Job Overview
We are looking for strong leaders and highly motivated Sister/Charge nurses with excellent communication skills with a real passion for nursing to join our Trauma and Orthopaedic, specialist elective orthopaedic ward (F4) and specialist major trauma ward (F1).
F4 is a 18-bedded elective orthopaedic ward that caters to hip, knee, shoulder and other types of upper and lower limb replacements including complex revision surgeries. It also uses an enhanced recovery pathway for elective patients, which is supported by an elective nurse practitioner. As F4 is an elective ward, there is a fast turnover and rehabilitation of patients. Our length of patient stay has an average of 3-4 days. You’ll also be given a chance to care for people who have PCA’s, epidural and local infusions post-operatively.
F1 is a 32-bedded adult ward which comprises of patients who have sustained significant physical injury as a consequence of major trauma incidents. The ward caters for a huge variety of patients, both locally and nationwide, who have suffered multiple injuries which can include skeletal, head, chest and abdominal trauma and has the essential professionals, facilities and equipment to manage our patients effectively and to a high standard.
Main duties of the job
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
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
As a Senior sister/Charge Nurse you will be expected to promote the delivery of a high standard of patient-centred care.
With the support of the matron you will analyse, monitor and implement actions that ensure the service delivery is safe and effective in line with the Trust values.
You will be responsible for the daily operational management and service delivery process within the department, along with the line management and development of the nursing team.
You will ensure the smooth running of the unit, working as a key decision maker alongside the multi professional team, leading on aspects of clinical care and focusing on patient safety, experience and quality assurance frameworks.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will be educated to a degree level with evidence of on-going education and demonstrate a compassionate approach to the care of patients and the public, whilst also possessing the ability to ensure robust clinical operational demands are met.
Training is readily available for you to access, for example, trauma & orthopaedic course, trauma awareness days, among others, specific to orthopaedics. The varied and complex case mix plus a commitment to role development in a visionary manner makes this an excellent opportunity.
Person specification
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
- Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
- Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
- Significant post registration experience / qualification / training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality
- Ward management experience
- Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
- Experience in an acute hospital setting
- Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice
- Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
- Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making and judgement
- Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities
- Commitment to continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
- Experience in handling adverse events and complaints
- Appraisal skills
- Act in the role of Practice Assessor or supporting the progression of learners / supporting challenges as needed
- Some insight into budget management
