Staff Nurse
Job overview
Staff Nurse
Department: Intensive Care Unit
Band 5 £29,970 - £36,483 Per annum
Hours: 37.5, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Are you positive, proactive, hardworking and self-motivated but more importantly compassionate and caring to yourself and to others? Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Intensive Care Unit wants to meet you and share your skills with ours.
We are a supportive, growing team in an expanding city wanting to make a positive difference for our patients and families. We are 10 bedded Intensive Care Unit in a University Teaching Hospital managing patients requiring Level 2 and 3 care, including the treatment and transfer of adult and paediatric patients for specialist management.Holistic care is at the centre of everything we do and we are proud to run a successful multidisciplinary rehabilitation service.
We are not afraid of challenge, change and innovation and actively participate in research, simulation training and shared learning across the national critical care community to strive for excellence.
No previous critical care experience is required to become part of our dynamic and friendly team. We provide a structured education strategy to help individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required to become a critical care nurse. This includes an induction programme of up to 6 weeks in-house teaching and supervision.
Interview date: w/c 16 June 2025
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity for you as a Band 5 Registered Nurse, interested in full or part time vacancies, to fulfil your potential in critical care nursing and your future career.
You will be required to complete a 1-year online Foundation programme, in line with the National Step 1 Competency Framework. Following the completion of the Foundation programme, you will also be able to access clinical teaching and leadership opportunities across the Trust and will be fully supported to undertake a Level 6/7 recognised Critical Care Qualification.
You can expect a warm welcome, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours.
Working for our organisation
MKUH staff scored highest for ‘I look forward to coming to work’ (NHS Staff Survey 2023).
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
Join #TeamSurgery at Milton Keynes University Hospital
The surgery division at MKUH, which covers specialties including theatres and the Intensive Care Unit, offers a variety of roles and opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical. The division are looking for passionate, enthusiastic and forward-thinking professionals to join the team.
MKUH is one of the leading hospitals in Europe for implementing robotics to assist in surgery, becoming the first in the continent to use the CMR Versius robot for gynaecological surgery. Since its introduction in 2019, the theatres team have completed over 500 surgical cases, the first hospital in the UK to reach this milestone, achieving this in March 2023.
As well as being an innovator in robotics, the Trust is proud to be part of the New Hospital Programme, with plans to expand and increase our surgical capacity to meet the health needs of our communities now and in the future.
With a leading benefits package, and a growing hospital estate to meet one of the fastest growing populations in the country, it is a great time to join MKUH.
Find out more about working in #TeamSurgery at MKUH from the people who work across the division in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mYel-Y9nrU
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To act at all times in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Code of Conduct.
To care for patients and their families within the framework of the department’s philosophy of care.
To maintain patient and relative confidentiality at all times.
To be aware of personal responsibilities regarding Health and Safety at work, fire procedure and the safe storage and administration of drugs within Trust policy and established law.
To positively contribute to the process of change within the department when this is aimed at the improvement of patient care.
To contribute to the wellbeing of the team by demonstrating support for colleagues and showing high levels of enthusiasm and commitment.
To have knowledge of, and act within current Trust Policies and Guidelines of Clinical Practice.
To ensure that material resources are utilised sensibly and cost-effectively.
To assist in the initiation and evaluation of quality control methods within the department.
To promote a positive and professional image by ensuring patient’s relatives are met in a courteous, helpful and compassionate manner.
To make a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs according to an agreed model of nursing care.
To formulate evidence based programmes of care based on an assessment and evaluation of patient needs.
To implement or supervise the implementation of all nursing actions as planned.
To measure the effect of nursing actions, taking into account the patient’s perception and amend the plan of care as required working within the department’s protocols and guidelines.
To liaise with all members of the multi-disciplinary team on matters affecting patient care and ensure sound communication with the nurse in charge.
To act appropriately and effectively in the event of an emergency situation
To be competent in the use of specialised equipment
To participate in the planning of arrangements for the patient’s discharge or transfer to ward.
To maintain own personal and professional development in accordance with NMC guidelines.
To participate in the department’s in service training and complete departmental competency programme.
To participate in the department’s performance review programme.
To assist with the orientation of new members of staff.
To act as a practice supervisor/ assessor for learner nurses during their allocation to the Unit, enabling them to gain maximum benefit from their allocation (first level nurses only), by ensuring that a suitable learning environment is maintained.
To participate in department meetings as appropriate.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS.This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential criteria- Registered General Nurse
- Competent in drug calculation as assessed at interview
- Awareness of NHS policies
- Awareness of infection control issues
- Understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace
- Practice supervisor/ assessor in professional practice course or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria- Relevant post basic NHS experience in an acute setting immediately prior to application
- Computer literate
- Experience working within critical care or HDU environment
- Experience of working in a team
Skills
Essential criteria- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives
- Ability to prioritise and organise work load effectively
- Ability to demonstrate commitment high standards of care
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to plan and organise own work load
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Good time management
Personal and people development
Essential criteria- Presents a professional appearance
- Able to work well within a team and develop effective interpersonal relationships
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic to learn critical care skills and competencies
Communication
Essential criteria- Able to show empathy and respect for families and patients in Critical Care.
- To be able to work alongside the extensive Multidisciplinary Team in Critical Care carrying out instruction and feeding back information.
- Liaising with purchasing and representatives of medical companies.
- Able to document accurately care and use trust documentation within trust policy and guidelines
Specific requirements
Essential criteria- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations