University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Staff Nurse - Surgical HDU

The closing date is 05 December 2025

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

University Hospitals Southampton (UHS) Critical Care Units are renowned for our local and national contribution to Critical Care and for consistently delivering high standards of clinical care. We are very proud of our developments and our service has expanded enabling us to actively recruit.

UHS is one of only two places in the south of England to offer adults and children full onsite major trauma care provision. UHS has a 25 bed General Intensive care that works very closely with the team on surgical high dependency as well as specialist neuro intensive care unit and cardiac intensive care unit.

UHS is a designated major trauma centre and has general and specialist critical care areas which were awarded 'outstanding' for leadership in our recent CQC inspection in which the Trust overall rating was 'Good'.

The Surgical High Dependency Unit (SHDU) is a 10 bedded elective unit, caring for patients immediately post operatively after a variety of specialist surgery including Hepato-biliary pancreatic, colo-rectal, upper GI, vascular and more. SHDU pride themselves in providing exceptional standards of nursing and medical care.

SHDU is currently seeking applications from Staff Nurses to join our motivated, friendly and supportive team. We are looking for nurses who would like to work in critical care and offer you a unique opportunity to work in SHDU to gain wide range of clinical expertise and professional growth for your career development.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Details

Date posted

21 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum - Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-NM101125

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Job description

Job responsibilities

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 collaboration of an established team, so developing your critical care skills to become a skilled member of the nursing team which cares for critically ill patients in a complex and challenging environment. Professional/Clinical

To maintain high standards of nursing care and ensuring that nursing objectives are achieved using a systematic approach to nursing care.

To assess, plan, deliver and evaluate individualised patient centred care and provide support and advice to other staff as appropriate.

To receive patients and their relatives in accordance with recognised policies and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress.To arrange the care of patient's property, in accordance with Unit policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.To liaise with all members of the multi-professional team to ensure that all treatments are correctly carried out in accordance with given policy.To give and receive regular reports on the progress of patients, reporting immediately any changes in the patients condition to the senior qualified nurse on duty or the medical staff as appropriate.To maintain accurate records of observation, treatment and care.

To participate in the checking and administration of prescribed drugs (including controlled drugs) and other substances in accordance with Trust policy.To inform the Sister/Charge Nurse of any untoward incidents or problems affecting patients/staff/relative and visitors.To inform Senior Sister/Charge Nurse any complaint received verbally from patients or relatives.To adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct and Trust policies and procedures. Be familiar with the location of current files, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of resuscitation, major incident/fire & child protection procedures.

To act as a positive role model, demonstrating sound clinical judgement.

To co-ordinate the requirements and take part in the transfer of patients to other departments within the Trust.

To maintain good liaison with other nursing units and other hospital departments.

Being familiar with and ensuring all medical equipment is functional, reporting any faults or potential hazards and arranging for replacement as necessary.

To actively contribute to ideas for enhancing patient care using evidence based practice.Professional/Clinical

To help create an environment that is conducive with learning and development.

To be involved in teaching of all grades of staff as appropriate.

To be involved in and support other trained nurses in the Continuous Assessment of Practice for learners and the assessment of competencies.

To take personal responsibility in professional self-development in order to achieve a minimum of the NMC PREP requirements for trained nurses.

To keep up-to-date with clinical developments, and participate in innovation and change concerned with improving the standards of care for patients.

Participate in ward based research and audit as required.

To attend meetings on matters relating to the ward/unit during work hours.

The Critical Care Education team provides structured support to all staff and run development programmes that are well established. The formal education package follows a structured career pathway which includes induction training, and an in-house Foundation to Critical Care Nursing programme and Leadership programme.

