Job summary
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.
Main duties of the job
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
About us
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 workingopportunities,alongside your NHS benefits ofgenerous annual leave entitlement, pension andaccess toNHS 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 withinourBHT familyimprovespositive 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 bht.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Nursing BSc
- GCSE Maths/ English
Desirable
- Advanced History Taking course
- Non-Medical Prescribing
- MSc course in healthcare related topic
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working in plastic surgery or burns
- Post 2 years + experience
- Experience of working with wounds
Desirable
- Has worked to a band 7 level
- Experience of working independently
Communication
Essential
- Good English communication verbally and written
- Can work with computers
- Knowledge of plastics dressings
Desirable
- Has used systems Evolve/Careflow
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
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Aylesbury
HP21 8AL
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://careers.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
This listing was aggregated from publicly-available sources. The employer holds an A-rated sponsor licence at the time of this listing, but sponsorship of this specific role is not guaranteed — the employer's offer and UK Visas and Immigration are the final authority. Details may have changed since our last update — verify with the employer via the Apply link.