Lead Practice Development Nurse Acute Medical Unit & SDEC

NHS; Brighton; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Brighton is seeking a Lead Practice Development Nurse to oversee the education and development of nursing staff in the Acute Medical Unit. The successful candidate will promote high standards of care and facilitate continuous professional development. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary between £47,810 and £54,710 per annum, contributing to a progressive learning environment within a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working to support work-life balance

Wellbeing programme for staff

Qualifications

• Post registration experience within acute care.
• Extensive knowledge on the management of acutely ill patients.
• Evidence of continuing education and personal academic development.

Responsibilities

• Promote delivery of the highest standards of professional nursing care.
• Lead planning and implementation of educational activities.
• Facilitate continuous professional development in a learning environment.

Skills

Mentorship

Teaching

Leadership

Education

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Health Studies

NMC registration with current PIN

Job description

Job summary

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the Royal Sussex County Hospital Acute Medical Unit and Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) for a Lead Practice Development Nurse.

The post-holder will be responsible for building a sustainable strategic education model and continue to provide a progressive learning environment for all grades of nursing staff, including some Emergency Care competencies and supporting elements of STAM training. They will also be directly responsible for a Band 6 Practice Educator.

The Acute Medical Unit has 120 nursing staff who care for adult patients with acute illness.

We also have an Same day emergency care (SDEC) and both of these units will shortly be relocated into a new build due to be finished by winter 2025.

The Lead Practice Development Nurse (PDN) role is there to help support and educate health care staff. The PDN's are tasked to provide extensive clinical advice and support to enhance the knowledge base and practical skills of newly qualified nurses, healthcare assistants, nursing associates and other learners in the unit.

Main duties of the job

To work in conjunction with Band 6 Practice Development Nurse, Matron and the senior nursing team to promote delivery of the highest standards of professional nursing care to acutely ill patients and those presenting to the Acute Medical Unit and the Same Day Emergency Care Unit.

To lead in the planning, implementation, co-ordination and evaluation of educational activities within the AMU and SDEC, to promote nursing excellence.

Facilitate the continuous professional development and education of all members of staff in a positive learning environment.

• Act as an expert clinical practitioner and provide high quality nursing care at senior level.
• Ensure the highest quality of nursing care is delivered to all patients with the promotion of evidence based practice.
• To integrate policies, education, practice development and research relevant to the clinical area.
• Act as a resource and adviser for future service developments and trust wide training and education.
• To provide a rolling education programme equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and skills required, inclusive of in house STAM.
• To act as a self-directed practitioner, providing support and guidance for staff working within the AMU and SDEC.

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.

About us

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Details

Date posted: 03 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 279-7465290-OCT25

Job locations: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Rd, Brighton, BN25BE

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for detailed overview.

People Management and Development

• Be able to develop, motivate and lead a team by using objectives in line with unit, divisional and corporate goals.
• Be able to demonstrate a high degree of personal motivation and innovation.
• To identify, co-ordinate and lead on training and educational needs within the Emergency Department, planning future educational requirements with the Matron.
• Working with other senior nursing team to undertake appraisals for junior staff members on an annual basis ensuring feedback on performance is given at regular intervals throughout the year with an emphasis on the training needs.
• Identify training needs of self and staff and plan, implement and evaluate in accordance with the need of the service.
• Ensure a supportive teaching and learning environment is in place for staff in the department.
• Ensure all staff are working to their required level of clinical and professional competence
• To lead and manage the development of nurses new to the Emergency Department, including the UTC, incorporating theoretical teaching, clinical skills assessment and formulation of personal development plans. Provide comprehensive local induction and orientation plans.
• To promote a positive learning environment, sharing knowledge and instruct all new staff in new procedures and policy changes.
• To act as a role model and mentor for all Emergency Department & UTC staff.
• Identify staff learning needs and use motivational skills to encourage and support their educational and training needs.
• To participate in competency based assessments and on-going reviews of extended roles within the unit, including leadership development for all levels of nurses.
• Provide clinical supervision for junior nurses on a daily shift basis.
• To participate in the on-going development of competencies for junior nursing staff.
• To provide specialist training and educational programmes, promoting an environment conducive to learning for all staff, including members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Undertake assessment of practice and mentorship of nursing staff on pre and post registration education courses. Provide clinical supervision, highly specialist advice and assess competence in clinical practice.
• To maintain and promote links with higher education facilities to maximise learning opportunities, in particular in relation to curriculum planning and evaluation of critical care courses.
• To co-ordinate applications for study leave within the Emergency Department/UTC.

Person Specification

Professional registration

• NMC registration with current PIN

Experience and Qualifications

• Post registration experience within acute care.
• Mentorship course
• Teaching experience
• Evidence of interaction with practice development.
• Substantial experience at Band 6 in acute care setting
• Extensive knowledge on the management of acutely ill patients.
• Evidence of continuing education and personal academic development
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Master of Science (MSc) in Health Studies/working towards
• Evidence of education experience and/or academic qualification

Desirable

• Significant experience in acute care.
• Leadership qualification.
• ALS provider.
• Understanding of the National Nursing Agenda
• Proficient in computer skills.
• Experience with communicating at strategic level.
• Undertaking of training needs analysis.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Rd, Brighton, BN25BE