Sussex NHS Nursing Job: £31,049–£37,796/Year + Sponsorship (Apply Now)

Trust: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex) & Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust Role: Registered Staff Nurse (Band 5) Specialties: Acute Care, Mental Health, Community, and Theatres Salary: £31,049 – £37,796 per annum (plus unsocial hours enhancements) Location: Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, & Haywards Heath Sponsorship: Available (Skilled Worker Visa / Tier 2)

Are you a Registered Nurse looking to advance your career in one of the UK’s most vibrant regions? University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest acute trusts in England, is actively recruiting Band 5 Staff Nurses for its 2026 intake.

Located on the stunning South Coast, Sussex offers the perfect work-life balance: living by the sea, hiking in the South Downs National Park, and being just an hour from London by train.

Whether you are a UK-based nurse or an international applicant with active NMC registration, this is your opportunity to join a “Good” and “Outstanding” rated trust with a comprehensive relocation and sponsorship package.

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Job Description & Responsibilities

As a Band 5 Staff Nurse, you will work within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Opportunities are currently available in Adult Nursing, Pediatrics, Renal, Critical Care, and Mental Health.

• Clinical Care: Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.
• Medication: Administer medication and intravenous therapy safely.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate digital patient records (training provided on local electronic systems).
• Supervision: Mentor nursing students and healthcare assistants (HCAs).
• Shift Work: Roles typically involve a rotation of days, nights, and weekends (which attract additional pay).

Salary & Financial Benefits (2025/2026 Rates)

The advertised salary is based on the Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 5 scale:

• Starting Salary: £31,049 per year (for newly qualified/entry-level).
• Top of Band: £37,796 per year (achieved through annual progression).
• Unsocial Hours Pay:
  • Saturday/Night Shifts: +30% hourly rate.
  • Sundays/Public Holidays: +60% hourly rate.
• Pension: Access to the NHS Pension Scheme (one of the UK’s best).
• Holiday: 27 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays (rising to 33 days with service).

Visa Sponsorship & Relocation

This role is eligible for UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The Trust will issue a CoS for successful candidates to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
• Relocation Support: Many Sussex trusts offer a relocation package of up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility) to cover flights, temporary accommodation, and baggage shipping.
• Golden Hello: Select roles (specifically in Mental Health or Critical Care) may carry a £2,000 sign-on bonus.

Qualifications & Requirements

To apply directly for these vacancies, you must meet the following criteria:

Essential

1. NMC Registration: You must hold a valid Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) PIN OR have passed your CBT and English exams and be ready to sit the OSCE in the UK.
   • Note: If you have not yet started your NMC registration, please look for specific “International Recruitment Campaigns” rather than direct adverts.
2. English Language: IELTS (min 7.0) or OET (min Grade B) if applicable.
3. Experience:
   • Newly Qualified: Accepted for rotational posts.
   • International: Minimum 6-12 months of acute hospital experience is usually required.

Desirable

• Experience in Cardiology, Renal Dialysis, or Theatre Scrub is highly sought after.
• Mentorship qualification (SSSA).

About the Locations

Brighton (Royal Sussex County Hospital): Known as “London by the Sea.” Famous for its pebble beach, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for young professionals.

Worthing & Chichester (Worthing Hospital / St Richard’s): More relaxed, family-friendly coastal towns with historic cathedrals and easy access to the countryside.

How to Apply

Direct applications are open now.

1. Visit the Official NHS Jobs Portal:
   • Go to jobs.nhs.uk or trac.jobs.
2. Search Keywords: “Staff Nurse University Hospitals Sussex” or “Band 5 Nurse Brighton”.
3. Job Reference Examples (Active Jan 2026):
   • Staff Nurse – Cardiac Cath Lab (Brighton)
   • Staff Nurse – Renal Unit (Worthing)
   • Community Psychiatric Nurse (Sussex Partnership)
4. Application Tips: Ensure your “Supporting Information” section explicitly matches the Person Specification attached to the job advert. Mention your NMC status clearly at the top of your application.

Urgent Note: High-demand roles in ICU and Theatres often interview on a rolling basis. Submit your application as soon as possible.

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