Staff Nurse - Critical Care

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Southampton is seeking a Staff Nurse to join their Critical Care team. This role involves providing high standards of individualized patient care, leading a nursing team, and participating in the evaluation of care standards. Ideal candidates will have a nursing degree or diploma, significant post-registration experience, and a commitment to their ongoing professional development. The position offers a supportive environment for career growth, with competitive salaries ranging from £31,049 to £37,796 annually.

Benefits

Structured support and education programme

Flexible working environment

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Qualified Nurse registered on the appropriate part of the register.
• Significant post-registration experience in a critical care setting.
• Experience in managing learners in practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standards of individualised patient care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Lead nursing staff at Band 5 and below and take charge of the unit.
• Monitor and evaluate standards of care, ensuring objectives are achieved.

Skills

Clinical decision making

Patient care

Ward management

Infection control

Education

Degree/Diploma in Nursing

Job description

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Main duties of the job: Critical Care are currently seeking experienced applications from dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic Staff Nurses at Band 5 to join our friendly and supportive teams. UHS is a designated major trauma centre and has general and specialist Critical Care areas, such as Cardiac ICU, Neuro ICU and General ICU.

We are committed to developing you as a Critical Care Nurse and our Critical Care Education team provides structured support to all staff. Our formal education package follows a structured career pathway which includes induction training and an in‑house Foundation programme. All staff follow a nationally recognised competency package and there are opportunities to apply for an adult Critical Care course at degree or masters level.

As a Band 5 Staff Nurse you will have recent post‑registration experience within critical care or high care.

You will be required to provide a high standard of individualised patient care, in accordance with agreed policies and within available resources, which has the Trust core values at its heart. You should be able to demonstrate the aptitude to work in highly pressurised situations with maturity, motivation, enthusiasm and common sense.

You will be committed to working flexibly with the collaboration of an established team and will develop your critical care skills to become a competent member of the nursing team who care for critically ill patients in a complex and challenging environment.

About Us

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.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI‑generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

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 want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, 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.

Job Details

• Date posted: 22 January 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum – Pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time
• Reference number: 188-FTNM110126
• Job locations: University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD

Job Responsibilities

• To act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct at all times.
• To participate in the monitoring and evaluation of standards of care, using Fundamentals of Care as a framework, ensuring that Corporate and nursing objectives are achieved.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised care, providing support to other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• To act as team leader in the supervision of the professional work of nursing staff at Band 5 and below, exercising good leadership and control.
• To take charge of the unit on a regular basis.
• To liaise with all patients and their relatives and ensure that they are kept informed of treatment and progress, and to participate in the provision of advice and support.
• To adopt a pro‑active role in meeting the Clinical Governance agenda for Critical Care.
• To promote evidence‑based practice and to take an active part in any relevant research or audits being undertaken.
• To participate in the discussion of clinical developments with the Matron and Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and to assist in the implementation of changes benefiting the standards of care to patients.
• To inform the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse of any complaints or adverse events received, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with Infection Control standards, in line with Trust policy.
• To organise the reception of patients and visitors in accordance with recognised procedures.
• To ensure patients and relatives have access to medical staff to discuss treatment and progress.
• To arrange the care of patient's property, with their permission, in accordance with policies and within the limitations of hospital responsibilities.
• To maintain good liaison with other nursing units and hospital departments, both within Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and referring hospitals.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced Critical Care Nurse who is ready for the next step in their Nursing career, is passionate and will strive to inspire, develop and support every patient, every colleague, every day.

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Significant post‑registration experience, qualification or training, including experience and knowledge within relevant speciality
• Ward management experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Experience in an acute hospital setting
• Provide evidence of supporting or managing a range of learners in practice
• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice
• Ability to demonstrate clinical decision making and judgement
• Commitment to the post and Care Group responsibilities
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Provide evidence of supporting or managing a range of learners in practice
• Awareness of evidence‑based practice
• Awareness of responsibilities for management of infection control
• Evidence of ongoing development and education
• Able to use initiative

Desirable

• Evidence of recent study
• Previous experience or qualification in relevant specialty
• Teaching experience

Trust Values

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

• Name: University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
• Address: University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD
• Website: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx