Lead Nurse – Recovery/HDU

About the role

As the Lead Nurse for Recovery and HDU, you will provide clinical leadership across both areas, ensuring safe, effective and patient‑centred care. You will work closely with senior nursing and theatre teams to support daily operations, promote best practice and maintain high standards of clinical delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and support to Recovery and HDU teams.
• Coordinate and oversee the daily running of the department, including staffing and patient flow.
• Maintain high standards of patient safety, care and clinical practice.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives, audits and governance activities.
• Mentor, develop and train junior nurses and support staff.
• Collaborate with consultants, anaesthetists, theatre teams and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in on‑call rota as required.

Required profile

• Current NMC registration as a Registered Nurse.
• Significant experience in Recovery, HDU, ITU, Critical Care or Theatre settings.
• Proven leadership or senior nursing experience.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding patient care.

Required skills

• Post‑anaesthetic care
• Critical care patient assessment
• Management of deteriorating patients
• Clinical governance
• Quality improvement methodologies

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £45,000 per annum.
• Full‑time, permanent contract.
• Generous annual leave and comprehensive benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment with clear career progression.