Deputy Ward Sister​/Charge Nurse

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 12 March 2026

Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care, and clinically are skilled? Do you enjoy supporting and developing others? Eastbrook ward may have an opportunity for you!

We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring, hardworking nurse, with experience in elderly care and dementia to join our dynamic, friendly and highly motivated team as a deputy ward sister. Eastbrook ward is a friendly ward with diverse staff. You will assist in helping to provide high‑quality care to inpatients with frailty‑related conditions including dementia, chronic lung disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease and diabetes.

Your role will be supporting the ward sister and being a mentor to junior nurses.

We are a very supportive team, and can offer a good orientation and will be happy to give you guidance for future development.

Successful candidates are expected to lead the nursing team and deputise for the ward manager. They must have strong communication skills with the multidisciplinary team and also ensure that safety and quality are maintained for patients, their families and staff. This will be achieved by supporting the team with skill and enthusiasm.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in elderly care and caring for those with frailty needs as well as dementia and other medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.

The applicant will need experience of complex discharge planning, and will require good communication skills to liaise confidently with our extended multidisciplinary team, and have the ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families.

As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations. We have an inclusive team culture and value innovative and creative thinking.

You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward sister, supporting staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward sister in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.

In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities. The ward has a bespoke learning programme and you will be well supported with personal development goals.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role‑specific criteria.

The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance, and infection control. The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses, helping them develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff.

He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles…