Staff Nurse - Surgery - Head and Neck

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking a motivated, compassionate, and hardworking Band 5 Registered Nurseto join our dynamic Head and Neck nursing team.

Our specialist ward provides care for patients with complex head and neck conditions, many of whom undergo life-changing surgery as part of their cancer treatment. We deliver high-quality nursing care to a diverse patient group with ENT and maxillofacial conditions, including trauma patients, across both elective and emergency care pathways. Our service supports patients from across Hampshire and the wider region, including the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.

We are proud to be nationally recognised for developing an innovative Free Flap Pathway, which has helped standardise care for patients undergoing major oral cancer surgery and successfully reduced post-operative intensive care stays to 24 hours prior to transfer back to the ward environment.

The ward is fast-paced and highly demanding, with frequent discharges, emergency admissions, post-operative admissions from theatre, and step-down patients from critical care areas on a daily basis. This role requires excellent communication, strong organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload to ensure the timely delivery of safe, high-quality patient care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We offer extensive opportunities to develop both general surgical nursing skills and specialist competencies unique to head and neck nursing. This includes caring for patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies, supported by comprehensive in-house training.

In addition to our 28-bedded ward, we run a dedicated Head and Neck Treatment Room. This service receives referrals from GPs, the Emergency Department, and other areas across the Trust, providing assessment and treatment for a wide range of ENT and maxillofacial conditions.

Join the dynamic surgical care group where innovation, teamwork, and professional development are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Band 5 Registered Nurse, you will provide safe, compassionate, and evidence‑based care to all patients in your care.

Key Responsibilities

You will deliver safe, compassionate, evidence‑based care to patients. You will assess, plan, implement and evaluate care, ensuring excellent clinical standards. You will administer medications safely and monitor patients for any changes in condition. You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, communicating clearly with patients and families. You will uphold infection prevention, patient safety, and trust values at all times. You will support students and junior staff while continuing your own professional development.

What We’re Looking For

NMC‑registered nurse with a commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care. Strong communication, organisational and teamwork skills. Ability to work under pressure and adapt in a fast‑paced clinical environment. A positive, compassionate approach and willingness to learn and grow.

What We Offer

We are a supportive and welcoming team with a strong focus on learning and development. Working closely with our Surgical Education Team, you will have access to a wide range of educational opportunities, including clinical skills training, Nurse in Charge study days, leadership and management development, and practice supervisor and assessor training. We also encourage staff to take on link roles aligned with their interests, such as ANTTs, Infection Prevention, Diabetes, Palliative Care, and Pain Management.

If you are enthusiastic about developing your surgical nursing career within a specialist interest in head and neck patients we would be delighted to welcome you to the team.