King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Staff Nurse - Cardiac Recovery Unit

The closing date is 16 October 2025

Job summary

Have you always wanted a career in cardiothoracic intensive care nursing? Our cardiac recovery unit (CRU) could be the place for you. Cardiac Recovery is unique in its provision of care for all post- operative cardiothoracic patients requiring ventilator support and providing high dependency care during the post-operative phase.

We care for a variety of patients with complex needs pre and post cardiothoracic surgery as well as providing care for cardiology patients in certain circumstances.

Kings College Hospital provides tertiary cardiac care and receives cardio-thoracic patients from across the South East, as part of Kings Health Partners we work closely with partner organisations and work together to form the cardiovascular network transforming cardiovascular services across the region.

We are committed to staff development and education with all staff having access to a wide range of educational and development resources. The practice education team support staff in the clinical area and each new staff member will have an individualised training and development plan, further academic study opportunities are available to staff at King's with our partner higher education institutions.

Main duties of the job

Cardiac Recovery Unit is a fast paced level three area that looks after patients immediately post cardiac surgery. On a day-to-day basis, you will be providing a high standard of nursing care to the post-operative cardiac patients on ventilator or requiring high dependency care. You will be working collaboratively with the management, Cardiothoracic surgical team, Clinical nurse specialists and the wider Multidisciplinary team to enhance the patient care through various quality improvement initiatives.

About us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Date posted

02 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£37,259 to £45,356 a year Per Annum Including High Cost Area

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

213-NUR-DH-7502852

Job locations

King's College Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 9RS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Delivering high quality, evidence-based and patient focused clinical care through:

Delivering a high standard of evidence-based care to post cardio thoracic patients requiring ventilator support and high dependency care.

Ensuring good standards of care for the patient are maintained at all times.

Adhering to NMC Code of Professional conduct at all times.

Involving and supporting patients, relatives, carers and friends in the care process.

Promoting well-being and involving patients and relatives in health education.

Ensuring clear and accurate written and verbal information is given at all times.

Ensuring contemporaneous record keeping at all times.

Seeking advice from more senior/experienced members of staff where appropriate.

Working effectively as part of the immediate team and wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) through:

Liaising effectively with all members of the MDT to ensure patients needs are met.

Exercising leadership and taking the initiative where appropriate.

Providing support and advice to ward/unit staff (especially junior staff) on clinical and administrative issues.

Liaising with discharge coordinator / bed manager to ensure effective admission/discharge of patients.

Keeping the unit sister / charge nurse informed of significant changes and/or anticipated problems.

Upholding a duty of care and clinical governance through:

Observing a general duty of care for the health, safety and well-being of yourself, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital.

Ensuring the rules, policies, procedures and standards of Kings College Hospital NHS Trust Foundation together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations are adhered to at all times.

Maintaining patient confidentiality, dignity and privacy at all times.

Adhering to the Trusts policy on valuing equality and diversity and showing due regard for each patients cultural and religious beliefs, gender, ethnicity, age and sexuality.

Strictly adhering to the National Code of Practice on Infection Control. Staff Nurse (Band 5) Job Description Date of Origin: June 2009 3

Taking responsibility for your own personal development and keeping up to date with nursing and medical knowledge.

Being aware of current research and the implications for the ward/unit speciality.

Acting as a role model at all times and for all staff.

Acting as practice supervisor and/or preceptor/mentor for junior and newly qualified staff.

Working with appropriate members of the teaching staff to ensure effective staff development (own and others).

Participating in Trust and Divisional initiatives to develop nursing practice and support change.