Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, Children's Emergency Department

About our Trust

Candidate Information Pack

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. 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.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We're seeking an experienced Paediatric senior nurse for an exciting opportunity in our busy Children’s Emergency Department at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, committed, and able to work well under pressure, with a strong desire to enhance or develop their skills, within Emergency care

As part of a clinical team including Band 7 nurses, ED consultants, and the Matron for Children’s Emergency Care, you will share responsibility for the department and you r individual teams. You will work clinically alongside nursing and medical staff, providing expertise and support. The role offers the chance to develop management and leadership skills within a diverse and supportive team.

As a Band 7 nurse, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating care programs, setting care standards for children and their families in the ED, and leading nursing colleagues. You will also collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.

This clinical position requires you to work shifts, including nights and weekends, and includes management time for completing leadership duties throughout the year.

We’re looking for individuals who are ready to make a difference in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

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The post holder will support the Matron and other senior sisters/charge nurses to ensure that high quality patient focused care is delivered within the Children’s Emergency Service.

The post holder will actively participate in the day-to-day clinical and operational management of the department.

The post holder will act as a clinical leader and role model whilst providing direct quality patient care, sharing expertise with colleagues.

The post holder will work within the ED team on professional nursing issues and management of clinical governance issues

The post holder will guide the activity of nursing, medical and other staff to ensure rapid assessment, treatment and ultimately transfer/discharge of children and young people.

The post holder will participate in educational and training programmes for junior members of the team, including acting as a preceptor to newly qualified nurses.

The post holder will lead a team of nurses on a shift by shift basis.

The post holder will be required to work flexibly to achieve the key responsibilities of the post.

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 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 https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• The post holder will provide specialist paediatric knowledge on the clinical care of emergency patients presenting with varying complaints and utilising advanced nursing skills across the children’s emergency care speciality.
• The post holder will, on a shift basis, ensure that all staff are aware of, and meet the needs of patients and relatives in a courteous, helpful and compassionate manner, whilst ensuring returned respect for staff members.
• The post holder will on a shift basis, maintain effective relationships between the multi-professional team in the clinical environment.
• The post holder will maintain and develop own clinical expertise and knowledge.
• The postholder will be aware of, and work in line with, our Trust’s Safeguarding Adults and Children procedures.

Service delivery and improvement

• The post holder on a daily basis act as the shift leader to supervise, co-ordinate and control the provision of high quality care within the children’s’ emergency service.
• The post holder will apply this methodology to all service improvement projects ensuring that a culture of continuous improvement is fostered within the department.
• The post holder will lead the regular CED huddles in collaboration with the consultant in charge and the bed coordinator for the RACH. The aim being to promote patient safety and experience whilst working to deliver; compliance with 4 hour standard, avoidance of long stays in the department and compliance with the 12 hour standard through forward planning of emergency admissions, escalation and resolution of staffing issues.
• The post holder will be required to account for the reasons that patients wait for longer than expected within the department recognising the importance of the emergency care standards. The post holder will lead on subsequent quality improvement projects, PDSA and learning cycles alongside the CED team, to ensure that the department gives patients the very best experience and continues to provide safe care.

Learning and Development

• The post holder will work closely with the practice development team and will have a proactive approach towards and be involved in the emergency team development through on–going education initiatives.
• The post holder will foster an environment which supports and encourages personal and professional development within the multi-professional ED team.
• The post holder will encourage innovation by all members of the team and will act as a resource for those seeking knowledge and experience relating to emergency care issues.
• The post holder will promote reflective practice in self and others. They will do this through creating a culture of learning and development within the department that ensures all staff are supported to grow and develop into effective children’s emergency nurses.
• The post holder will participate in the trust appraisal process and will actively strive to meet targets set by individual performance review in order to maintain professional and current expert emergency nursing knowledge.

Communications

• The post holder will be responsible for protecting all confidential information concerning patients and staff obtained in the course of professional practice, adhering to trust and statutory policies.
• The post holder will be able to competently establish and maintain effective communication with patients, their carers and the multi-professional and multiagency team. Identifying any potential barriers and adapting communication style as required.
• The post holder will be a positive role model within children’s emergency nursing acting with kindness and courtesy at all times.
• The post holder will lead the team within the emergency department on a daily basis to facilitate the care, treatment and safe discharge of all patients, providing specialist nursing advice where appropriate.
• The post holder will provide clear and concise, written, verbal and computer –entered relevant information regarding the care and wellbeing of patients. Maintaining good computer literacy and typing skills and ensuring that all of the above is adhered to by all staff reportable to them on a shift to shift basis.

Leadership and People Management

• The post holder will act at all times in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and within the individual Scope of Professional Practice.
• The post holder will ensure that the stated professional, legal and statutory requirements are complied with and that agreed trust policies and procedures and implemented.
• The post holder will lead, direct, motivate and support the team on duty during a given shit as an exemplry and professional role model for all members of the staff. Ensuring high standards are met and challenging any poor practice.
• The post holder will be responsible for the management of patient care and flow through the emergency department,ensuring timely discharge or onward admission. This will include the responsibility to anticipate and correctly escalate issues that may affect flow and any potential delays to the emergency pathway. The postholder will have a detailed understanding of the implication this will have to patient care and experience.
• The post holder will manage resources, including staffing, equipment and supplies financial governance, to ensure the safe and effective running of the department within a finite budget.

Personal Learning and Development

• Attend mandatory training updates as required.
• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
• Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
• Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
• Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].