Job summary
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced nurse with a passion for frailty care to take on the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist / Ward Manager within our Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service. Based in the Frailty Directorate, Medicine Division, at one of our acute hospital sites, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape high-quality care for older adults in an acute setting.
The service is focused on delivering rapid assessment and personalised care to elderly patients, aiming to reduce unnecessary admissions and prevent prolonged hospital stays through timely intervention and multidisciplinary working.
As the CNS/Ward Manager, you will play a key role in leading the nursing team, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care delivery. You will be expected to demonstrate strong clinical leadership, promote evidence-based practice, and actively support service development and quality improvement initiatives.
You will be fully supported with a tailored induction, access to continued professional development, and opportunities to further advance your leadership and clinical skills as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team at University Hospitals Sussex.
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
This is a varied, challenging, and rewarding leadership role where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to patient experience and outcomes.
As Clinical Nurse Specialist / Ward Manager, you will lead the day-to-day running of the Frailty Same Day Emergency Care Unit (C8), providing visible clinical leadership and overseeing safe, efficient care delivery for frail patients. You will manage the triage of referrals, coordinate timely assessments and interventions, and support effective discharge planning, working closely with the multidisciplinary team.
You will have responsibility for:
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Line management of nursing staff, including rostering, supervision, and performance management
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Prioritising and delegating workload to ensure high-quality care under pressure
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Leading on audits, quality assurance, and nursing professional development
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Monitoring and maintaining clinical standards and patient safety
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Acting as a change agent in developing a flexible, responsive service aligned with future models of care
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Championing the delivery of care that upholds privacy, dignity, and compassionate practice
The role requires confidence in working in an unpredictable clinical environment, including managing clinical emergencies and challenging behaviours.
The service currently operates Monday to Friday, with plans to transition to a 7-day model, which will require participation in a rotational weekend rota once implemented.
About us
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.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description
Job responsibilities
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Provide clinical and operational leadership for the Frailty SDEC unit, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
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Lead and manage the nursing team, including supervision, development, and rostering.
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Coordinate and support rapid assessment and treatment pathways for frail older adults, aiming to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
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Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure timely and person-centred care.
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Drive quality improvement initiatives, service development, and adherence to clinical governance standards.
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Act as a role model in promoting high standards of clinical practice, patient safety, and compassionate care.
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Support the education and development of staff, including mentoring and clinical supervision.
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Contribute to data collection, audits, and reporting to monitor and improve service performance.
***Please see Job description for a comprehensive list of responsibilities***
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Provide clinical and operational leadership for the Frailty SDEC unit, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
-
Lead and manage the nursing team, including supervision, development, and rostering.
-
Coordinate and support rapid assessment and treatment pathways for frail older adults, aiming to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
-
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure timely and person-centred care.
-
Drive quality improvement initiatives, service development, and adherence to clinical governance standards.
-
Act as a role model in promoting high standards of clinical practice, patient safety, and compassionate care.
-
Support the education and development of staff, including mentoring and clinical supervision.
-
Contribute to data collection, audits, and reporting to monitor and improve service performance.
***Please see Job description for a comprehensive list of responsibilities***
Person Specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
- Evidence of post-registration study relevant to acute medicine or frailty (e.g., frailty care, older adults, SDEC)
- Recognised leadership or management training or qualification (or willingness to work towards)
- Experience in leading a team or coordinating care in a ward/unit setting
- Working towards or completed a postgraduate qualification
- Mentorship qualification in Teaching & assessing
- Evidence of professional development through short courses, academic study at a minimum of post-registration level.
- Extensive varied experience in nursing
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Experience in quality improvement or service development initiatives
- Understanding of clinical governance, risk management, and audit processes
- Previous experience as a CNS, ward manager, or equivalent Band 7 leadership role
- ALS/ILS proficient
- Co-ordinating an SDEC
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Person Specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
- Evidence of post-registration study relevant to acute medicine or frailty (e.g., frailty care, older adults, SDEC)
- Recognised leadership or management training or qualification (or willingness to work towards)
- Experience in leading a team or coordinating care in a ward/unit setting
- Working towards or completed a postgraduate qualification
- Mentorship qualification in Teaching & assessing
- Evidence of professional development through short courses, academic study at a minimum of post-registration level.
- Extensive varied experience in nursing
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Experience in quality improvement or service development initiatives
- Understanding of clinical governance, risk management, and audit processes
- Previous experience as a CNS, ward manager, or equivalent Band 7 leadership role
- ALS/ILS proficient
- Co-ordinating an SDEC
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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.
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.
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).
