Staff Nurse - Critical Care

at  University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Critical Care (Cardiac ICU and General ICU) are currently seeking experienced applications from dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic Staff Nurses at Band 5 to join our friendly and supportive teams. UHS is a designated major trauma centre and has general and specialist Critical Care areas, such as Cardiac ICU, Neuro ICU and General ICU.
We are committed to developing you as a Critical Care Nurse and our Critical Care Education team provides structured support to all staff. Our formal education package follows a structured career pathway which includes induction training and an in-house Foundation programme. All staff follow a nationally recognised competency package and there are opportunities to apply for an adult Critical Care course at degree or masters level.
As a Band 5 Staff Nurse you will have recent post- registration experience within critical care or high care.
You will be required to provide a high standard of individualised patient care, in accordance with agreed policies and within available resources, which has the Trust core values at its heart. You should be able to demonstrate the aptitude to work in highly pressurised situations with maturity, motivation, enthusiasm and common sense.
You will be committed to working flexibly with the collaboration of an established team and will develop your critical care skills to become a competent member of the nursing team who care for critically ill patients in a complex and challenging environment.
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

What you’ll do

• To act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct at all times.
• To participate in the monitoring and evaluation of standards of care, using Fundamentals of Care as a framework, ensuring that Corporate and nursing objectives are achieved.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care, providing support to other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• To act as team leader in the supervision of the professional work of nursing staff at Band 5 and below, exercising good leadership and control.
• To take charge of the unit on a regular basis.
• To liaise with all patients and their relatives and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress and to participate in the provision of advice and support.
• To adopt a pro-active role in meeting the Clinical Governance agenda for Critical Care.
• To promote evidence-based practice and to take an active part in any relevant research/audits being undertaken.
• To participate in the discussion of clinical developments with the Matron and Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and to assist in the implementation of changes benefiting the standards of care to patients.
• To inform the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse of any complaints or adverse events received, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with Infection Control standards, in line with Trust policy.
• To organise the reception of patients and visitors in accordance with recognised procedures.
• To ensure patients and relatives have access to medical staff to discuss treatment and progress.
• To arrange the care of patient’s property, with their permission, in accordance with policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.
• To maintain good liaison with other nursing units and hospital departments, both within Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and referring Hospitals.
• To inform the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/ Matron of any complaint received or adverse event, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust Policies and Procedures

What we’re looking for

• We are looking for an experienced Critical Care Nurse who is ready for the next step in their Nursing career, is passionate and will strive to inspire, develop and support every patient, every colleague, every day.
• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Significant post registration experience / qualification / training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality
• Ward management experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Experience in an acute hospital setting
• Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice
• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making and judgement
• Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities
• Commitment to continuing professional development

• To act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct at all times.
• To participate in the monitoring and evaluation of standards of care, using Fundamentals of Care as a framework, ensuring that Corporate and nursing objectives are achieved.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care, providing support to other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• To act as team leader in the supervision of the professional work of nursing staff at Band 5 and below, exercising good leadership and control.
• To take charge of the unit on a regular basis.
• To liaise with all patients and their relatives and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress and to participate in the provision of advice and support.
• To adopt a pro-active role in meeting the Clinical Governance agenda for Critical Care.
• To promote evidence-based practice and to take an active part in any relevant research/audits being undertaken.
• To participate in the discussion of clinical developments with the Matron and Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and to assist in the implementation of changes benefiting the standards of care to patients.
• To inform the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse of any complaints or adverse events received, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with Infection Control standards, in line with Trust policy.
• To organise the reception of patients and visitors in accordance with recognised procedures.
• To ensure patients and relatives have access to medical staff to discuss treatment and progress.
• To arrange the care of patient’s property, with their permission, in accordance with policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.
• To maintain good liaison with other nursing units and hospital departments, both within Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and referring Hospitals.
• To inform the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/ Matron of any complaint received or adverse event, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust Policies and Procedure