** PLEASE NOTE THIS IS INTERNAL TO NHS SCOTLAND **

OUR VALUES IN ACTION

Compassion
Kindness
Integrity
Teamwork
Excellence

[LOCATION] Borders General Hospital

[DEPARTMENT] Intensive Therapy Unit

[JOB TITLE] Band 5 Staff Nurse

[CONTRACT TYPE] Fixed term 34.5 hours

Band 5

Band 5 Staff Nurse – Intensive Care Unit (ICU/HDU)

NHS Borders – Critical Care

OUR VALUES – AT THE HEART OF ALL THAT WE DO

Care and Compassion
Dignity and Respect
Openness, Honesty and Responsibility
Quality and Teamwork

An NHS Organisation that is Striving Continuously to Improve Patient Safety, Experience and Outcomes.

About Us

NHS Borders is proud to offer an exciting opportunity to join our skilled, dynamic and innovative multidisciplinary Critical Care Team.

Our Critical Care Unit is a combined 9‑bedded Intensive Care and High Dependency Unit, caring for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 patients. We flex bed capacity and patient acuity depending on clinical need, offering exposure to a wide range of complex and high‑intensity care.

You will be joining a supportive, close-knit team dedicated to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care, while continually striving for improvement in outcomes and experience.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Band 5 Staff Nurse to contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care within our busy acute hospital environment.

As Part Of Our Team, You Will

Care for critically ill patients with a wide variety of medical, surgical and trauma conditions
Work closely within a multidisciplinary team including medical staff, AHPs, pharmacists and support workers
Develop expert assessment, monitoring and clinical decision‑making skills
Be supported to build confidence in caring for patients requiring advanced organ support
Contribute to service development, quality improvement and maintaining high professional standards

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about Critical Care nursing and keen to expand their professional knowledge and skills.

Professional Development

Education

We recognise the importance of education, confidence-building and structured progression for our staff. As a Band 5 nurse in Critical Care, you will receive:

Full support to complete the National Critical Care Step Competency Programme
A dedicated preceptor/mentor to guide your development
Opportunities to undertake a formally recognised Critical Care Course
Ongoing training, simulation, and reflective practice sessions
Access to a multidisciplinary learning environment focused on continuous improvement

Whether you are newly qualified or an experienced nurse looking for a new challenge, we will support you to grow and succeed.

What we're looking for

A first‑level Registered Nurse (Adult)
A genuine interest in Critical Care nursing
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Motivation, enthusiasm and willingness to learn in a fast‑paced environment
Commitment to our shared values and delivering high‑quality care

Previous experience in an acute or Critical Care environment is beneficial but not essential—your passion and potential are what matter most.

Informal Enquiries

For More Information Or An Informal Discussion, Please Contact

Senior Charge Nurse Lynsey Russell

01896 826295

Whether you're early in your career or looking to take the next step into a more senior role, NHS Borders offers a supportive environment where you can grow, influence change, and make a real impact.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service.

As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK website here. 

For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licenced Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or going rate. Further information on these criteria can be found here.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form

***PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early***

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.

Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
Use AI wisely: It's fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don't let it write your answers.
Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.

Staff Nurse Band 5

Staff Nurse Band