University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Recovery Practitioner

The closing date is 16 February 2026

Job summary

The Level 5 Operating Theatres situated at The Royal Sussex County Hospital is seeking highly motivated individuals to help support the delivery of Major Elective, Trauma, Emergency Surgery and 24hour Obstetric cover, in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) / Recovery ward.

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated nurses/ODP's to join our dynamic and skilled team dedicated to the provision of high standards of care and attention within the Recovery area. Previous Recovery experience, acute surgery, HDU/ITU experience is desirable.

As recovery nurses/ODP you will be supported through an internal staff training programme which will cover all aspects of recovery care within the Department. The Trust is linked with Brighton University, which together with the Trust's Strategy for Nursing and Staff Development provides access to courses and makes personal development easier.

As part of a busy departmental team you can expect to maintain your skills within a range of specialities since the department provides 24-hour emergency cover.

For further information, contact Leigh Pullar Team Leader, at the Royal Sussex County Hospital on 01273 696955 Ext 67408

Main duties of the job

Post Anaesthetic Nursing Care following major surgery, acute emergencies, acute trauma and obstetrics.

This is a busy Post Anaesthetic Care Unit offering a wide variety of acute nursing care. There is an in-house training program, Foundation and Advanced, to equip you with skills and knowledge through sets of competencies to work towards excellence in patient care.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC/ACPC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification/ODP qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

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.

About us

Working for our organisation

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 abuddy 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

02 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

279-7741556-FEB26

Job locations

RSCH Brighton

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Job description

Job responsibilities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will provide direct care for complex level one (e.g. immediate post-operative patients) and level two patients, (e.g. High Dependency and major surgery). You will be required to support the anaesthetist in the advent of a level three patient (e.g. ventilated / intensive care patients).
You will identify and promote evidence based clinical practice, ensuring patient centred care and best practice is delivered, whilst working within the trusts policies, guidelines, standards and NMC Code of Conduct.
You will emulate the trusts values and behaviours, role modelling to staff, patients and wider teams supporting change in the division.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will provide direct care for complex level one (e.g. immediate post-operative patients) and level two patients, (e.g. High Dependency and major surgery). You will be required to support the anaesthetist in the advent of a level three patient (e.g. ventilated / intensive care patients).
You will identify and promote evidence based clinical practice, ensuring patient centred care and best practice is delivered, whilst working within the trusts policies, guidelines, standards and NMC Code of Conduct.
You will emulate the trusts values and behaviours, role modelling to staff, patients and wider teams supporting change in the division.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person Specification

Experience/ Qualifications

Essential

Nursing and Midwifery Council registration Part 1 Or HCPC registration
An interest to develop a career in the perioperative division

Desirable

Experience in critical care or a perioperative environment
Evidence of professional development
Completion of Practice Supervisor/ Practice Assessor or teaching and assessing qualification

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

Experience/ Qualifications

Essential

Nursing and Midwifery Council registration Part 1 Or HCPC registration
An interest to develop a career in the perioperative division

Desirable

Experience in critical care or a perioperative environment
Evidence of professional development
Completion of Practice Supervisor/ Practice Assessor or teaching and assessing qualification

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

RSCH Brighton

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

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

RSCH Brighton

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

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