HDU​/Recovery Lead Nurse

The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth invites applications for the position of HDU/Recovery Lead Nurse at 60 Grove End Road in St John’s Wood, London.

The post-holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operational management of the HDU and Recovery units and for supporting the wards via the outreach service, delivering high quality post‑anaesthetic and critical care, and ensuring compliance with CQC and IC services.

• Manage and lead the unit on a continual basis, providing support to Duty Managers, Ward Managers and Theatre Suites.
• Provide supervision and support to the team.
• Deliver an outreach service to the ward, offering support and guidance in the care of the acutely unwell patient.
• Assist in planning and delivering individualised, safe, effective and evidence‑based patient care.
• Ensure the provision of a welcoming, caring and safe environment for patients and their families.
• Manage the department and the resources, including staffing resources within the agreed annual budget.
• Carry out tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Theatre Manager, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Nursing Officer, supporting the management and development of the nursing service of the Hospital.
• Act as Duty Manager and work closely with Consultant Users of the Ward.
• Present and deliver teaching sessions for the clinical staff.
• Mentor staff and conduct performance review appraisals.
• Conduct risk assessments in accordance with hospital policies, procedures and national regulations.
• Ensure the unit meets CQC, IC and BARNA standards.
• Maintain documentation standards in line with hospital policies, procedures and protocols.
• Lead and manage HDU and Recovery staff.
• Collaborate with Critical Care Fellows to ensure rota coverage and address any cover issues.
• Exhibit best practice standards, be a role model for the team.
• Assess, plan, deliver and evaluate high‑level critical care for patients.
• Deliver high‑level post‑anaesthetic care within the Theatre Recovery Room.
• Work with the Anaesthetic team to deliver safe patient care.
• Promote patient, visitor and staff safety and wellbeing.
• Participate actively in the emergency response team.
• Participate in on‑call rota and internal shift rotations (including night duty).
• Show strong teamwork within the unit and across the hospital.
• Participate fully as a team member in all areas of the HDU and Theatre Suite, promoting cohesion and achieving team objectives.
• Email & training development of other staff.
• Provide initial urgent or emergency care as required.
• Commit to improving skills within the critical care and post‑operative environment.

• Registered Nurse.
• Teaching/Mentorship qualification.
• Recognised postgraduate Critical Care qualification.
• Management and Leadership qualification.
• Minimum 5 years experience within the role of Recovery Nurse.
• Minimum 5 years experience within the Critical Care environment.
• Experience with in the Independent sector.
• Ability to work efficiently with a multidisciplinary team and internal/external stakeholders.
• Competence in delivering high‑level post‑anaesthetic and critical care.
• Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for practice.
• Ability to analyse and demonstrate evidence‑based practice.
• Ability to exercise rational judgment when escalating issues.

Contract:

Permanent
Working pattern:
Full‑time
Salary:
Depending on experience
Closing date: 15 June 2026

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exception Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Recruitment Coordinator:
Parleen Sethi
Email: