Job summary We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join us in the pre-assessment of elective neurosurgical patients. The role involves taking patients past medical history, physical assessment and interpreting test results to determine a patient's fitness for surgery. Co-ordinating interventions to assist patients to achieve their optimum fitness. Working in collaboration with the wider MDT including anaesthetists, GP's, surgical teams, specialist nurses and administration/admissions teams. Experience in Neurosurgical nursing is paramount due to the complexity and specialism of the cases. The pre assessment process bridges the gap between decision for surgery and allows for a thorough review and analysis of patients health to determine suitability and safety for undergoing elective surgery. Other key aspects of the role include being able to ensure patient experience is a positive one and also the process is streamlined and one that is holistic and individualised for them. For example: identifying and communicating early with the elective ward any special requirements, early involvement of relevant specialist nurses such as vulnerabilities team/learning disabilities, identifying any preventable delays that could impact discharge and length of stay and ensure these are rectified before admission and that all key stakeholders are aware. This includes (but is not limited to), support at home, transport issues, housing and social issues. Main duties of the job As a registered nurse working within the pre assessment team, you are responsible for assessing a patient's health and escalating health issues to the relevant teams accordingly and also providing education to patients on their health to support them to be optimised for surgery in the best possible Undertake daily clinics (both telephone and face to face) assessing patients fitness for surgery. Educating patients on their health and the procedure they will undergo, including process for admission, length of stay and planning for discharge post surgery. Preparing patient for what to expect after surgery, what type of support they will need in place for when they go home. Identifying if there are any issues related to admission or likely to affect discharge. Undertaking physical examination of patient, including assessing main bodily systems, taking bloods, ECGs, heights, weights and vital signs. Escalating concerns to the department anaesthetist /- consultant for further support in deciding on patients fitness for surgery. Referring patients for further tests or to A&E if they are found to be unwell during assessment. Safeguarding patients who require. Supporting the clinic and deputising in the absence of senior leaders. Further scope of the role is outlined within the associate job description. About us King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level. We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people. King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible. Date posted 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £44,806 to £53,134 a year Per annum including High Cost Area Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 213-NUR-DH-6995393 Job locations King's College Hospital Denmark Hill London SE5 9RS Job description Job responsibilities To provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to both the patients and their relatives within the King's College Hospital within Neurosurgical pre assessment. To take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of or as delegated by the Ward Manager / Charge Nurse/ Head of Department. To assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of nurses within the ward complement. To act as a clinical resource within the ward and across the Division as necessary. To act as a positive role model to junior staff members. Particular emphasis at Kings is put on the need to ensure that all staff recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient focused manner and to maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Clinical Practice To adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to this at all times. To demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment in the ward/ department. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the needs of patients in pre assessment on an ongoing basis, co-ordinating the care given by all members of the clinical team. To accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about the patients condition, promptly report changes and instigate remedial action as appropriate. To act as a resource person to others, providing accurate information, advice and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives. To ensure that accurate records are maintained reflecting both changes in the patients condition and the treatment delivered. To ensure that patients and their relatives are updated regularly with accurate information, and ensure that this is presented in a way that they understand. To ensure that Clinical Guidelines are implemented and to be actively involved in auditing practice in conjunction with Line Manager and practice development staff. To ensure that practice is evidence based and with support assist in the development of policies and protocols within the clinical area. To uphold high standards of nursing care, according to existing policies and standards. To support the Ward Managers and Modern Matron in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in the light of such findings. To contribute to the health education of patients and their families, ensuring that all patients receive appropriate advice and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To actively support the implementation of the Trust nursing strategy and uphold the ethos of the local philosophy. Job description Job responsibilities To provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to both the patients and their relatives within the King's College Hospital within Neurosurgical pre assessment. To take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of or as delegated by the Ward Manager / Charge Nurse/ Head of Department. To assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of nurses within the ward complement. To act as a clinical resource within the ward and across the Division as necessary. To act as a positive role model to junior staff members. Particular emphasis at Kings is put on the need to ensure that all staff recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient focused manner and to maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Clinical Practice To adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to this at all times. To demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of any patients receiving treatment in the ward/ department. To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the needs of patients in pre assessment on an ongoing basis, co-ordinating the care given by all members of the clinical team. To accurately assimilate and interpret clinical information about the patients condition, promptly report changes and instigate remedial action as appropriate. To act as a resource person to others, providing accurate information, advice and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives. To ensure that accurate records are maintained reflecting both changes in the patients condition and the treatment delivered. To ensure that patients and their relatives are updated regularly with accurate information, and ensure that this is presented in a way that they understand. To ensure that Clinical Guidelines are implemented and to be actively involved in auditing practice in conjunction with Line Manager and practice development staff. To ensure that practice is evidence based and with support assist in the development of policies and protocols within the clinical area. To uphold high standards of nursing care, according to existing policies and standards. To support the Ward Managers and Modern Matron in processes of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and assisting in the implementation of changes in the light of such findings. To contribute to the health education of patients and their families, ensuring that all patients receive appropriate advice and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To actively support the implementation of the Trust nursing strategy and uphold the ethos of the local philosophy. Person Specification Education & Qualifications Essential 1st level Registered general Nurse with active UK NMC pin Further relevant professional studies Educational Qualification or willingness to study towards this within agreed timeframe Experience & Knowledge Essential Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area. Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the professional development of others Skills and Competencies Essential Ability to organise and manage day to day departmental activities and the activities of large multidisciplinary team within this Problem solving skills - able to respond to unexpected issues and provide first line response and to identify appropriate sources of secondary support Person Specification Education & Qualifications Essential 1st level Registered general Nurse with active UK NMC pin Further relevant professional studies Educational Qualification or willingness to study towards this within agreed timeframe Experience & Knowledge Essential Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area. Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the professional development of others Skills and Competencies Essential Ability to organise and manage day to day departmental activities and the activities of large multidisciplinary team within this Problem solving skills - able to respond to unexpected issues and provide first line response and to identify appropriate sources of secondary support Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address King's College Hospital Denmark Hill London SE5 9RS Employer's website https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)