Critical Care Staff Nurse

Critical Care Staff Nurse

Band 5

Job overview

We are looking for exceptional and committed Band 5 nurses to provide outstanding care for our complex patients. If you are eager to learn and develop new skills, have good communication and assessment skills and would relish a challenging opportunity in Critical Care this is the post you have been waiting for.

Adult Critical Care comprises three main units:

• Adult Intensive Care (AICU – QMC), a 29‑beded Intensive Care Unit which facilitates treatment of seriously ill patients with failure of one or more organ systems. Specialties include neurosurgery, neurology, gastroenterology, respiratory, major trauma, hepatobiliary, spinal, vascular, ENT, maxillofacial, general medical and general surgical.
• High Dependency Unit (HDU/E12 – QMC), a 20‑beded unit catering for patients who require high‑dependency nursing. Specialties include neurosurgery, neurology, gastroenterology, major trauma, hepatobiliary, vascular, spinal, ENT and maxillo‑facial surgery.
• Critical Care Department (CCD – City Campus), a 17‑beded purpose‑built unit comprised of intensive care and high‑dependency beds. Specialities include thoracics, burns, haematology, oncology, gastroenterology, renal, upper GI surgery, respiratory, general medical and surgical patients.

Please note this advert may close early if demand is high.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Provide care for patients who are critically ill, including those with failure of one or more organ systems.
• Assess, plan, deliver and evaluate nursing care in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the team, mentoring students after a settling‑in period and participating in link teams or projects.
• Monitor patients who may be mechanically ventilated, sedated, on high‑flow oxygen or requiring invasive lines and inotropic infusions. Provide additional support such as haemofiltration when needed.
• Maintain high clinical standards of care and patient satisfaction, ensuring patient and staff experience is excellent.
• Share knowledge and learning with peers and students through mentorship and clinical supervision.
• Communicate effectively with patients and relatives to maximise productivity and maintain high standards of patient‑led care.
• Keep professional revalidation updated, demonstrating new knowledge, innovation and evidence‑based practice.
• Work variable hours, including nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Person specification

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s behavioural standards.

Training & Qualifications

• Current level one NMC registration with a minimum of 6 months experience in an acute hospital setting.
• 18 months post‑registration critical care experience.
• Working towards a degree programme in critical care (to be completed within 5 years).
• Enhanced CRB clearance.
• Degree in health‑related studies or equivalent academic standard, or possession of a diploma in critical care studies.
• Completion of local competency packages.
• Possession of a mentoring course.

Communication and Relationship skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic IT skills.
• Recognition of own level of competence and limitations, and ability to communicate these to appropriate staff.
• Teamworking and ability to work within a team.
• Teaching skills.

Analytical and Judgement Skills

• Identify own learning needs.
• Assess, plan, deliver, prioritise and evaluate patient care.
• Prioritise own workload.
• Respond to urgent and emergency situations.
• Understand the role of advocacy.
• Knowledge of current issues related to the NHS, specifically Critical Care services.
• Leadership skills and ability to lead a team.

Physical skills

• Dexterity and accuracy in undertaking clinical skills, use of equipment and documentation.
• Ability to undertake patient manual handling manoeuvres and non‑patient manual handling manoeuvres.
• Management of complex critically ill patients, e.g. prone positioning, log rolls.
• Competence with medical equipment.
• Evidence of moving and handling training.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Flexible and adaptable, able to work on both NUH campuses and in all Critical Care areas.
• Able to work a variety of shifts including nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Applicants who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, are particularly welcome. Disability Confidence policy applies.

Closing date

Closing date: 17/11/2025 23:59.

Applicants

Applicants are kindly requested to refrain from using AI at any stage during the recruitment process.