Registered Nurse - General Critical Care NHS University Hospitals Plymouth

Apply Before : Oct 18, 2025
JOB OVERVIEW
Would you like to work with a great team of nurses? Are you ready for the challenge of working in a busy and modern Critical Care Unit that is part of a Major Trauma Centre?
We welcome people with different skills, experiences, and backgrounds. Together, we create a strong and supportive team. If you care about giving patients the best treatment and want to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Penrose Ward is an 18-bed General Critical Care Unit that looks after patients from different specialties. This includes medicine, surgery, major trauma, and paediatrics, for both planned and emergency admissions. The unit is growing and will soon expand to 28 beds.
All new staff will receive a full introduction and training programme led by our Education Team. This includes hands-on support from experienced facilitators and our Band 7 Critical Care Educator. You will follow a clear learning plan based on the National Critical Care Competency Framework. You will also have the chance to complete a 60-credit Critical Care course with the University of Plymouth.
JOB | Registered Nurse - General Critical Care |
Salary | £31,049 - £37,796 Per Annum Pro Rata |
Contract | Permanent: Part time hours considered |
Grade | NHS AfC: Band 5 |
Job ref | 216-AH-S7511996 |
Main duties of the job
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Provide safe and high-quality nursing care for patients in the Critical Care Unit (levels 1–3) using a patient-focused approach.
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Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to give the best care possible.
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Guide, support, and supervise junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and students.
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Take responsibility for managing patient care in the unit when senior staff are not present, following hospital policies and procedures.
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Use hospital resources wisely and work in a cost-effective way while maintaining excellent standards of care.
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Be professionally responsible for the nursing care of critically ill patients, ensuring their safety at all times.
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Take part in professional development opportunities and career progression, such as rotations between the two Critical Care Units or moving into roles like Band 6 Acute Care Team Nurse, Research Nurse, Assistant Critical Care Practitioner, or Educator.
Supporting Information Sample for this post
I am excited to apply for the Critical Care position at University Hospitals Plymouth because I believe my skills, experience, and motivation align well with what the team needs. Below I outline why I am a strong candidate.
1. Passion for Critical Care & Patient Welfare
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I have always been drawn to challenging environments where the stakes are high and patients are vulnerable. Working in critical care gives me the opportunity to make a real difference at pivotal moments.
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In my previous roles, I have demonstrated calm under pressure, empathy, and focus on patient dignity and safety even when care demands are intense.
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I understand that critical care is not just about physical recovery but also supporting patients’ psychological and emotional needs.
2. Relevant Experience & Skills
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I have experience (clinical rotations / prior posts / placements) working with acutely ill patients, monitoring vital signs, recognizing deterioration, and escalating appropriately.
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I am comfortable working within multi-disciplinary teams and communicating clearly with doctors, nurses, therapists, patients and families.
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I have solid record-keeping skills (both paper and electronic), and I understand the importance of documentation in critical care settings.
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I am familiar with the policies and guidelines around infection control, health & safety, equipment use, and clinical governance.
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I learn quickly and adapt to new protocols and systems.
3. Commitment to Development & Quality Improvement
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I am eager to grow my skills further through continuing professional development, training, and mentorship.
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In past roles, I have engaged in audit, participated in reflective practice, and sought feedback to refine my performance.
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I would welcome opportunities to contribute to service improvements, innovations in care pathways, or quality initiatives in the critical care unit.
4. Personal Attributes & Professionalism
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I bring resilience, dedication, strong work ethic, and dependability.
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I communicate respectfully and compassionately, even in stressful situations, and I listen actively to patients and families.
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I accept accountability for my actions, take initiative where appropriate, and always act with integrity.
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I am flexible with shift patterns, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays, understanding that critical care services run 24/7.
5. Fit with University Hospitals Plymouth & the Team
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I am drawn to UHP’s reputation for clinical excellence, innovation, and dedication to patient care.
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I appreciate the opportunity to be part of a major regional hospital that serves as a trauma centre and works within a broader network of care.
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I believe my motivation, collaborative mindset, and willingness to go beyond expectations will help strengthen the critical care team.
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