Staff Nurse - Critical Care | University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A major trauma center in England is seeking a motivated Band 5 Staff Nurse for their Critical Care team. The role involves providing high-standard individualized care and leading nursing staff in a dynamic environment. Candidates must have post-registration experience in critical care, possess leadership skills, and demonstrate decision-making capabilities. The organization champions diversity, offers extensive learning opportunities, and strives to promote a flexible working environment. Join a supportive team dedicated to excellent patient care and professional development.

Benefits

Structured education and training

Flexible working environment

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in critical care or high care nursing is essential.
• Significant post-registration experience required.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized patient care in line with Trust policies.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients.
• Lead and supervise nursing staff at Band 5 and below.

Skills

Critical Care Nursing

Ward management

Clinical decision making

Infection Control

Communication with patients

Education

Registered Nurse (Degree/Diploma)

Job description

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

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

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. 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 well‑being 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.

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/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.
• To inform the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/Matron of any complaint received or adverse event, reporting on what action has been taken, in accordance with Trust Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 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/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/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.

This advert closes on Friday 9 Jan 2026.