Ref
19273
Division/Department
Wards, Theatres & Nursing Admin | Theatre (0150)
Location
Onsite - Hospital/Hospice
Employment type
Full-time
Salary
Competitive
DBS required
Enhanced
Hours
37.5
Closing date
01/06/2026
Description

Job Title: HDU / Recovery Lead Nurse

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 37.5

Location: St John’s Wood

We are currently looking for an experienced HDU / Recovery Lead to join our team here at The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.

The post-holder will be responsible for the day to day operational management of the HDU and Recovery units as well as supporting the wards via the outreach service.  The post holder will be responsible for leading the team, resource management and ensuring compliance with CQC and ICS standards; being accountable for assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating high quality post anaesthetic and critical care. The post holder will provide level 2 critical care to patients admitted to the HDU Department and level 3 critical care as required. In addition they will provide post anaesthetic care to surgical patients within the Theatre Recovery Room

Located in leafy St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line, minutes from Central London, our independent private Hospital is unique in that all profits fund our onsite Hospice, St John’s.

Am I the right person for this Lead HDU / Recovery Nurse role?

Registered Nurse

Teaching/Mentorship qualification

Recognised post graduate Critical Care qualification

Management and Leadership Qualification

Minimum 5 years experience within the role of Recovery Nurse

Minimum 5 years experience within the Critical Care environment

Experience within the Independent sector

Able to work efficiently with a multi-disciplinary team and with internal/external stakeholders

Competence in delivering a high level of post anaesthetic and critical care

Understanding of clinical governance and implications for practice

Ability to analyse and demonstrate evidence based practice

Ability to exercise rational judgement when escalating issues

What are the Responsibilities of this HDU / Recovery Lead Nurse role?

Managerial:

  • To manage and lead the unit on a continual basis, to provide support to the Duty Managers Ward Managers and Theatre Suite
  • To provide supervision and support to the team.
  • To Deliver an Outreach service to the ward, offering support and guidance in the care of the acutely unwell patient.
  • To assist in the planning and the delivery of individualised, safe, effective and evidence based patient care
  • To ensure the provision of a welcoming, caring and safe environment for patients and their families.
  • To manage the department and the resources, including the staffing resources within the agreed annual budget set.
  • To undertake tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Theatre Manager, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Nursing Officer, supporting the management and development of the nursing service of the Hospital.
  • To undertake the Duty Manager role
  • To work closely with the Consultant Users of the Ward
  • To participate in presenting and delivering teaching sessions for the clinical staff
  • To undertake mentoring of staff and performance review appraisals
  • To undertake risk assessments in accordance with the Hospitals policies, procedures and standards and national regulations
  • To ensure the unit meets ICS, CQC and BARNA standards.
  • To ensure the standard of documentation is in line with the Hospitals policies, procedures and protocols.
  • Leadership and management of HDU and Recovery staff
  • Responsibility for working with the Critical Care Fellows to ensure the rota is covered and where any difficulties with cover this is escalated

Clinical:

  • Exhibiting best practice standards at all times and be a role model for the team.
  • Assessing, planning, delivering and evaluation of a high level of critical care for patients
  • Delivery of a high level of post anaesthetic care for patients within the Theatre Recovery Room
  • Working with the Anaesthetic team to deliver high quality, safe patient care.
  • Promote the safety, wellbeing and interests of patients, visitors and staff to the clinical areas
  • Active member of the emergency response team.
  • Participation in the on-call rota and internal rotation of shift (inc night duty)
  • Exhibiting a high level of teamwork with the unit and in the wider hospital environment.
  • Participate fully as a team member, including working in all areas of the HDU and Theatre Suite, to promote a cohesive team and the achievement of team objectives.
  • Participate in education, training and development of other staff.
  • Provide initial urgent or emergency care as required
  • Ensure a commitment to improve existing skills within the critical care and post-operative environment.

Why apply for this role as Lead HDU / Recovery Nurse?

At our organisation we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits; from 27 days annual leave, generous private healthcare cover, contributory pension schemes – including continuation of the NHS pension.

Working with us, all eligible employees receive;

  • Competitive pay with progressive band structuring
  • Private healthcare cover of up to £20,000 per year
  • Ongoing training and development programmes
  • Discounts at local, national and online shops
  • Interest-free season ticket loans
  • Cycle to work loan scheme
  • Employee "Service Excellence" recognition rewards

If you are ready for a new challenge and relish the chance to become part of a successful, forward thinking organisation then we would love to hear from you.

Email your CV and covering letter to careers@hje.org.uk