Deputy Senior Staff NurseNHS

Job summary

The Deputy Senior Staff Nurse is a senior clinical leadership role responsible for supporting the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in the operational management and clinical leadership of the Neurosurgery Ward. The post holder will ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, effective, and patient-centred care for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures and those with complex neurological and spinal conditions.Working as an experienced registered nurse, the Deputy Senior Staff Nurse will coordinate the day-to-day running of the ward, providing expert clinical support and leadership to the multidisciplinary team. The post holder will be accountable for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care for patients with complex neurosurgical needs, ensuring care is delivered in accordance with evidence-based practice, national standards, Trust policies, and the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

Main duties of the job

The role includes responsibility for clinical shift coordination, patient flow, discharge planning, workforce management, and maintaining high standards of patient safety and quality of care. The Deputy Senior Staff Nurse will regularly take charge of the ward in the absence of the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, ensuring effective management of staffing, resources, patient acuity, and operational pressures.The post holder will act as a visible clinical leader and professional role model, promoting a positive ward culture that supports excellence in patient care, staff wellbeing, and continuous professional development. They will provide supervision, mentorship, and support to registered nurses, nursing associates, healthcare support workers, and students, fostering a learning environment that encourages professional growth and clinical excellence.

Job description

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

The Deputy Senior Staff Nurse will actively contribute to quality improvement initiatives, clinical governance, audit programmes, patient safety activities, research, and service development projects aimed at enhancing outcomes for neurosurgical patients. They will work collaboratively with neurosurgeons, specialist nurses, allied health professionals, and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, holistic care throughout the patient pathway.This role requires advanced clinical knowledge in neurosurgical nursing, strong leadership and organisational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while supporting the strategic and operational objectives of the Trust.

Clinical Leadership and Patient Care Provide expert clinical nursing care to patients with neurosurgical and neurological conditions, ensuring care is safe, effective, evidence-based, and patient-centred. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised programmes of care, making adjustments as required to meet changing patient needs. Act as a clinical role model, demonstrating excellence in professional practice and promoting high standards of care. Coordinate the management of patients throughout their neurosurgical pathway, including admission, treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and discharge. Recognise and respond appropriately to deteriorating patients, ensuring timely escalation and intervention. Ensure that all prescribed treatments, investigations, and interventions are delivered safely and effectively. Promote patient advocacy, shared decision-making, and respect for patients' dignity, privacy, beliefs, and individual preferences.

Ward Management and Operational Leadership Deputise for the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse and assume responsibility for the operational management of the ward in their absence. Lead and coordinate clinical shifts, ensuring the safe and effective running of the ward at all times. Manage patient flow, admissions, transfers, and discharges to support efficient bed utilisation and service delivery. Monitor patient acuity, staffing levels, and skill mix, taking appropriate action to maintain safe staffing and quality care. Support the effective management of resources, equipment, and supplies to ensure efficient ward operations. Escalate operational, staffing, and patient safety concerns appropriately and in a timely manner.

Staff Leadership and Development Provide leadership, support, and supervision to registered nurses, nursing associates, healthcare support workers, and students. Act as a mentor, preceptor, practice supervisor, and assessor as required. Support staff development through clinical teaching, coaching, constructive feedback, and performance management. Contribute to recruitment, induction, appraisal, and retention initiatives within the ward. Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture that promotes staff wellbeing and professional development. Encourage reflective practice and continuous learning within the clinical team.

Communication and Collaborative Working Develop and maintain effective communication with patients, relatives, carers, and members of the multidisciplinary team. Communicate complex, sensitive, and potentially distressing information in a professional and compassionate manner. Collaborate closely with neurosurgeons, specialist nurses, therapists, site teams, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care delivery. Maintain accurate, clear, and contemporaneous patient records in accordance with NMC standards and Trust policies. Promote effective handovers and communication processes to ensure continuity of care.

Quality Improvement and Clinical Governance Support the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards, policies, procedures, and care pathways. Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement projects, patient safety initiatives, and service development programmes. Contribute to the investigation and management of incidents, complaints, risks, and safeguarding concerns. Promote evidence-based practice and support the implementation of research findings into clinical care. Monitor nursing standards and contribute to action plans that improve patient outcomes and patient experience. Support the achievement of local, divisional, and Trust quality objectives.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management Promote and maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control standards and Trust policies. Maintain oversight of medicines management and ensure safe administration, storage, and recording of medications. Identify, assess, and manage clinical risks, taking appropriate action to minimise harm. Encourage a culture of learning and openness through effective incident reporting and risk management processes.

Education, Research, and Professional Development Maintain professional registration and clinical competence in accordance with NMC requirements. Participate in mandatory training, annual appraisal, and continuing professional development activities. Support nursing students and learners in achieving educational objectives and competencies. Promote clinical excellence through education, research participation, and evidence-based practice. Contribute to innovation and service improvement initiatives that enhance neurosurgical patient care.

General Responsibilities Act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust values at all times. Maintain confidentiality and comply with Data Protection and Information Governance requirements. Uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in all aspects of patient care and staff management. Ensure efficient and responsible use of Trust resources. Support the Trust's response to major incidents, service pressures, and emergency situations as required. Undertake any additional duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

The Deputy Senior Staff Nurse is expected to act as a visible clinical leader, ensuring the delivery of exceptional neurosurgical care while supporting staff development, operational effectiveness, patient safety, and continuous service improvement.

Bernard Sunley is a 28 bedded acute Neurosurgical ward. It is a fast paced and dynamic working environment with ample development opportunities. It is an exciting time to be involved with an expanding team and develop services while supporting and working closely with all members of the multi-disciplinary team The successful applicant must be highly motivated, had at least 1-2 years experience of senior role, taking in-charge, working alongside with bed manager regarding staffing and patient flow, enthusiastic, an outstanding communicator, can demonstrate first-rate organisational and multitasking skills and the ability to prioritise effectively and efficiently in an acute work environment. The successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to support, train, and educate others, work well autonomously and as a team member. The successful candidate should always practise the Trust values and seek to work alongside nursing colleagues to deliver a high standard of individualised care. Support of the Trust direction on inclusivity and diversity within all areas of the role and service will also be integral to the role.

It is a highly rewarding role, whereby you will have the chance to enhance your skills and career with support of the organisation, in a developing area of a high profile and successful NHS trust.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:o University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)o National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgeryo Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitalso University College Hospital Grafton Way Buildingo Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicineo University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centreo The Hospital for Tropical Diseaseso University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.