Staff Nurse - Surgery

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Registered Nurse (Band
5) to join our dynamic and supportive Surgical Ward, specialising in Hepato‑Pancreato‑Biliary (HPB) and Urology care.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop strong surgical nursing skills while working at the heart of a fast-paced, highly skilled multidisciplinary team.

Our ward offers excellent exposure to both planned and emergency cases, providing an ideal environment for newly qualified nurses and those looking to progress within surgical specialties.

The team work together to deliver high standard of care for patients that have undergone pioneering and routine surgery, and thrives on challenge to constantly improve the patient experience from admission to a successful discharge. We continue to develop enhanced recovery programmes to reduce patient length of stay and improve patient outcomes. We are a proud spirited team who always put the patient first whilst building trusting relationships with our patient and their families.

As a team, our is to empower patients to become partners in their care by giving them the information and support they require throughout their surgical journey.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

As a successful candidate your skills as a registered nurse will be used to :

• Delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to patients undergoing HPB and urology procedures.
• Supporting patients through pre-operative and post-operative journeys, including managing complex surgical needs.
• Working collaboratively with surgeons, specialist nurses, anesthetists, physiotherapists, and wider MDT members.
• Administering medications, managing surgical drains, supporting enhanced recovery pathways, and providing catheter and stoma care.
• Contributing to effective discharge planning to ensure safe transitions of care.
• Maintaining accurate clinical documentation and participating in audit, quality improvement, and ward development initiatives.

• NMC Registered Nurse (RN Adult).
• Passion for delivering safe, compassionate patient care.
• Strong communication, organisation, and time‑management skills.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a busy clinical environment.
• Previous surgical experience is welcome but not essential—we offer full support and training for newly qualified nurses.

• A structured induction programme and named preceptor for newly qualified nurses.
• Opportunities to gain specialist skills in HPB, urology, and complex surgical nursing.
• Access to in-house training, study days, and support for ongoing CPD.
• Clear career development pathways, including progression to Band 6 roles.
• A friendly, inclusive team committed to delivering outstanding patient care.
• Staff wellbeing initiatives and access to NHS benefits, including pension and generous annual leave.

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Understanding of personal accountability
• Knowledge of own role within the team
• Provide evidence of teaching and supporting learners in practice in the role of practice supervisor
• Awareness of evidence-based practice
• Awareness of responsibilities for management of infection control
• Evidence of on-going personal development
• Able to use initiative

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of recent study
• Previous experience/qualification in relevant specialty
• Teaching experience

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving