Registered Nurse - General Critical Care

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading NHS Trust as a Band 5 Nurse in a dynamic critical care unit. You'll provide expert care to critically ill patients, engaging with families while benefiting from a structured development pathway, including opportunities for further qualifications. We value a diverse workforce and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Must hold current UK RN registration with the NMC.
• Experience in acute nursing within a hospital setting preferred.
• Good communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate and deliver effective quality nursing care for level 1-3 patients.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and learners.
• Manage patient care in the absence of senior colleagues.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Nursing Care

Critical Thinking

Patient Management

Education

Current UK RN registration with the NMC

Post registration critical care qualification (desirable)

Job description

Job Summary

Would you like to join a fantastic team of nurses? Are you looking for a challenge of working in a dynamic innovative Critical Care unit as part of a Major Trauma Centre?

We value the personal skills, experience and qualities that every member of staff brings, creating a diverse, knowledgeable and supportive team. If you are passionate about delivering high standards of patient care and making a difference then we want to hear from you.

Penrose Ward is an 18 bedded General Critical care unit supporting a variety of specialties for both elective and emergency admissions, including medicine , surgery, major trauma and paediatrics, with a planned expansion of this service to become a 28 bedded unit.

All successful candidates will benefit from a structured orientation and induction programme run by our established Education team which consists of bedside facilitators supported by our Band 7 Critical Care Educator. Staff will follow an education pathway, which is competency based (using the Critical Care National Competency Framework). There will also be opportunity to undertake a 60 credit Critical Care course in conjunction with the University of Plymouth.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for co-ordinating and delivering effective quality nursing care for level 1-3 patients within the critical care area, utilising a patient centred model of practice and all available resources to provide excellence in practice, provide clinical expertise and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Supervision and direction of junior nursing staff, healthcare assistants and learners.

Manage care on a day-to-day basis for all patients in the clinical area in the absence of more senior colleagues, utilising knowledge of standards, policies and procedures outlined by the hospital.

Although budgetary responsibilities remain in the control of the modern matron, the post holder will be aware of the effective use of resources and cost implications and will work to ensure that a high standard of care is provided in the most cost effective way.

To be professionally accountable and responsible for the nursing care of a group of patients requiring critical care nursing, with an understanding of the potential risks involved to ensure patient safety.

Opportunities are available for a structured progression, with potential rotational posts at B5 within the 2 Critical Care units, and at B6 with the Acute Care Team. Registered Nurses have options for further professional development with roles in Research, Assistant Critical care Practitioner or Education.

About Us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

13 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year Per Annum Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

216-SF-S7271979

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Job Description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Ensure high standards of care in accordance with agreed policies, procedures and standards.
• Provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care by initiating and co-ordinating the assessment, planning and evaluating of individual patient needs based on evidence and use of relevant nursing models.
• Coordinate, report and document any relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes with other health care professionals with on-going responsibility for patient care as they occur.
• Promote and deliver health education within the clinical area and advise patient, family and others in health promotion issues
• Engage and interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patients care planning as outlined in the unit philosophy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and play an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care.
• Supervise, assess, mentor and support all health care professionals including bank, agency staff, and learners after appropriate training.
• Increase the level of knowledge and skills within the trust through sharing best practice and supporting others to develop their professional abilities.
• Implement and share good infection control practice
• Undertake manual handling assessments and ensure identified actions are met.
• Develop key skills in patient management to assist medical staff in the assessment and resuscitation of critically ill patients.
• These skills will involve:
• - The setting up, calibration and use of critical care specific equipment including advanced haemodynamic and neurological monitoring, ventilators, dialysis machines and intra-aortic balloon pumps.
• - Inter and Intra hospital transfer of level 1-3 patients -Near patient testing e.g. Blood and urine testing
• Following appropriate training in basic/advanced life support and child protection provide critical care nursing to paediatric patients.
• At all times comply with legal and Plymouth NHS Trust requirements to administer prescribed medication/intravenous fluid effectively and safely, and use autonomy and skill to titrate medication according to the patients condition.
• Contribute to decisions on life supporting treatment using knowledge of ethical and legal issues, and when appropriate contribute to discussions on withdrawing treatments from patients. Support patient, relative and colleagues through the bereavement emotions and practicalities.
• Disseminate knowledge through report writing, reviewing and taking full responsibility for clinical accuracy, reliability and being sensitive to the wider implications of that dissemination.
• Ensure that expertise within your area is seen as a resource within and outside the trust and working partnerships with other health and social care service providers.
  
  

For further details please see attached JD&PS

Job Description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Ensure high standards of care in accordance with agreed policies, procedures and standards.
• Provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care by initiating and co-ordinating the assessment, planning and evaluating of individual patient needs based on evidence and use of relevant nursing models.
• Coordinate, report and document any relevant nursing/patient needs, communicating changes with other health care professionals with on-going responsibility for patient care as they occur.
• Promote and deliver health education within the clinical area and advise patient, family and others in health promotion issues
• Engage and interact with carers/family encouraging them to be actively involved in patients care planning as outlined in the unit philosophy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and play an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care.
• Supervise, assess, mentor and support all health care professionals including bank, agency staff, and learners after appropriate training.
• Increase the level of knowledge and skills within the trust through sharing best practice and supporting others to develop their professional abilities.
• Implement and share good infection control practice
• Undertake manual handling assessments and ensure identified actions are met.
• Develop key skills in patient management to assist medical staff in the assessment and resuscitation of critically ill patients.
• These skills will involve:
• - The setting up, calibration and use of critical care specific equipment including advanced haemodynamic and neurological monitoring, ventilators, dialysis machines and intra-aortic balloon pumps.
• - Inter and Intra hospital transfer of level 1-3 patients -Near patient testing e.g. Blood and urine testing
• Following appropriate training in basic/advanced life support and child protection provide critical care nursing to paediatric patients.
• At all times comply with legal and Plymouth NHS Trust requirements to administer prescribed medication/intravenous fluid effectively and safely, and use autonomy and skill to titrate medication according to the patients condition.
• Contribute to decisions on life supporting treatment using knowledge of ethical and legal issues, and when appropriate contribute to discussions on withdrawing treatments from patients. Support patient, relative and colleagues through the bereavement emotions and practicalities.
• Disseminate knowledge through report writing, reviewing and taking full responsibility for clinical accuracy, reliability and being sensitive to the wider implications of that dissemination.
• Ensure that expertise within your area is seen as a resource within and outside the trust and working partnerships with other health and social care service providers.
  
  

For further details please see attached JD&PS

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Current UK RN registration with the NMC or due within 6 months.
  
  

Desirable

• Post registration critical care qualification or demonstrable experience amounting to same.
  
  

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable general nursing background.
• Proven evidence of continued and recent academic and clinical development.
• Awareness of research and evidence based practice.
• Computer Skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Recent acute nursing experience within a hospital setting.
• Intravenous therapy skills.
• Teaching and Mentoring.
• ECG recording/ basic interpretation.
  
  

Aptitude & Abiltities

Essential

• Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
• Effective influencing skills; in general and with senior health care professionals.
• Team work.
• Works in calm and organised manner.
  
  

Desirable

• Ability to facilitate change within the work area.
• Organisational & prioritisation skills.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential

• Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
• Effective influencing skills; in general and with senior health care professionals.
• Team work.
• Works in calm and organised manner.
  
  

Desirable

• Ability to facilitate change within the work area.
• Organisational & prioritisation skills.
  
  

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)