Sister/Charge Nurse/Senior Operating Department Practitioner with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Important Visa Information

This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for skilled workers wishing to relocate to the UK. However, applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust welcomes applications from international candidates but cannot guarantee visa approval.

Job Overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen for motivated, flexible and dynamic Sisters/Charges Nurses/Senior ODPs to work within the Cardiothoracic Theatres Anaesthetic and Recovery Team at Freeman Hospital. This is a senior leadership position in a specialized surgical environment that offers both professional challenges and significant career development opportunities.

About the Organisation

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a major healthcare provider with approximately 2 million patient contacts annually. We deliver care from multiple locations including Royal Victoria Infirmary, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, and several specialized centers. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we strive to accommodate working arrangements that benefit both our staff and patients.

Job Location and Environment

The position is based in Cardiothoracic Theatres at Freeman Hospital, which comprises five operating theatres that handle all aspects of adult and paediatric cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, ECMO, ventricular assist devices, and cardiothoracic emergencies. The team also staffs six cardiac catheterisation laboratories and a 6-bedded recovery area.

Working Hours and Schedule

This is a full-time permanent position requiring 37 hours and 30 minutes per week. The role involves shift rotation, night duty, and possible on-call commitment to provide 24/7 cover for the department. The post offers a competitive salary ranging from £38,682 to £46,580 per annum under the Agenda for Change pay scheme (Band 6).

Key Responsibilities

Sisters/Charges Nurses/Senior ODPs will provide skilled anaesthetic and recovery care for a variety of adult, paediatric and congenital cardiothoracic surgical cases. The role includes ensuring high-quality care and a safe environment for patients, serving as a theatre team lead, managing resources effectively for optimal clinical outcomes, and handling emergencies with skill and expertise.

Leadership and Mentorship

A significant aspect of this role involves serving as a mentor and role model for junior colleagues. The successful candidate will participate in staff performance management and appraisals, drive positive change, and foster a culture of flexibility and patient-centered care. Nursing team development is a crucial component of this senior position.

Patient Care and Advocacy

Post holders will provide skilled care to patients throughout their perioperative journey and act as patient advocates. They will ensure patients’ wishes, choices, and beliefs are considered in decision-making processes, working in collaboration with families while maintaining safe and effective patient care.

Documentation and Quality Assurance

Maintaining accurate and legible records of care in line with Trust policy and NMC/HCPC Codes of Conduct is essential. The role also involves active participation in monitoring and promoting high standards of care, including audits, and maintaining a culture where infection control is intrinsic to care delivery.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (appropriate to branch) or Operating Department Practitioner with current NMC/HCPC registration. A diploma in a health-related subject is required, with candidates prepared to undertake degree-level study. Good IT skills are essential for this role.

Desirable Qualifications

While not mandatory, relevant clinical skills relating to the specialty are highly desirable. These include cannulation, IV drug administration, scrub skills relevant to the specialty, and anaesthetic skills appropriate to the specialty. A degree in a health-related subject or relevant specialist qualification would be advantageous.

Experience Requirements

Previous post-registration experience is essential, along with specialist qualification if relevant to the role or previous experience. Candidates must demonstrate relevant and recent clinical experience in anaesthetic practice, including recovery skills, intravenous drug administration, and mentorship abilities.

Knowledge Requirements

Applicants must show evidence of achievements and career development in their current post and ongoing professional development. A thorough understanding of professional accountability in a leadership role, awareness of current relevant NHS policy context, and understanding/experience of adult/child safeguarding are required.

Interview Process

Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 25 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates must possess current and relevant anaesthetic practice skills and experience. The interview process will assess both clinical expertise and leadership capabilities suitable for this senior position.

Staff Benefits

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package for all staff. Please see the attached ‘Newcastle Staff Benefits’ document for detailed information about what we offer our employees. Our benefits include competitive pension schemes, generous annual leave, and various health and wellbeing programs.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and submit your application before the closing date of 09 February 2026. All applications will be considered, but please note that NO AGENCIES PLEASE – only direct applications will be accepted.

How to Apply

Apply via NHS Jobs website. For international applicants requiring sponsorship, we recommend the following steps:

• Verify your eligibility for UK skilled worker visa with the employer
• Gather required documentation including proof of qualifications and professional registration
• Prepare evidence of English language proficiency if required
• Contact Karen Mason (Senior Sister) at Karen.mason14@nhs.net or 01912448376 for specific questions about sponsorship
• Submit your application through the NHS Jobs portal before the deadline

Equal Opportunities

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those requiring sponsorship to work in the UK.

Further Information

For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, please visit our careers page at https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us. You can also find additional information in the supporting documents section, including the detailed job description and person specification.

Contact Details

For questions about the job, contact Karen Mason (Senior Sister) at Karen.mason14@nhs.net or call 01912448376. For inquiries about the application process or sponsorship, please mention your specific interest in the certificate of sponsorship when contacting us.

Privacy Notice

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to protecting your personal data. For information on how we handle your data, please refer to our privacy notice at https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/help/privacy/. Your information will only be used for recruitment purposes and in accordance with data protection regulations.