Senior Sister/Charge Nurse (NICU)

Job Overview

Neurosciences Intensive Care is a 13-bedded unit in University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation trust, offering an integrated specialist regional service for neurosurgical and neurological patients admitted as either emergencies or elective patients for a population of over three million. 

As a specialist unit situated within the Wessex Neurological Centre (a centre of excellence in the treatment of neurological disorders), we admit patients with a range of neurological and neurosurgical conditions, including multi trauma patients as Southampton is designated as a regional major trauma centre. We pride ourselves in the provision of exemplary standards of care, our patient outcomes and the support we provide to our patients, relatives and staff. 

We are committed to providing both personal and professional development opportunities contributing to and supporting your career progression with an extremely proactive Critical Care Education Team. We offer a range of different development opportunities including in- house courses, formal and informal study days, competency based education, university accredited academic courses, all covering a variety of subject areas including; neurosciences, critical care, mentorship and leadership and other subject areas. 

Main duties of the job

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Working for our organisation

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.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, 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.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

What you'll do - 

The post holder will  provide  expert clinical experience and leadership to ensure the delivery of high quality care to patients and their families in the neurosciences ICU 

The full role expectations can be found in the job description but includes:

•    To provide the day-to-day operational management for the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and ensure the provision of a high quality, evidence based and cost effective service for patients and their families.
•    To demonstrate clinical expertise in caring for critically ill patients (level 2&3) with a neurological/neurosurgical condition.
•    To provide innovative and dynamic nursing leadership.
•    To have a Care Group overview, as bleep holder, of resources required to deliver safe patient care and to redeploy staff to ensure equity across all departments within the Care Group
  
  

What we're looking for - 

We are looking for two highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who demonstrates excellent communication, organisational, leadership and interpersonal skills. There are two opportunities (substantive and a 12 months secondment). You should be forward thinking, as well as eager to develop your own clinical and management skills with a strong commitment to developing others and have sound decision-making skills.

The Post Holder Requires

•    First level Registered Nurse with a Neurosciences or Critical Care qualification 
•    Has up to date relevant critical care experience
•    Proven management experience  and clinical and Leadership Ability
  
  

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge, And Experience

Essential criteria

• 1st Level Registered nurse on relevant part of the NMC Register
• Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign Off mentor
• Degree or working towards

Completion of appropriate specialty Course

Higher Education Institute approved course in supporting learners in practice.  Supporting a range of learners in practice  Supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice

Extensive experience in specialty to include considerable experience at Band 6 level

Evidence of clinical leadership ability

Proven management experience

Evidence of continuing professional development

Evidence of utilising evidence in practice

Logical and consistent career pattern

Expert clinical skills

Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives

Ability to work flexible hours and fulfil service requirements

Desirable criteria

• Management Course (or equivalent)
• Experience as an NMC sign off mentor or clinical practice assessor
• Evidence of staff development and succession planning
• Broad range of post registration experience
• Experience of report writing
  
  

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Working Together
• Always Improving