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate individualised care, continuously reassessing needs to ensure optimal outcomes for patients requiring enhanced neurosurgical support.
Close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team is essential to streamline the patient journey, support timely investigations and treatments, and contribute to safe and effective discharge planning.
At all times, you will uphold the Trust values, demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients and their families.
Working for our organisation
Working within Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTR) means being part of an organisation driven by strong, clearly defined values and a commitment to delivering outstanding, patient‑centred care. The Trust’s core values—Caring and Compassionate, Recognising Individuality, Seeking to Involve, Building Team Spirit, and Taking Personal Responsibility—shape everyday practice and guide how staff support patients, families, and colleagues across all services. LTHTR strives to provide high‑quality, sustainable healthcare to local communities, alongside a wide range of specialist services and a culture of continuous improvement, education, and innovation. As part of this forward‑thinking organisation, staff are empowered to grow professionally, contribute to service developments, and work collaboratively within a supportive, inclusive, and compassionate environment.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As a Band 5 Staff Nurse on Ward 2A, you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality, safe, and compassionate care to a designated caseload of pre‑ and post‑operative neurosurgical patients. Working under the guidance of the Nurse in Charge, you will contribute to the enhanced monitoring and specialist support required within a high‑care neurosurgical environment.
You will develop competence in undertaking comprehensive neurological observations, providing evidence‑based nursing care, completing electronic risk assessments and care plans using Flex, and safely administering medications. As your skills progress, you will also gain competence in managing PICC lines and other specialist neurosurgical care requirements.
A key part of the role involves recognising clinical deterioration, completing a timely and accurate A–E assessment, and escalating concerns appropriately to ensure safe and effective patient management.
You will assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate individualised care, continuously reassessing needs to ensure optimal outcomes for patients requiring enhanced neurosurgical support.
Close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team is essential to streamline the patient journey, support timely investigations and treatments, and contribute to safe and effective discharge planning.
At all times, you will uphold the Trust values, demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients and their families.
Person specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential criteria
1. Appropriate NMC Registration
2. RN8 or RNC Children’s Nursing Posts
3. Diploma in nursing
4. NMC recognised Mentorship qualification or willingness to work towards following 18 months commencement in post
5. Evidence of continuing education or development for more experienced Band 5 nurses
Desirable criteria
6. Degree
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
7. Willing to expand clinical role e.g. IV additives, venepuncture and cannulation
8. Awareness of changes within nursing practice
9. Knowledge of Clinical Governance and the relevance to practice
10. Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures
11. Demonstrates competency during internship
Desirable criteria
12. Knowledge of ethical issues
13. Evidence of clinical competence in area of speciality e.g. surgery
14. Knowledge of leadership and management
15. Research and Development