Staff Nurse - Surgical Pre-Assessment and Day surgery unit

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in the UK is seeking a specialist nurse assessor for their surgical pre-assessment unit. This role requires surgical experience and a minimum of one year post-registration experience in the UK. You will perform pre-operative assessments, manage patient caseloads, and work alongside a dedicated anaesthetic team in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year post registration UK experience required.
• Details of surgical experience preferred for managing elective patients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-operative anaesthetic assessments for elective surgery patients.
• Manage and prepare patients for surgery ensuring safe and timely care.
• Communicate effectively with patients and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Surgical experience

Ability to undertake physiological observations

Interest in further learning and development

Teamwork

Communication

Education

UK registration & Band 5 post reg experience

Job description

Job overview

• THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the surgical Pre assessment, admissions unit at Worthing Hospital for a secondment to cover one year maternity leave. This post is being advertised as a training post if no previous pre assessment experience.

This is an opportunity to work as a specialist nurse assessor, reviewing and optimising patient's health before undergoing elective surgery.

You will have the opportunity to work closely with dedicated anaesthetic team and work autonomously in nurse-led Pre Operative clinic, managing a case load of patients. While working in a modern, supportive and friendly environment.

Prior experience in pre operative assessment is not essential but surgical experience is. We would like applicants with a minimum of 1 year post registration UK experience. In house training and teaching will be provided for the role.

Surgical experience required as role will involve supporting elective patients pre and post operatively ensuring safe nurse lead discharges of day case patients on Chanctonbury suite our admissions ward.

Informal visits welcome ( call 01903 205111 ext 84908 to speak to nurse in charge to arrange).

Main duties of the job

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHS Sussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust / Manager. Secondments can't be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

• Pre-Operative Anaesthetic Assessment of elective surgery patients.
• Ensure patients are individually managed case by case and prepared for elective surgery in a safe and timely manner.
• Complete and analyse tests, observations and results - recognise abnormalities that require further input.
• Provide high quality evidence based clinical care and clear communication to patients, in line with the Trust Values and in accordance with professional regulations.
• Work along other teams to coordinate required care, refer for further support and investigations.
• Clear communication between teams and patient to ensure safe surgical journey. Give written and verbal advice / teaching to patients and carers.
• Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in providing compassionate care for patients, visitors / relatives and colleagues.
• Contribute towards sharing good practice within the ward / department and Trust wide.
• Supporting patients on their admission to hospital, preparing them for theatre and the safe recovery and discharge of post operative day case patients.

Working for our organisation

At UHS Sussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

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.

Working autonomously in own clinic, managing own caseload of patients as well as working within a team.

Work cohesively with all members of the ward team and promote effective liaison with all members of the multi-disciplinary team in ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.

Communicate effectively within the team, participate in motivating and supporting team members and maintain confidentiality with patients and carers.

Give written and verbal advice / teaching to patients and carers.

Supporting, mentoring student nurses and junior staff.

Supporting pre operative elective patients. Caring for post operative patients and ensuring a safe nurse lead discharge.

Will need to be adaptable to working in two different areas. Chanctonbury suite is an admission area used for many specialities. It is a very busy area and requires good organisational skills and team work.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• UK registration & Band 5 post reg experience
• Interest in further learning and development
• Surgical experience
• Ability to undertake physiological observations, and ECG recording

Desirable criteria

• Mentorship / Teaching qualification
• Surgical pre assessment experience
• Venepuncture
• Experience of supervising students and junior staff

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria

• 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.

UHS Sussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.