Job summary
- Main area
- Cardiac Surgery
- Grade
- Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job ref
- 279-7162528-JUN25
- Employer
- 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Sussex County Hospital
- Town
- Brighton
- Salary
- £46,148 - £60,504 Trainee band 7/Qualified band 8a
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 30/06/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Band 7
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 our Wellbeing 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 are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) to join our dynamic Cardiothoracic team in Brighton. This unique role covers the full cardiac patient journey, from admission to post-operative care and discharge planning.
As an ACP, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality, patient-centred care in various clinical settings, including admission, theatres, cardiac intensive care, and step-down wards. Your responsibilities will include clinical decision-making, diagnostics, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination.
This role is perfect for those with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery and acute care. You will work alongside an experienced ACP team, consultants, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals, with opportunities for leadership, innovation, and professional growth. Trainee ACPs will be supported through an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, while qualified ACPs can lead service improvements and engage in education and research.
Strong communication, critical thinking, and a compassionate approach are essential. Experience in cardiothoracic, surgical, or acute care is desirable but not essential.
Main duties of the job
Trainee ACPs undertake supervised clinical assessments, developing skills to formulate differential diagnoses and management plans for cardiac patients. You will participate in care across the full cardiac pathway, from admission to post-operative care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and recovery in step-down ward, under expert supervision. Trainees engage in structured placements and academic study as part of a nationally recognised MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. During training, you'll build core competencies in interpreting diagnostics, recognising patient deterioration, and contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making. Trainees also participate in quality improvement, audit, and evidence-based practice, with opportunities to present work at internal and regional events.
Qualified ACPs independently assess, diagnose, and manage complex cardiac conditions across the entire patient pathway. You will deliver expert care in CICU and ward settings, managing patients from admission to discharge, including providing onsite ACP cover overnight in CICU. Qualified ACPs lead ward rounds, apply advanced clinical skills to manage cardiac patients, and interpret a broad range of diagnostics. You will offer clinical leadership, mentor trainees and junior staff, and drive service development through research and audit. ACPs represent the service at local, national, and international forums, promoting innovation and best practice.
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. 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, 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.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of patients with a wide range of cardiac conditions. This includes detailed history taking, physical examination, and interpretation of diagnostic tests such as ECGs, blood results, and imaging. You will be expected to formulate differential diagnoses and work closely with medical and surgical colleagues to establish and implement evidence-based clinical management plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Clinical Decision Making:
As an integral member of the clinical team, you will play a key role in leading and contributing to decision-making processes across the cardiac pathway. This includes pre-operative preparation, optimisation of patients with complex co-morbidities, managing patients post-operatively in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), and supporting recovery on the cardiac step-down ward. You will liaise regularly with the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including consultants, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and specialist nurses to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
Patient Care:
You will deliver high standards of hands-on, holistic care throughout the patient's cardiac journey, from admission and surgery through to discharge planning and follow-up. This includes supporting patients and their families through often complex and emotionally challenging experiences. Your role will focus not only on physical recovery but also on identifying psychosocial needs, providing education, and ensuring continuity of care across all clinical settings.
Advanced Clinical Skills:
In this role, you will utilise and continue to develop advanced clinical skills. This includes conducting in-depth physical examinations, managing acutely unwell or deteriorating patients, initiating appropriate investigations and treatment plans, and escalating concerns where necessary. You will also be involved in emergency responses and contribute to timely interventions that support patient stabilisation and recovery.
Education & Leadership:
You will be expected to provide supervision, mentorship, and clinical teaching to junior colleagues, students, and new staff members, promoting a positive learning environment. In addition, you will contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, protocols, and pathways. You may be asked to lead or support service improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, efficiency, and staff wellbeing within the cardiothoracic team.
Research & Development:
As part of a service committed to innovation and clinical excellence, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research, audit, and quality improvement projects within the cardiothoracic specialty. You will support the evaluation and integration of evidence-based practice into daily care and play a role in the development of new clinical strategies, pathways, and service models. There will be opportunities to disseminate your work through internal and external forums, with the potential to present at national and international conferences—highlighting the impact of your practice and raising the profile of the service on a wider stage.
Person specification
Essential/Desirable
Essential criteria
- Current NMC/HCPC qualification
- Willing to undertake MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/Has undertaken MSc
- Significant post registration experience- at least 3 years
- Knowledge of Advanced Clinical Practice/ 4 pillars/ National frameworks
- Degree/evidence of recent studies at level 6
- Experience at working at a senior level within own speciality
Desirable criteria
- Completed Advanced Clinical Assessment Module/Independent Prescribing at Level 7
- Experience in Cardiothoracic/Cardiac surgery/ITU or Acute care
- Teaching and leadership skills/experience
- Experience in conducting audits/research
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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)
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Louise Best
- Job title
- Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07815424751
- Additional information
Informal visits or discussion are highly recommended.
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