Staff Nurse – Cardiac and Thoracic Critical Care Unit

About the role

The Band 5 Staff Nurse position is based in the Cardiac and Thoracic Critical Care Unit (CTCCU) at the Oxford Heart Centre. You will provide level 2 and 3 critical care to patients following cardiac, major aortic and thoracic surgery, as well as those with acute cardiac medical conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and 1:2 nursing care for post‑elective and emergency cardiac and thoracic surgery patients.
• Manage ventilation, including invasive and non‑invasive modes and weaning.
• Administer specialised cardiac medications and manage chest drains.
• Provide renal replacement therapy and haemofiltration.
• Oversee post‑operative pain and sedation management.
• Support the use of ventricular assist devices, cardiac output monitoring, IABP therapy and advanced ECG interpretation.

Required profile

• Ability to place patients at the centre of care and recognise individual needs.

Required skills

• Ventilation management
• Invasive ventilation
• Non‑invasive ventilation
• Ventilator weaning
• Ventricular assist device operation
• Cardiac output monitoring
• Haemofiltration
• Acute arrhythmia management
• Advanced ECG interpretation
• Intra‑aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy
• Chest drain management
• Renal replacement therapy
• Sedation management
• Post‑operative pain management
• Specialised cardiac medication administration

What we offer

• 3‑month supernumerary period with a dedicated mentor.
• Competency‑based development package.
• Opportunities for professional and personal development and ongoing education in cardiac and thoracic nursing.
• Permanent contract with full‑time or part‑time options.
• Salary Band 5: £32,073 – £39,043 per year (pro‑rata).