Deputy Sister​/Stroke Outreach - Stroke Unit​/HASU

Deputy Sister/Stroke Outreach - Stroke Unit/HASU

The closing date is 06 July 2026

Are you a dynamic and focused staff nurse with a passion for acute stroke care, ready to take the next step in your career progression? If so, we would love for you to come and join our developing multidisciplinary team.

Our stroke services are growing – we are expanding to a 30 bedded unit which will include two HASU units from September 2026.

We are looking for experienced nurses to join us on this amazing journey of expansion and growth, bringing new opportunities to the stroke unit.

The stroke unit boasts a friendly and welcoming team atmosphere with fantastic opportunities to progress your career.

The current 24 bedded Acute Stroke Unit cares for patients requiring close monitoring and observation, encompassing acute care skills, following thrombolysis and repatriation after specialist intervention such as thrombectomy as well as patients requiring rehabilitation needs.

You would be joining us at such an exciting time in an area that will give you the chance to quickly expand your knowledge in a fast paced but supportive environment.

• To work within the Stroke Outreach Team under the leadership of the Matron and ACP team.
• To help deliver hyperacute stroke care to patients in ED, including the assessment of a stroke patient, assistance in the delivery of thrombolysis, water swallow assessments and the coordination of transfers for mechanical thrombectomy.
• To manage the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) bay, taking a lead in the nursing care of a hyperacute stroke patient.
• To support the ward leader in the coordination and management of the stroke ward and deputise in their absence.
• To help meet the standards of hyperacute and acute stroke care in the SSNAP domains, supporting the SSNAP data administrator in timely completion of missing information.
• To provide advice and support to the wider hospital in the nursing care/management of stroke patients.

Working in the stroke team you will:

• Have access to continuous stroke specific teaching days & ad hoc specialist training.
• Enjoy an amazing team atmosphere including ongoing social team activities such as Christmas, summer and fundraising activities, a monthly newsletter and Stroke Shout Out board.
• Benefit from a supportive environment with a focus on health and wellbeing, including H&W coaches on the department.

• Registered nurse at degree level.
• Evidence of CPD – ideally in relation to Stroke.
• Teaching Qualification – Practice Assessor/Supervisor.

• Demonstrated experience in working with hyperacute and acute stroke/emergency medicine/critical care within the UK.
• Understanding of professional nursing issues.
• In‑depth knowledge of stroke and related ailments, including the impact on psychological, mental and related mental health.
• Experience/interest in patients with a diagnosis/potential diagnosis of Stroke and other illnesses affecting patient cognition.

• Evidence of ability to practice as a proficient expert stroke practitioner.
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients & relatives.
• Excellent time management abilities.
• Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements.
• Evidence of an ability/flexibility to lead a team in absence of Ward Sister and/or Stroke Outreach Lead.
• Demonstrated understanding of confidentiality.
• Evidence of critical appraisal skills.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£39,959 to £48,117 a year, Pro Rata Per Annum

UKVI Sponsorship:
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.