Staff Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner - Neurosurgery

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in Sussex is seeking a Band 5 Neurosurgery Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). This full-time position requires providing clinical support in a dynamic environment, showcasing your skills and enhancing the patient's experience in a reputable institution. Candidates must hold NMC/HCPC registration and demonstrate commitment to high standards of care and teamwork.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Wellbeing Programme for staff

Supportive training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Interest in pre and post-operative practice with a willingness to develop skills in peri-operative care.
• Experience in critical care/peri-operative setting is desirable.
• Ability to effectively organise self and others.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support & teaching to relevant personnel within the specialist area.
• Assist with the development of safe & high-quality specialist patient care.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained and assist with the safe administration of drugs.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

NMC/HCPC Registration

Job description

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Band 5

Main area Neurosurgery Grade Band 5 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (12 hour shifts(Day/Night) Weekends & On call cover) Job ref 279-7234639-JUN25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £29,970 - £36,483 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 25/06/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

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

Do you wish to work in a new facility where you will have the chance to enhance your specialist skills? If so, this is an excellent opportunity for you.

This is an exciting time for Neurosurgery. Our team has been awarded as the Clinical team of the year 2024 at the recent UHSussex Star Awards.

We work in one of the newest clinical building in the NHS England. All of the Neurosciences services are under the same roof in the Louisa Martindale Building. We have a new suite of Neuro Theatres and IR suites, along with the most stunning views of the sea and south downs.

We are currently seeking highly motivated individuals to join our expanding team to support the Neurosciences Service including Recovery, Scrub, Anaesthetics and the delivery of Polytrauma Service at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Experience in an acute setting is desirable , however in service training will be given.

We accept applications from Nurse/ODP students who are in their final year of training in the UK.

Main duties of the job

• To provide clinical support & teaching to all relevant personnel within the specialist area.
• To provide information & support to patients having anaesthesia / surgery.
• To provide & assist with the development of safe & high quality specialist patient care & to work within the guidelines of the Trust Nursing & Midwifery Strategy.

  This vacancy is suitable for qualified Operating department Practitioners or Nurses who currently hold a valid HCPC/ NMC registration. We welcome applications from students who are in their final year of training in the UK.

  The successful candidates will be required to work an internal rotation shift pattern to provide 24/7 cover for the Neurosurgery and Polytrauma Service at Brighton and will be expected to participate in the on-call rota to meet the needs of the service.

The post holder will complete an orientation period to the clinical area in accordance with the Trust’s induction programme. You will also be supported in your ongoing professional development.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MANAGEMENT / ORGANISATIONAL

• Ensure that accurate records and information systems are maintained.
• Ensure the safe control, custody and administration of all drugs within the peri-operative area in accordance with Trust Policies and national legislation.
• Assist the Team Leader to ensure that patient care reflects the departmental philosophy.
• Ensure that due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients / clients and colleagues and equal opportunities are practised
• Inform Team Leader/Clinical Theatre Manager if there is a change in circumstance, which may affect safe and competent practice.
• Assist the Team Leader to actively lead in the development of their specialised areas within the pre and post-operative services.
• Assist the Team Leader/Senior Recovery Practitioner to ensure self and others attend mandatory training sessions as required.
• Able to demonstrate relevant IT and keyboard skills to enable electronic data collection and communication.
• Effectively communicate with all disciplines, patients/clients and relatives.
• Ensure incident records are completed and acted upon and the manager is informed accordingly.
• Assist senior staff, and occasionally in their absence, manage the team under pressure and, at times, in a highly stressful environment, including emergency situations.
• Ensure the security of the working area is maintained.
• Ensure the provision of a safe working environment for the staff, patients and visitors at all times in line with the Health and Safety at work act.
• Attend routine departmental meetings.
• Ensure adequate stock levels of consumables are maintained and order equipment and supplies as delegated.
• Assist senior staff in ensuring the effective utilisation of theatre session time, ensuring lists start promptly, delays are minimised and throughput is maintained.
• In the absence of senior staff manage the safe and efficient running of Neuro Theatre lists

CLINICAL

• In conjunction with other clinical staff, participates in the setting, monitoring and evaluation of standards of care for patients.
• Using the specialist pre and post-operative care plan the post holder will assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care within sphere of responsibility.
• Provide specialist, technical and clinical information to patients and relevant colleagues in the pre and post-operative setting as required.
• Demonstrate effective management, interpersonal, problem solving and decision making skills to deal with complex and conflicting clinical situations.
• Demonstrate an awareness of changing trends in pre and post-operative practice and possess the skills required to work in these areas.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge that is underpinned by theoretical knowledge and/or relevant practical experience.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage an unpredictable workload and deal with traumatic and emotional situations.
• Demonstrate a high standard of skills in pre operative and post operative areas.
• Ensure the multidisciplinary team maintain documentation and utilise information within the specialist peri-operative care pathway.
• Understand and apply current manual handling policies and procedures specific to patients and equipment.
• Adhere to departmental guidelines regarding infection control and participate in maintaining a clean environment.
• Sustain and update knowledge of maintenance and checking procedures of specialist equipment used within the department.

For full details please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached.

Person specification

Qualifications

• NMC/HCPC Registration

Knowledge and Experience

• Interest in pre and post-operative practice and willingness to develop skills in all areas of peri-operative care.
• Ability to effectively organise self and others.
• Experience of working in critical care/peri-operative setting

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.