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
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
Role Summary
1. 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
2. To lead and direct the nursing care of other junior nurses, students and HCA’s to maintain a high standard of excellent nursing care
3. To progress towards undertaking the shift leader role under the guidance of the nominated Team Leader and the Cardiac Surgery Clinical Educator
4. To support and develop colleagues by mentoring and assessing their skills and to promote clinical education
5. To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overall performance of a particular staff group and undertake performance developmental reviews/ appraisals
6. To fulfil Local / Trust requirements in specified audit / project work
7. To act as a clinical role model and leader for all members of staff providing daily unit management, continuity of care and a high standard of excellent nursing care
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
Clinical
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients, relatives and staff and equal opportunities of practice whilst maintaining privacy and dignity
13. Provide specialist, technical and clinical advice to patients, relatives and multidisciplinary teams
14. 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
15. To ensure the safe, smooth and efficient handover from theatre and anaesthetic staff of patients admitted following cardiac surgery
16. 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.
17. Aim to reduce sensory overload / deprivation by promoting adequate sleep and rest and providing as quiet an environment as possible
18. Ensure that nursing documentation is maintained to the Trust’s standards (including electronic records)
19. Ensure that staff adhere to NMC Code of Conduct and guidelines
20. Work in accordance with the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit philosophy
Learning and Development
21. Attend mandatory training updates as required.
22. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
23. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
24. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
25. Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
Health, safety and security
26. To be aware of own responsibilities in the event of a major incident and is familiar with the procedure
27. To Identify, assess and report the potential clinical risks in the critical care area, using appropriate assessment and preventative tools and completes clinical incident documentation appropriately, making recommendations and reviewing action instigated and reporting at relevant meetings
28. Maintain confidentiality of information at all times and has attended Trust Caldicott training
29. Has attended all Local/Trust/National mandatory/statutory training with appropriate updates
30. Ensure Health and Safety regulations are complied with
31. Competently use medical devices safely, undertaking necessary training / updates with completion of competency documentation where applicable
32. Comply with and promote knowledge of health and safety regulations including safe and secure handling of medicines
33. Maintain effective asepsis to reduce risk of cross infection through adherence to local / Trust infection control policies. Ensure effective hand washing techniques are adhered to and challenge unacceptable practice
34. Ensure safety checks / daily checks of equipment and take action when equipment malfunctions, and arrange for safe disposal / repair
35. 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
36. Ensure the correct equipment is used to reduce risk e.g. hoists, sliding sheets, goggles
37. Challenge individuals who are not readily identifiable and is aware of the channels of report in the event of an intruder being seen
38. Challenge individuals who put themselves or others at risk
39. Aware of policies related to health and well-being of staff e.g. harassment, bullying, and aggression
40. Ensure relatives and staff are advised of the need to keep valuables with them or lock them away. Adheres to correct procedure when dealing with patient’s property
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
41. NMC Registration
42. ITU course or equivalent
43. Experience in ITU shift leading
44. Adult Critical Care Course or equivalent ( or in progress)
Desirable criteria
45. Management course
46. Mentorship or equivalent qualification
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
47. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
48. 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