Trainee Sexual Health and Contraception Nurse

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Hove; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A public healthcare organization in Hove is hiring a registered nurse for a new nursing post focused on sexual health and contraception. The role requires a Band 5 nurse who will undergo training with a pathway for promotion to Band 6. Candidates should have strong clinical skills, a degree, and the willingness to train in sexual health. This position offers the opportunity to deliver patient-centred care and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Registered General Nurse qualification is required.
• Willingness to undertake training in sexual health and contraception is essential.
• Demonstrated excellent clinical skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality nursing care for sexual health and contraception.
• Conduct patient assessments and provide holistic care.
• Work unsupervised and make clinical decisions.

Skills

Excellent clinical skills

Teamwork

Current clinical issues knowledge

Interest/experience in sexual health

Delivering person-centred care

Education

Registered General Nurse

Degree level study or equivalent experience

Tools

Computer skills (databases, Word, Excel)

Job description

Job overview

SHAC service is seeking a new nursing post for registered nurses with no required sexual health or contraception experience. Brighton Sexual Health and Contraception is an integrated service operating across three main sites in Brighton and surrounding areas, providing a comprehensive, evidence‑based, patient‑focused service for contraception and sexual health.

Successful candidates will start as a Band 5 nurse with a structured training plan. On completion of training, promotion to Band 6 is expected within 24 months, depending on individual progress.

The role involves regular meetings with the line manager to discuss training needs and support learning.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver planned, high‑quality nursing care encompassing the sexual health and contraception needs of patients.
• Provide evidence‑based, holistic care: history taking, assessment of needs (including contraception, pregnancy, risk behaviours, alcohol/drug use, mental health), venepuncture, asymptomatic pathway facilitation, genital examinations, specimen collection (cervical cytology, pregnancy testing), diagnostic microscopy, discussion of results, diagnosis and management, medicines administration, genital wart treatments, health promotion and signposting.
• Complete training and competency assessments and support acquisition of a recognised contraception and GUM qualification.
• Work unsupervised, triage patients, and make clinical decisions based on assessment skills and knowledge.
• Provide service across hub and spoke sites, including evenings and weekends.

Working for our organisation

UHSussex values diversity, inclusivity, and supportive staff networks. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See attached Band 5 and Band 6 Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Role is eligible for UKVI Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting relevant UKVI criteria (e.g. skill level, salary threshold £25,000). Currently not hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses directly.

Person specification

Experience and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered General Nurse.
• Degree level study or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to undertake specific training in sexual health and contraception.

Desirable criteria

• Mentorship course completed.

Skills

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated excellent clinical skills.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of current clinical issues.
• Interest or experience in sexual health, contraception or LGBTQ+ health.
• Evidence of delivering person‑centred care daily.

Desirable criteria

• Competent venepuncture.
• Post‑graduate experience in sexual health providing GUM and/or contraception care.
• Competent diagnostic microscopy.
• Competent HPV ablative therapies.
• Ability to apply Fraser competencies for under‑16s.
• Aware of Trust policies and financial position.
• Experience of delegation.
• Evidence of managing complex patients.

People Management and Development

Essential criteria

• Good written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to vary communication style according to audience and clinical situation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of clinical supervision and reflective practice.
• Ability to supervise work of other staff and learners.
• Experience supervising junior staff, supported by senior staff or manager.
• Ability to co‑ordinate clinic team work.

Specific Requirements

Essential criteria

• Able to prioritise and manage a range of tasks with competing demands.
• Able to delegate effectively.
• Able to maintain a functional clinic environment for excellent care.
• Able to participate in multidisciplinary team work and coordinate input as required.
• Computer skills: databases, spreadsheets, Word, Excel and other clinical systems.

Freedom to Act

Essential criterion

• Works on own initiative within NMC / HPC guidelines, policies and established practice.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential criteria

• Evidence of own development to improve understanding of equality issues.
• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles (where appropriate).

A Note on AI Use in Applications

We strongly discourage the use of AI tools in completing applications. Responses should reflect your own voice, experiences and motivations to ensure a fair and accurate assessment.

Applications heavily dependent on AI‑generated content may be rejected.

Closing Adverts Early

In the event of exceptional interest, adverts may close early or upon reaching application caps.

Flexible Working

Discuss flexible working options with the recruiting or line manager.

DBS Checks

All new employees undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa

Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcomed for eligible roles. Applicants must ensure they meet UKVI criteria. For details, visit the gov.uk website.

Role Closure Policy

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if a high volume of applications is received.