HDU​/Recovery Lead Nurse

Overview

Lead Nurse – HDU/Recovery (Up to £44,500). This full‑time position at a leading private hospital in North West London offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work across mixed specialities, delivering outstanding patient care in a dynamic and supportive environment.

• Manage and lead the HDU/Recovery unit on a continual basis.
• Provide supervision and support to Duty Managers, Ward Managers and Theatre Suite staff.
• Deliver an outreach service to the ward, offering support and guidance to acutely unwell patients.
• Assist in planning and delivering individualised, safe, effective and evidence‑based patient care.
• Ensure a welcoming, caring and safe environment for patients and families.
• Manage department resources, including staffing, within the agreed annual budget.
• Support the management and development of the nursing service of the hospital as directed by senior leadership.
• Act as Duty Manager when required.
• Collaborate closely with Consultant Users of the ward.
• Present and deliver teaching sessions for clinical staff.
• Mentor staff and conduct performance review appraisals.
• Carry out risk assessments in line with hospital policies, procedures and national regulations.
• Ensure the unit meets ICC, CQC and BARNA standards.
• Maintain documentation quality in line with hospital policies and protocols.
• Work with Critical Care Fellows to ensure rota coverage and flag cover issues.
• Exhibit best practice standards and act as a role model for the team.
• Assess, plan, deliver and evaluate high‑level critical care for patients.
• Provide high‑level post‑anaesthetic care within the Theatre Recovery Room.
• Collaborate with the Anaesthetic team to deliver high‑quality, safe patient care.
• Promote the safety, wellbeing and interests of patients, visitors and staff.
• Active member of the emergency response team.
• Participate in the on‑call rota and internal shift rotation (including night duty).
• Engage in teamwork across the HDU, Theatre Suite and wider hospital environment.
• Support education, training and development of other staff.
• Provide initial urgent or emergency care as required.
• Commit to continuous improvement of critical care and post‑operative skills.

• Minimum 5 years experience as a Recovery Nurse.
• Minimum 5 years experience within Critical Care.
• Experience in the Independent sector.
• Experience in clinical audit.
• Ability to work efficiently with a multidisciplinary team and stakeholders.
• Flexibility and adaptability to service needs.
• Competence in delivering high‑level critical care and post‑anaesthetic care.
• Understanding of clinical governance and implications for practice.
• Understanding of HR processes.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Excellent organisational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Good computer and numeracy skills.

• Private healthcare scheme worth up to £20,000 per year.
• 27 days annual leave.
• Blue Light Card discounts.
• Interest‑free season ticket loans.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Free eye check‑up vouchers with contribution towards lenses.
• Free newspaper and media subscriptions.
• Local business discounts.
• Discounts in our Hospice Charity shop.
• Refer a Friend scheme.
• Free Cinema Society membership offering discounted tickets.
• Personal development and training courses.
• Annual events and recognition awards.
• Career progression and increments.
• Continuation of NHS pension for employees transferring from NHS.