Job overview
The Lead Nurse for Interventional Radiology (IR), including Neuro Interventional Radiology, provides senior clinical, professional and operational leadership across all IR services at RSCH. The role oversees highly specialised, high-risk procedural services including vascular, non-vascular, oncology, emergency IR and neurovascular interventions such as stroke thrombectomy and aneurysm coiling.
The post holder is accountable for ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality nursing care, leading a specialist workforce in a complex, technology-driven environment. They work collaboratively with radiology, anaesthetics, neurology, stroke, vascular surgery and wider multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient pathways, service performance and clinical outcomes.
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.
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
Main Duties of the Job
1. Provide visible, compassionate senior nursing leadership across all IR and Neuro IR clinical areas
2. Act as the professional nursing lead for Interventional Radiology services
3. Maintain clinical credibility through direct involvement in complex and high-risk procedures
4. Ensure delivery of safe, evidence-based nursing practice in line with national IR standards
5. Lead IR governance, patient safety, audit, incident investigation and regulatory compliance
6. Oversee operational delivery including patient flow, scheduling, escalation and capacity management
7. Lead workforce planning, recruitment, retention, education and professional development
8. Manage resources, procurement and budgets for specialist IR equipment and consumables
9. Promote patient-centred care, positive patient experience and reduction of health inequalities
10. Contribute to service improvement, transformation and future pathway development
11. Deputise for senior directorate leadership as required
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
Main Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Professional Standards
12. Uphold Trust values and nursing standards across all IR services
13. Ensure safe practice in sedation, asepsis, radiation protection and emergency response
14. Embed the Trust Nursing & Midwifery Strategy within IR nursing teams
Governance, Quality & Patient Safety
15. Lead IR governance frameworks, audits and compliance with IR(ME)R and CQC standards
16. Investigate incidents and implement learning to improve safety and outcomes
17. Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met for children and adults
Operational & Performance Management
18. Provide senior oversight of daily IR operations, admissions and recovery areas
19. Manage IR patient tracking lists (PTL) and support delivery of RTT, cancer, stroke and emergency targets
20. Escalate and manage operational risks impacting patient safety or flow
Workforce & People Management
21. Line manage senior IR nurses and support effective rostering and workforce planning
22. Lead recruitment, appraisal, performance management, sickness and wellbeing initiatives
23. Develop succession planning and future workforce roles
Education, Research & Development
24. Lead development of specialist IR competency frameworks and training programmes
25. Promote a learning culture, clinical supervision and CPD
26. Support nursing research, clinical trials and evidence-based innovation
Resources, Finance & Digital Development
27. Oversee procurement and use of high-cost IR equipment and consumables
28. Monitor budgets and contribute to cost improvement programmes
29. Promote digital maturity including electronic documentation and imaging systems
Person specification
Leadership
Essential criteria
30. Significant Experience
Desirable criteria
31. Post Grad Leadership
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
32. Registered General Nurse
33. Post registration qualification
34. Master’s level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to master’s level.
35. Certificate in Teaching and Assessing Clinical Practice (or equivalent)
36. Mentorship
37. Leadership or management qualification (or equivalent)
38. Evidence of excellent managerial, leadership and organisational skills
39. Extensive experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role
40. Evidence of ability to motivate and develop all teams of nursing staff across the division.
41. Evidence of ability to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries.
42. Proven track record of being able to delegate and prioritise.
43. Evidence of excellent appraisal skills
44. Evidence of excellent understanding of Trust policies and procedures and ability to translate these into action.
45. Evidence of excellent understanding of Trust Personnel policies and Procedures. Experience in their use is essential.
46. Evidence of excellent understanding of UHSussex Trust Nursing Strategy and ability to disseminate to all grades of staff.
Desirable criteria
47. Evidence of ongoing professional development at master’s level or equivalent Specialist IR or Neuro IR training.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
48. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
49. 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