Sister​/Charge Nurse; Cardiac Dependency Unit

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Band 7 Senior Sister / Charge Nurse for the Cardiac High Dependency Unit (CHDU) within the Cardiovascular and Thoracic care group.

CHDU is a 20‑bedded cardiac high‑dependency unit caring for mixed‑speciality adult patients, including cardiac surgery, congenital heart disease, thoracic and cardiology patients requiring specialist high‑dependency care. The unit is part of a care group with a local, national and international reputation for high‑quality cardiothoracic care.

As Senior Sister/Charge Nurse you will promote a high standard of patient‑centred care, analyse, monitor and implement actions to ensure safe and effective service delivery in line with the Trust values. You will manage daily operational delivery, line‑manage and develop the nursing team, and act as a key decision maker within the multidisciplinary team, focusing on patient safety, experience and quality assurance frameworks.

We are seeking a graduate‑level qualified nurse with strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, a compassionate approach to patient care and the ability to meet robust clinical operational demands.

Essential Criteria:

• Registered Nurse on the relevant part of the NMC Register
• Recognised mentorship qualification and experience as a Sign‑Off mentor
• Degree or working towards a degree
• Relevant clinical courses
• Course in supporting learners in practice (e.g., Higher Education Institute approved)

Desirable Criteria:

• Management course (or equivalent)

Essential Criteria:

• Evidence of clinical leadership ability
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Evidence of using evidence in practice

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in staff development and succession planning
• Experience as an NMC Sign‑Off mentor or clinical practice assessor

• IT skills and willingness to develop them further

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together