Job overview
Band 6 Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, committed and enthusiastic intensive care nurse to join our dynamic Cardiac Intensive Care nursing team.
Our Cardiac Intensive Care Unit specialises in nurse led fast track recovery for elective and emergency cardiac surgery patients undergoing CABG, valve replacement and aortic dissection repair. The Unit is busy, dynamic and requires nurses that enjoy working in a fast paced and exciting environment. The unit also supports patients who require level 3 on-going critical care interventions in the post-operative period.
We are looking for an individual who can manage and organise their time whilst leading a team. This post offers an excellent career progression opportunity for an experienced intensive care nurse. As the CICU Deputy Sister/ Charge nurse, you will be supervising the team and the quality of care delivered in the Unit, and coordinating the patients flow from theatres into CICU, and from CICU to the ward. You will act as an excellent role model, clinical practitioner and promote professional practice.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Main duties of the job
ROLE SUMMARY
· To plan, provide and evaluate skilled evidence based care to support and facilitate the delivery of high quality, individualised care for L2 & L3 critically ill patients and their relatives/carers without supervision and in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team
· To lead and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCA’s to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care
· To progress towards undertaking the shift leader role under the guidance of the nominated Team Leader and the Cardiac Surgery Clinical Educator
· To support and develop colleagues by mentoring and assessing their skills and to promote clinical education
· To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular staff group and undertake performance developmental reviews/ appraisals
· To fulfil Local / Trust requirements in specified audit / project work
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical
1. To lead in the provision of the highest standards of evidence based nursing care that is in accordance with BSUH, local and national policies and guidelines
2. To be responsible for the safety of patients and quality of care delivered in one’s own workload and able to work independently being fully competent
3. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate holistic programmes of patient care, by utilising and sufficiently maintaining care pathways/care plans used on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
4. To act as the patient’s advocate and contribute to the provision of information to allow patient’s and their families to make informed decisions regarding their care
5. Provide specialist, technical and clinical advice to patients, relatives and multidisciplinary teams
6. Contribute to the multidisciplinary team working in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, e.g. regularly reviewing specialist team recommendations and referring patients, when appropriate, to other members of the MDT
7. To ensure the safe, smooth and efficient handover from theatre and anaesthetic staff of patients admitted following cardiac surgery
8. Confidently deal with emergency situations, including postoperative tamponade where a resternotomy may need to be performed, taking the lead until medical staff arrive, using management skills to direct care according to the situation.
9. Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust’s standards (including electronic records)
10. Ensure that staff adhere to NMC Code of Conduct and guidelines
11. Work in accordance with the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit philosophy
Management and leadership
12. ·To act as a clinical role model to all members of staff
13. To lead, support and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCA’s to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care
14. Develop management and leadership skills by undertaking the Band 6 Development Programme and Shift leader competencies
15. After a period of training undertake the shift coordinator/Nurse in Charge role and complete relevant competencies
16. Plan shift and ensure staff allocation is able to safely meet individual patient’s clinical needs whilst providing learning opportunities for staff and utilising resources effectively
17. Prioritise unit workload and expected daily activity, liaising with other specialities as required
18. Assist in implementing the elective surgery lists updating co-ordinator of any changes due to nursing shortfalls
19. To be aware of and apply, where necessary the procedures surrounding patient/relative/staff complaints
20. To report and act to rectify unsafe practices or unprofessional conduct
21. Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive team and achieve objectives
22. Contribute to the development of positive staff morale and team cohesiveness
23. Use and maintain resources efficiently and effectively and encourages others to do the same. Inform senior nursing team of any of any potential or actual budgetary pressures or savings
24. Help maintain adequate stocks and supplies such as medical, surgical and pharmaceutical
25. Assist with the recruitment of staff including the interviewing and selection process. To be aware of factors that influence the retention process
Communication
26. To maintain and promote effective communication within the multidisciplinary team on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. This involves all staff members and also includes relatives and patients
27. Attend Team Away Days and Unit meetings in order to actively contribute, communicate and discuss new developments and issues with senior members of staff, also including junior staff members where appropriate
28. Be responsible for effective shift handovers ensuring relevant detail is communicated and identify and challenge any unprofessional or subjective comments made about patients
29. Participate in medical ward rounds showing a thorough knowledge of the patient’s medical history, current condition and recent clinical events being able to present this concisely, at the appropriate time, and in the appropriate manner
30. To be involved in complex patient ‘case conferences’ when discussing future treatments for patients which could involve ’withdrawal of treatment’ in situations of poor prognosis
31. To support families on a 1:1 basis using knowledge, experience and skill to explain complicated medical conditions.
32. To provide and receive highly complex information on clinical conditions which could be sensitive and occasionally contentious.
33. To guide relatives through withdrawal of treatment, tissue / organ donation in conjunction with relevant personnel e.g. Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation (SNOD), Transplant Co-ordinator, Trust personnel available for distressed / bereaved relatives
34. To recognise poor standards of care among MDT and highlight these to appropriate personnel, at an appropriate time, and in an appropriate manner
35. To be responsible for accurate, appropriate and efficient communication within nursing team
36. Adhere to NMC guidelines on documentation; accountability and responsibility for accurate, professional record keeping either on paper and/ or the electronic system
37. Display competent use of Trust e-mail and Metavision
Health, Safety and Security
38. Maintain confidentiality of information at all times and has attended Trust Caldicott training
39. Has attended all Local/Trust/National mandatory/statutory training with appropriate updates
40. Ensure Health and Safety regulations are complied with
41. Comply with and promote knowledge of health and safety regulations including safe and secure handling of medicines
42. Maintain effective asepsis to reduce risk of cross infection through adherence to local / Trust infection control policies.
43. Ensure safety checks / daily checks of equipment and take action when equipment malfunctions, and arrange for safe disposal / repair
44. In conjunction with senior nursing staff provide a safe and suitable environment for the physical and psychological well being of staff, patients and their relatives/carers and report any concerns
45. Challenge individuals who are not readily identifiable and is aware of the channels of report in the event of an intruder being seen
46. Challenge individuals who put themselves or others at risk
47. Aware of policies related to health and well-being of staff e.g. harassment, bullying, and aggression
Quality and Service Development
48. To work in collaboration with Senior Nursing staff and Practice Educator and relevant Network groups in compiling and implementing clinical guidelines/competency documents, seeking to ensure consistent evidence based practice
49. Assist with clinical research/audit programmes implemented by nursing or medical staff
50. Support on the implementation and evaluation of innovative treatment/intervention e.g. Care Bundles
51. Deal effectively with complaints and grievances and plaudits, informing senior staff and suggesting any necessary changes
52. Identify, undertake and evaluate innovation and developments of ideas within the Cardiac intensive Care Unit
53. Involved in the setting of standards and guidelines for best practice within the Cardiac intensive Care Unit
54. Implement recommendations made by the Trust Strategy for Nursing
55. Act consistently with legislation, policies, procedures and other quality approaches and encourages others to do so.
56. To be an identified link nurse/project worker/area of interest, initiating and monitoring quality review and maintenance of identified standards of care through audit and research.
Training and Education
57. To have successfully completed a recognised Mentorship course and to provide mentorship and supervision
58. To assist with orientation and supervision of new members of staff, Critical Care course students, Pre Registration Nursing Students and provide mentorship for this group of staff in conjunction with the Practice Educator whilst acting as a role model
59. To promote evidence based practice with portfolio evidence.
60. Participate in teaching in the clinical area providing records of same. Provide written / verbal feedback from study days / courses to team members
61. To participate in competency based assessments and on going reviews of scope of professional practice within Critical Care, keeping accurate records
62. Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment
63. To assist the senior nursing team, including Clinical Educator, in identifying and meeting the learning needs of staff and use motivational skills to support and encourage them to meet those needs
64. Assist in the management of staff attendance, poor performance, disciplinary and grievance issues in the clinical area
65. Following appropriate training undertake developmental reviews, including annual appraisal of delegated team members, in conjunction with Team Leader
Personal and Professional Development
66. To be responsible for own personal, clinical and professional development in line with NMC/PREP/ KSF supported with portfolio evidence by identifying own learning and developmental needs with Team Leader and formulating a developmental plan
67. Participate in Trust Developmental reviews and annual appraisal, planning own objectives and reflecting on achievements
68. To act as an expert resource within the critical care unit by maintaining a knowledge base that reflects contemporary issues within speciality thus enabling the selection and application of the most appropriate care/treatment. Maintain competency with all procedures and equipment used within the department.
69. Maintain statutory and mandatory training records
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications/Experience
Essential criteria
70. NMC registration
71. Currently working in UK as a qualified nurse in intensive care unit
72. University Intensive Care Course (course completion or currently on the course)
73. Registered Nurse Degree
74. Adult Critical Care Course or equivalent ( or in progress)
75. Mentorship Course
Desirable criteria
76. Experience in shifts leading
77. Experience in a various acute care settings
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
78. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
79. 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