Job overview
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.
The Sussex Cardiac Centre performs in excess of 700 cardiac cases a year, is a progressive,
This post is an opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced practice in an established team. The post will mean that you not only lead and shape change locally but that you will have an experience that will be valued nationally.
The post will lead our Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) team who provide clinical cover on our level 2 and level 3 Cardiac Intensive Care Unit/beds and Cardiac Step Down ward.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively, within multi professional teams with a Leadership role for the current ACP and Surgical Care Practitioner team and service development. They will be expected to make complex, autonomous decisions utilising expert practice and knowledge within a supportive team in the qualified ACP role. They are expected to work across the four pillars of Advanced practice. We offer a friendly and professional work environment for you to develop in. Time for service improvement projects, audits and research is built into the rota.
The qualified ACP band 8b will hold a current HCPC/NMC registration and a relevant MSc or experience to this level and have registered on the NHSE ePortfolio route with completion of credentialing within 12 months of starting.
They will be an established NMP and able to function as an autonomous practitioner across the cardiac clinical areas. They will have experience as an ACP in Cardiac surgery at 8a.
Main duties of the job
The main duties will incorporate the four pillars of advanced practice working collegiately across the MDT to lead and implement service delivery and improvement.
You will be a clinical expert with excellent decision making skills.
You will lead on research and audit in the department to underpin your own personal development and that of others to maintain and develop service delivery.
You will line manage the trainee and qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners and Surgical Care Practitioners, creating a cohesive team who provide safe and effective care for patients, work as part of the MDT and continue their professional development of the role within the department.
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
As an autonomous Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner (LACP), you will have the ability to complete a comprehensive clinical assessment working across medical/nursing/AHP professional boundaries to determine the appropriate pathway for patients within the cardiac surgical patients in ICU and step down ward, demonstrating complex communication skills, judgement, discretion and decision making and the management of the clinical needs for the patient and family.
You will deliver an advanced level of care to adult cardiac patients from initial presentation, perform a clinical examination, perform necessary clinical investigations, establish a diagnosis and formulate a management plan.
You will also be responsible for leading and supporting the professional development of a team of Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP’s) & Surgical Care Practitioners (SCP) and working with colleagues across the MDT to ensure service development and improvement.
Please see full Job description attached.
Person specification
Essential an desirable
Essential criteria
1. Current HCPC/NMC registration
2. Current Relevant MSc or experience to this level and registered on the NHSE ePortfolio route with completion of credentialing within 12 months of starting.
3. Independent non-medical prescriber
4. IRMER (Imaging Referral by Non- Medical Healthcare Professionals)
5. Non- medical authorisation of blood products training undertaking/ completed
6. Significant post registration specialist
7. Enhanced clinical skills relevant to cardiac surgery
Desirable criteria
8. Conference presentations/ publications
9. Experience of conducting audit/research
10. Experience/interests to develop services in the department and Trust
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
11. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
12. 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