Deputy Sister​/Charge Nurse, ITU

This Deputy Sister or Charge Nurse post runs shift by shift clinical management of the 11-bed Intensive Care Unit at St Peter's Hospital, part of Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder takes responsibility for critically ill patients, supervises nursing practice, deploys staff and supports appraisal of the team. The unit treats multi-organ failure, cardiac and trauma patients, and the role is part time at 25 hours.

Applicants need critical care experience and NMC registration.

• Lead shift by shift clinical management of the ICU and the immediate care of critically ill patients with the multi-disciplinary team
• Co-ordinate the unit when in charge, delegating duties while keeping overall responsibility
• Ensure safe, effective care for complex patients needing advanced clinical skills
• Supervise nursing practice in line with the NMC Code and trust policies
• Deputise for the Team Leader in their absence
• Deploy staff and plan skill mix against workload and budget
• Appraise team members with Team Leader support
• Promote quality through research, evidence-based practice, standard setting and audit
• Monitor cleanliness and catering and act on problem areas
• Investigate incidents and complaints and lead the resulting action plans
• Ensure staff are competent with critical care equipment and that it is safe to use
• Act as an expert practitioner and role model, and take part in recruitment

• CC3N step 2 and 3 competency document completed
• Recognised Critical Care Course or over 5 years of ICU experience

• RGN Level 1 with NMC registration

• Significant experience after a Critical Care course

• Advanced clinical knowledge
• Effective working with multi-disciplinary teams

• Experience of co-ordinating shifts
• Leadership or coaching qualification
• Diploma or degree in critical care
• ILS or ALS

• Full range of NHS benefits and discounts
• Comprehensive initial induction programme
• Regular multi-disciplinary teaching sessions and in-house training
• Clinical Education Team support
• High cost area supplement (HCAS) included in pay