Staff Nurse - Surgery - Head and Neck | University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. We are seeking a motivated, compassionate, and hardworking Band 5 Registered Nurse to join our dynamic Head and Neck nursing team. Our specialist ward provides care for patients with complex head and neck conditions, many of whom undergo life-changing surgery as part of their cancer treatment.

We deliver high-quality nursing care to a diverse patient group with ENT and maxillofacial conditions, including trauma patients, across both elective and emergency care pathways. Our service supports patients from across Hampshire and the wider region, including the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.

We are proud to be nationally recognised for developing an innovative Free Flap Pathway, which has helped standardise care for patients undergoing major oral cancer surgery and successfully reduced post-operative intensive care stays to 24 hours prior to transfer back to the ward environment.

The ward is fast-paced and highly demanding, with frequent discharges, emergency admissions, post-operative admissions from theatre, and step-down patients from critical care areas on a daily basis. This role requires excellent communication, strong organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload to ensure the timely delivery of safe, high-quality patient care.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. We proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

We offer extensive opportunities to develop both general surgical nursing skills and specialist competencies unique to head and neck nursing. This includes caring for patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies, supported by comprehensive in-house training. In addition to our 28-bedded ward, we run a dedicated Head and Neck Treatment Room, which receives referrals from GPs, the Emergency Department, and other areas across the Trust, providing assessment and treatment for a wide range of ENT and maxillofacial conditions.

Join the dynamic surgical care group where innovation, teamwork, and professional development are at the heart of everything we do.

• You will deliver safe, compassionate, evidence‑based care to patients.
• You will assess, plan, implement and evaluate care, ensuring excellent clinical standards.
• You will administer medications safely and monitor patients for any changes in condition.
• You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, communicating clearly with patients and families.
• You will uphold infection prevention, patient safety, and trust values at all times.
• You will support students and junior staff while continuing your own professional development.

• NMC‑registered nurse with a commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care.
• Strong communication, organisational and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt in a fast‑paced clinical environment.
• A positive, compassionate approach and willingness to learn and grow.

• We are a supportive and welcoming team with a strong focus on learning and development. Working closely with our Surgical Education Team, you will have access to a wide range of educational opportunities, including clinical skills training, Nurse in Charge study days, leadership and management development, and practice supervisor and assessor training. We also encourage staff to take on link roles aligned with their interests, such as ANTTs, Infection Prevention, Diabetes, Palliative Care, and Pain Management.
• If you are enthusiastic about developing your surgical nursing career within a specialist interest in head and neck patients we would be delighted to welcome you to the team.

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