We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Plastics Nurse Specialist to join our dressings clinic, providing expert wound care and dressing management to patients following plastic and reconstructive surgery. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled nurse to work within a specialist team, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to individuals recovering from a range of procedures including burns, skin grafts, flap reconstructions, and post-surgical wounds.
The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing, planning, and managing complex wound care needs, selecting appropriate dressing techniques and products, and monitoring healing progress to identify and escalate any signs of complications such as infection or delayed healing. You will work closely with consultant plastic surgeons, the wider multidisciplinary team, and patients themselves to ensure optimal outcomes and a positive patient experience throughout the recovery journey.
Wound Assessment & Management and Post-Operative Care
Assessing surgical wounds, flaps, grafts, and donor sites for healing progress, infection, dehiscence, or complications
Selecting and applying appropriate dressings based on wound type, exudate level, and healing stage
Removing sutures, staples, drains
Identifying early signs of complications (infection, flap failure, haematoma, seroma) and escalating to the surgical team promptly
Patient Education & Support
Advising patients and carers on wound care, dressing changes, and signs of complications to watch for at home
Explaining ongoing treatment plans and what to expect during recovery
Clinical Procedures
Performing minor procedures such as suture/clip removal, wound debridement, or simple dressing changes independently
Taking wound swabs and liaising with microbiology when infection is suspected
Administering local treatments and, in some settings, prescribing (if a qualified nurse prescriber)
Documentation & Coordination
Maintaining accurate clinical records, wound photography for tracking progress, and outcome measures
Liaising with the multidisciplinary team (surgeons, tissue viability nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists.
Scheduling and coordinating follow-up appointments
Clinic Management
Running nurse-led clinics independently for routine post-op follow-up, freeing up surgeon time for more complex cases
Ensuring infection control standards and aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) are maintained
Listen to why colleagues think we are a great place to work! - BHT - A great place to work (buckshealthcare.nhs.uk)
What does Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust offer you?
As part of our BHT family, you’ll benefit from learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
We offer flexible and agile working opportunities, alongside your NHS benefits of generous annual leave entitlement, pension and access to NHS discount schemes.
We provide a range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce.
Why work for us?
We’re committed to promoting inclusion and making sure all colleagues feel they belong. We encourage new colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.
As an employer, we aim to create a workplace where differences are valued and colleagues treat one another with dignity and respect.
Greater diversity within our BHT family improves positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
A keen supporter of the Armed Forces Community who know the value of employing a service leaver/veteran and their families.
What do we stand for?
Our vision is to provide outstanding care, support healthy communities and be a great place to work.
Our mission is to provide personal and compassionate care every time.
Our care values are collaborate, aspire, respect and enable.
For a comprehensive list of responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification by downloading the JD and PS attachment in the advert.
If you are an internal applicant there is the option for secondment, all applicants must have the endorsement/support of their line manager prior to application.
If you have a disability that makes submitting this online application difficult and would like assistance, please contact us on
[email protected] quoting the vacancy reference number.
