Staff Nurse - Day Surgery Unit​/Recovery

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

Day Surgery Unit / Recovery – Princess Anne Hospital

We are looking to recruit a motivated and enthusiastic Band 5 Registered Nurse to join our Day Surgery Unit (DSU) and Recovery team at Princess Anne Hospital on a 12‑month maternity cover basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a small, friendly, and supportive team, delivering high‑quality care to patients undergoing day surgery procedures. The role offers a varied and dynamic working environment where you will be supported to develop your clinical and recovery nursing skills.

• Provide safe, high‑quality care to patients in the immediate post‑operative recovery phase
• Monitor and assess patients following anaesthesia, ensuring early recognition of deterioration
• Work collaboratively with anaesthetists, surgeons, and the wider multidisciplinary team
• Support patients through their surgical journey, ensuring a positive experience
• Participate in maintaining high standards of infection prevention, patient safety, and documentation

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 proudly champion individuality, recognising 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.

• A welcoming and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to develop and enhance your recovery and perioperative skills
• Exposure to a wide range of surgical specialities
• Ongoing support for professional development
• This post is ideal for a nurse looking to expand their experience in recovery nursing while contributing to a team that values collaboration, learning, and high standards of care

Registered Nurse (NMC registered). Previous recovery experience is desirable. Ability to work effectively within a team in a fast‑paced environment. Strong communication and organisational skills. Commitment to delivering compassionate, patient‑centred care.

• Registered nurse on relevant part of the register
• Degree or equivalent experience
• Has the ability to assist in carrying out the transfer of a patient through the intraoperative phase of perioperative care, giving concise accurate handover
• Demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to support learners in practice and to create a positive learning environment
• Practices and promotes the use of evidence‑based practice
• Knowledge of current issues within acute health service
• Understanding of personal accountability
• Aptitude for caring for the anaesthetised and/or acutely unwell patient

• Experience of teaching and supporting learners in practice
• Relevant resus qualification, ie Immediate Life Support
• Experience of working within relevant care setting
• Specialist theatre work‑based learning course, or mentorship course, post‑qualification
• Interest in research to promote good practice

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving