University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

The closing date is 26 November 2025

Job summary

****This vacancy is open to all applicants****

We are a dedicated, diverse and committed team caring for patients with acute general surgery conditions and surgical post-operative patients in a 27 bedded area. We care for a wide range of surgical emergencies including Urology and ENT patients. Post-operatively, the ward cares for elective cases under General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer, Stomatherapy, Gynaecology, Breast, Urology and ENT specialties.

The ward also recently opened a 6 bedded level 1 area as part of Colorectal Cancer Relocation Project. This gives an opportunity for all staff to have an added experience of caring for level 1 patients.

Ideally, you will have substantial acute surgical experience, be clinically competent with experience of supervising/mentoring others and be able to coordinate care for a diverse patient group on a fast paced ward.

This is the ideal opportunity for you to progress in your career within a supportive team.

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.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the professional evidence-based nursing care delivered to patients. Ensuring the highest quality, effective and compassionate care is received by the patients and their families / carers whilst on the ward.

Excellent, holistic and individualised nursing care will be delivered through assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating. This will be in line with local, Trust wide and National policies, procedures, values and behaviours. To support the ward manager in providing effective clinical leadership that ensures patient safety at all times together with high quality patient care.

Promoting a supportive learning environment in which to supervise and mentor Staff Nurses, Student Nurses and Health Care Assistants. The post holder will act as an advocate whilst demonstrating effective communication and listening skills.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Date posted

12 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-7580969-NOV25

Job locations

Worthing General Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Acting as shift leader (including Level 1 care), managing patient flow, reducing length of stay, coordinating complex discharges (e.g., end-of-life care), ensuring infection control, and participating in ward rounds.
Deputizing for the Ward Manager, managing resources/budget, mentoring/appraising a small team, ensuring effective shift handovers, and adhering to NMC documentation guidelines.
Acting as an expert role model, improving nursing practice, managing risk, addressing poor care standards, and proactively handling complaints to positively influence Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Effective communication with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and external partners is essential.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Acting as shift leader (including Level 1 care), managing patient flow, reducing length of stay, coordinating complex discharges (e.g., end-of-life care), ensuring infection control, and participating in ward rounds.
Deputizing for the Ward Manager, managing resources/budget, mentoring/appraising a small team, ensuring effective shift handovers, and adhering to NMC documentation guidelines.
Acting as an expert role model, improving nursing practice, managing risk, addressing poor care standards, and proactively handling complaints to positively influence Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Effective communication with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and external partners is essential.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Council, UK)

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience working on a surgical ward
Proven extensive nursing experience
Evidence of continuing professional development ALS/ILS proficient
IV therapy, cannulation, and venepuncture

Desirable

Experience gained in more than one specialist area
Co-ordinating a surgical ward
Experience working in ITU/HDU or Enhanced Surgical Care Unit (ESCU)
Previous experience as a band 6

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Council, UK)

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience working on a surgical ward
Proven extensive nursing experience
Evidence of continuing professional development ALS/ILS proficient
IV therapy, cannulation, and venepuncture

Desirable

Experience gained in more than one specialist area
Co-ordinating a surgical ward
Experience working in ITU/HDU or Enhanced Surgical Care Unit (ESCU)
Previous experience as a band 6

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

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.

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

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 Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Worthing General Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Worthing General Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)