All staff follow a Nationally recognised competency package. There are opportunities to apply for the High Dependency Course modules at both Degree and Masters level.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to actively participate in Critical Care issues at Trust, National and at an International level. With this varied and complex case mix, a commitment to developing our roles in a visionary manner makes this an excellent opportunity to gain a rewarding career within Critical Care.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 collaboration of an established team, so developing your critical care skills to become a skilled member of the nursing team which cares for critically ill patients in a complex and challenging environment. Professional/Clinical

To maintain high standards of nursing care and ensuring that nursing objectives are achieved using a systematic approach to nursing care.

To assess, plan, deliver and evaluate individualised patient centred care and provide support and advice to other staff as appropriate.

To receive patients and their relatives in accordance with recognised policies and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress.To arrange the care of patient's property, in accordance with Unit policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.To liaise with all members of the multi-professional team to ensure that all treatments are correctly carried out in accordance with given policy.To give and receive regular reports on the progress of patients, reporting immediately any changes in the patients condition to the senior qualified nurse on duty or the medical staff as appropriate.To maintain accurate records of observation, treatment and care.

To participate in the checking and administration of prescribed drugs (including controlled drugs) and other substances in accordance with Trust policy.To inform the Sister/Charge Nurse of any untoward incidents or problems affecting patients/staff/relative and visitors.To inform Senior Sister/Charge Nurse any complaint received verbally from patients or relatives.To adhere to the NMC Code of Conduct and Trust policies and procedures. Be familiar with the location of current files, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of resuscitation, major incident/fire & child protection procedures.

To act as a positive role model, demonstrating sound clinical judgement.

To co-ordinate the requirements and take part in the transfer of patients to other departments within the Trust.

To maintain good liaison with other nursing units and other hospital departments.

Being familiar with and ensuring all medical equipment is functional, reporting any faults or potential hazards and arranging for replacement as necessary.

To actively contribute to ideas for enhancing patient care using evidence based practice.Professional/Clinical

To help create an environment that is conducive with learning and development.

To be involved in teaching of all grades of staff as appropriate.

To be involved in and support other trained nurses in the Continuous Assessment of Practice for learners and the assessment of competencies.

To take personal responsibility in professional self-development in order to achieve a minimum of the NMC PREP requirements for trained nurses.

To keep up-to-date with clinical developments, and participate in innovation and change concerned with improving the standards of care for patients.

Participate in ward based research and audit as required.

To attend meetings on matters relating to the ward/unit during work hours.

The Critical Care Education team provides structured support to all staff and run development programmes that are well established. The formal education package follows a structured career pathway which includes induction training, and an in-house Foundation to Critical Care Nursing programme and Leadership programme.

All staff follow a Nationally recognised competency package. There are opportunities to apply for the High Dependency Course modules at both Degree and Masters level.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to actively participate in Critical Care issues at Trust, National and at an International level. With this varied and complex case mix, a commitment to developing our roles in a visionary manner makes this an excellent opportunity to gain a rewarding career within Critical Care.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
  • Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
  • Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
  • Understanding of personal accountability
  • Knowledge of own role within the team
  • Provide evidence of teaching and supporting learners in practice in the role of practice supervisor
  • Awareness of evidence-based practice
  • Awareness of responsibilities for management of infection control
  • Evidence of on-going personal development
  • Able to use initiative

Desirable

  • Evidence of recent study
  • Previous experience/qualification in relevant specialty
  • Teaching experience

Trust Values

Essential

  • Patient First
  • Working Together
  • Always Improving
Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
  • Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
  • Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
  • Understanding of personal accountability
  • Knowledge of own role within the team
  • Provide evidence of teaching and supporting learners in practice in the role of practice supervisor
  • Awareness of evidence-based practice
  • Awareness of responsibilities for management of infection control
  • Evidence of on-going personal development
  • Able to use initiative

Desirable

  • Evidence of recent study
  • Previous experience/qualification in relevant specialty
  • Teaching experience

Trust Values

Essential

  • Patient First
  • Working Together
  • Always Improving

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Medical Recruitment & Retention Administrator

Raj Verma

rajnesh.verma@uhs.nhs.uk

02381202382

Details

Date posted

21 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum - Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-NM101125

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)