We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) to join our dynamic Cardiothoracic team in Brighton. This unique role covers the full cardiac patient journey, from admission to post-operative care and discharge planning.
As an ACP, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality, patient-centred care in various clinical settings, including admission, theatres, cardiac intensive care, and step-down wards. Your responsibilities will include clinical decision-making, diagnostics, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination.
This role is perfect for those with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery and acute care. You will work alongside an experienced ACP team, consultants, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals, with opportunities for leadership, innovation, and professional growth. Trainee ACPs will be supported through an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, while qualified ACPs can lead service improvements and engage in education and research.
Strong communication, critical thinking, and a compassionate approach are essential. Experience in cardiothoracic, surgical, or acute care is desirable but not essential.
This is a progressive post, commencing at Band 7 and advancing to Band 8a upon successful completion of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice pathway and achievement of the required ACAT competencies.
Trainee ACPs undertake supervised clinical assessments, developing skills to formulate differential diagnoses and management plans for cardiac patients. You will participate in care across the full cardiac pathway, from admission to post-operative care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and recovery in step-down ward, under expert supervision. Trainees engage in structured placements and academic study as part of a nationally recognised MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. During training, you'll build core competencies in interpreting diagnostics, recognising patient deterioration, and contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making. Trainees also participate in quality improvement, audit, and evidence-based practice, with opportunities to present work at internal and regional events.
Qualified ACPs independently assess, diagnose, and manage complex cardiac conditions across the entire patient pathway. You will deliver expert care in CICU and ward settings, managing patients from admission to discharge, including providing onsite ACP cover overnight in CICU. Qualified ACPs lead ward rounds, apply advanced clinical skills to manage cardiac patients, and interpret a broad range of diagnostics. You will offer clinical leadership, mentor trainees and junior staff, and drive service development through research and audit. ACPs represent the service at local, national, and international forums, promoting innovation and best practice
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
You will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of patients with a wide range of cardiac conditions. This includes detailed history taking, physical examination, and interpretation of diagnostic tests such as ECGs, blood results, and imaging. You will be expected to formulate differential diagnoses and work closely with medical and surgical colleagues to establish and implement evidence-based clinical management plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Clinical Decision Making:
As an integral member of the clinical team, you will play a key role in leading and contributing to decision-making processes across the cardiac pathway. This includes pre-operative preparation, optimisation of patients with complex co-morbidities, managing patients post-operatively in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), and supporting recovery on the cardiac step-down ward. You will liaise regularly with the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including consultants, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and specialist nurses to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
Patient Care:
You will deliver high standards of hands-on, holistic care throughout the patient's cardiac journey, from admission and surgery through to discharge planning and follow-up. This includes supporting patients and their families through often complex and emotionally challenging experiences. Your role will focus not only on physical recovery but also on identifying psychosocial needs, providing education, and ensuring continuity of care across all clinical settings.
Advanced Clinical Skills:
In this role, you will utilise and continue to develop advanced clinical skills. This includes conducting in-depth physical examinations, managing acutely unwell or deteriorating patients, initiating appropriate investigations and treatment plans, and escalating concerns where necessary. You will also be involved in emergency responses and contribute to timely interventions that support patient stabilisation and recovery.
Education & Leadership:
You will be expected to provide supervision, mentorship, and clinical teaching to junior colleagues, students, and new staff members, promoting a positive learning environment. In addition, you will contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, protocols, and pathways. You may be asked to lead or support service improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, efficiency, and staff wellbeing within the cardiothoracic team.
Research & Development:
As part of a service committed to innovation and clinical excellence, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research, audit, and quality improvement projects within the cardiothoracic specialty. You will support the evaluation and integration of evidence-based practice into daily care and play a role in the development of new clinical strategies, pathways, and service models. There will be opportunities to disseminate your work through internal and external forums, with the potential to present at national and international conferences—highlighting the impact of your practice and raising the profile of the service on a wider stage.
