Experienced Staff Nurse - Dorcas Ward

Experienced Staff Nurse - Dorcas Ward

The closing date is 22 February 2026

Dorcas Ward is a 28 bedded thoracic surgical ward specialising in patients with respiratory conditions and Lung cancer. Dorcas Ward provides the highest quality of nursing care to both male and female patients, on emergency and planned admission pathways.

We carry out major lung surgery, requiring cardiac monitoring, intense nursing respiratory skills and high flow oxygen therapy. Our patients often have high acuity levels requiring advanced nursing assessment skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a wonderful nursing team at Guys Hospital. Post holder will be responsible for carrying out clinical practice within designated clinical areas, ensuring that high quality, current evidence‑based nursing assessment, care planning, implementation, interventions and evaluations for patients is provided from admission through to discharge.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals – Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.

We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.

We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and – as part of King's Health Partners – we are one of England's eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world‑class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research's biomedical research centres, established with King's College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.

Will be responsible for the application of knowledge across the range of work procedures and practices, underpinned by theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

To act as an advocate for patients within the area, to ensure a patient‑oriented approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines.

To ensure that patients receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals.

Will advise on the promotion of health and the prevention of illness.

Recognise the significance of observations made, and use them to develop and initiate nursing assessments and devise a plan of care.

Carry out those activities necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a person's nursing requirements.

Will ensure that all patients will have a discharge plan that is safe and appropriate for their needs.

Carry out nursing procedures and treatments, checking on and maintaining the highest possible standards.

Work alongside the multi‑disciplinary team to ascertain treatments and advise on nursing priorities.

Take a clear and concise history from patients by assessing their health.

Please see attached Job Description for more details.

• Able to assess, plan, implement & evaluate programmes of care
• Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues.
• Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice
• Knowledge of patients on a surgical pathway

• Able to work as an effective team member
• Experience of working in cardio‑thoracics or ITU
• Must have 6 months NHS or Ireland experience in an acute setting
• Skills required for managing chest drains
• Skilled in managing post operative pain

• Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
• Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice
• Experience at co‑ordinating a shift
• Able to supervise and teach junior staff
• Experience of working in the relevant area

• Registered Nurse on the NMC register with active PIN
• Evidence of continuing professional development

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

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust