Job overview
Band 6 Senior Staff nurse - AAU/SDEC/MDCU
We are seeking a motivated and dynamic Band 6 Nurse to join our senior nursing team, rotating across the AAU, SDEC and the MDCU. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the leadership and ongoing development of three essential front door services.
Our purpose built SDEC, opened in August 2025, supports patients referred from medical, surgical and orthopaedic pathways, with referrals received from primary care, internal wards and clinics and the Emergency Department.
Alongside this, our 55 bedded AAU and newly developed MDCU provide rapid assessment, treatment and supported early discharge for a diverse medical population.
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. Provide visible and effective leadership while rotating across AAU/SDEC and MDCU
2. support safe, timely and efficient patient flow through all three units
3. Deliver high quality clinical assessment and care within fast paced acute environments
4. Act as a role model, supporting, supervising and developing junior staff
5. Contribute to maintaining staff wellbeing, team morale and a positive working culture
6. Ensure safe standards of care through adherence to policies, procedures and governance processes
7. Participate in service development, pathway improvement and the ongoing development of the new SDEC and MDCU services
8. Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to support seamless patient journeys
Working for our organisation
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
9. In conjunction with the unit sister’s develop policies, protocols and procedures necessary to support practice.
10. In conjunction with the unit sister take an active role in Risk Management in line with the Trust’s policy, report risks appropriately and assist in ensuring controls in place.
11. Assisting in setting objectives in line with Unit’s and Corporate objectives.
12. Report/action any incidents or undue occurrences reported or witnessed. Undertake appropriate investigation of clinical incidents as indicated.
13. Undertake Early Learning Reviews of any clinical incidents as required, and working with the sister ensure that any resulting actions are embedded within the clinical area.
14. Ensure that patient activity is monitored and that all patient information is entered into the PAS system at a timely point.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
Person specification
Professional registration
Essential criteria
15. NMC registration with current PIN
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. Minimum of 3 years post registration experience in an acute NHS hospital setting
17. Minimum of 2 years post registration experience in an AAU/ED/SDEC
18. Mentorship course or equivalent
19. Evidence of post registration development
20. Extensive knowledge on the management of acutely ill patients
Desirable criteria
21. Leadership qualification or evidence of study
22. ALS Provider
23. Post registration qualification in acute care
Skills
Essential criteria
24. Management on non-invasive ventilation and Optiflow
25. Management of all types of venous access devices
26. Intravenous drug administration
27. Administration of blood products
28. Venepuncture and cannulation
29. Interpretation of diagnostic information, inclusive of ECG and ABG interpretation
30. Tracheostomy/laryngectomy care
31. Defibrillation
32. Ability to communicate complex and potentially distressing information with all members of the MDT, patients and relatives
33. Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills
34. Able to work autonomously
35. Able to make decisions in unique situations and circumstances
Desirable criteria
36. Evidence of participation in audit
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
37. Delegation skills
38. Innovative
39. Ability to lead and motivate a team
40. Act as a positive role model
Desirable criteria
41. Experience of undertaking appraisals
42. Experience of supporting staff with their personal and professional development
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
43. Experience with Careflow - inclusive of admissions, discharges and transfers
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
44. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
45. 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