Deputy Sister​/Charge Nurse

Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 21 January 2026

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Band 6 Deputy Sister / Charge Nurse to join our team on Wittering ward.

Wittering ward is a 27 bedded ward caring for male and female patients with trauma and orthopaedic needs.

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a band 5 nurse to advance their management skills, leadership skills and support the ward manager, or an existing band 6 to join us in Trauma and Orthopaedics. Your development will be achieved through a range of educational and development sessions, the ward manager and colleagues.

You will have a positive attitude towards team building and ability to maintain excellent standards of care whilst ensuring that our patients are your top priority.

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

You will be responsible for the assessment, planning and implementation of care and assists in the interpretation of data relevant to the patients condition and progress with regards to their discharge.

Assist in the identification of patient problems and needs with the patient, their carers, senior nursing staff and other staff as appropriate.

Identify the priorities of care for patients.

Identify realistic goals for patients in care plans.

Organise time for staff development and teaching around orthopaedic nursing skills.

Assist the ward manager in liaising with specialty lead clinicians and consultants regarding effective use of the ward’s resources.

Administer drugs and treatments as prescribed according to the NMC guidelines and the Trust’s Guidelines for the Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines.

Change/ update care plans and goals according to evaluation and discussion with the multidisciplinary team.

Demonstrate an understanding and skill in the care and management of the critically ill patient.

Work closely with all members of the care team to ensure the needs of the critically ill patient are met.

Maintain accurate documentation to facilitate the continuity of care for patients transferred to other areas.

Ensure that discharge review documentation is completed and reimbursement material is communicated to relevant body in a timely fashion.

Liaise with nursing and clerical staff to enable efficient administration of ward work.

Liaise with Hospital discharge team in ensuring reductions in patient length of stay are achieved.

Act as patient/carer advocate at all times.

Will be able to reflect on care implemented on the ward and ensure it accurately reflects the standards of care expected.

• Registered Nurse
• NMC registered
• Evidence of continuing professional practice
• Practice assessor course or sign‑off mentorship course
• Experience gained in more than one specialist area
• Co‑ordinating a surgical ward
• Experience working in ITU/HDU or Enhanced Surgical Care Unit (ESCU)

• Evidence of managing a patient group on a day to day basis
• Venepuncture and Cannulation
• Evidence of leading a team
• Evidence of undertaking the nurse in charge role
• Competent with PCA’s and Epidurals
• Evidence of broad clinical skills in a variety of specialities/acute care

• Care of the acutely ill patient course
• Knowledge and experience of NHS IT systems
• Evidence of managing care group of patients on a day to day basis
• Evidence of leading a team
• Orthopaedic nursing experience

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

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£38,682 to £46,580 a yearper annum pro rata