Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, ambition and values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years. Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact, our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview: We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) to join our dynamic Cardiothoracic team in Brighton. This unique role covers the full cardiac patient journey, from admission to post-operative care and discharge planning. As an ACP, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality, patient-centred care in various clinical settings, including admission, theatres, cardiac intensive care, and step-down wards. Your responsibilities will include clinical decision-making, diagnostics, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination. This role is perfect for those with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery and acute care.

Main duties of the job: Trainee ACPs undertake supervised clinical assessments, developing skills to formulate differential diagnoses and management plans for cardiac patients. You will participate in care across the full cardiac pathway, from admission to post-operative care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and recovery in step-down ward, under expert supervision. Trainees engage in structured placements and academic study as part of a nationally recognised MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. During training, you'll build core competencies in interpreting diagnostics, recognising patient deterioration, and contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making. Trainees also participate in quality improvement, audit, and evidence-based practice, with opportunities to present work at internal and regional events.

Qualified ACPs independently assess, diagnose, and manage complex cardiac conditions across the entire patient pathway. You will deliver expert care in CICU and ward settings, managing patients from admission to discharge, including providing onsite ACP cover overnight in CICU. Qualified ACPs lead ward rounds, apply advanced clinical skills to manage cardiac patients, and interpret a broad range of diagnostics. You will offer clinical leadership, mentor trainees and junior staff, and drive service development through research and audit. ACPs represent the service at local, national, and international forums, promoting innovation and best practice.

Education & Leadership: You will be expected to provide supervision, mentorship, and clinical teaching to junior colleagues, students, and new staff members, promoting a positive learning environment. In addition, you will contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, protocols, and pathways. You may be asked to lead or support service improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, efficiency, and staff wellbeing within the cardiothoracic team.

Research & Development: As part of a service committed to innovation and clinical excellence, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research, audit, and quality improvement projects within the cardiothoracic specialty. You will support the evaluation and integration of evidence-based practice into daily care and play a role in the development of new clinical strategies, pathways, and service models. There will be opportunities to disseminate your work through internal and external forums, with the potential to present at national and international conferences—highlighting the impact of your practice and raising the profile of the service on a wider stage.

Person specification: Essential/Desirable: Willing to undertake MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/Has undertaken MSc, Significant post registration experience- at least 3 years, Knowledge of Advanced Clinical Practice/4 pillars/National frameworks, Degree/evidence of recent studies at level 6, Experience at working at a senior level within own speciality, Completed Advanced Clinical Assessment Module/Independent Prescribing at Level 7, Experience in Cardiothoracic/Cardiac surgery/ITU or Acute care, Teaching and leadership skills/experience, Experience in conducting audits/research.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues, Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).