Working for us

We’re looking for dedicated nurses to work in adult critical care disciplines on both sites at the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary.

These opportunities are available to motivated and enthusiastic staff nurses who would like to come and join us in this challenging and interesting specialty.

You will be working within demanding environments and world class facilities.

Freeman Hospital

Ward 21 – Cardiothoracic Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU)

The ward currently has 16 ITU and 6 HDU beds specialising in cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, adult congenital surgery, VADs and ECMO therapies.

Ward 37 – Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU)

The ward has 22 beds consisting of integrated care for both ITU and HDU patients specialising in ENT, general medicine, renal and urology, hepatology and liver transplantation, major vascular surgery, pancreatitis and orthopaedics.

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Ward 18 – ITU

The ward consists of 10 ITU and 12 HDU beds specialising in head injuries, trauma, neurology and neurosurgery – elective and emergency patients – and also admits medicine, infectious diseases, orthopaedics and respiratory patients.

Ward 38 – ITU

The ward consists of 10 ITU beds and 10 HDU beds with the following elective and emergency specialities – respiratory, general surgery, medicine, obstetrics, infectious diseases, burns and plastics.

Staff Groups

We have the following staff working within the departments, Matrons, Sister / charge Nurse, Clinical educator, outreach, Staff nurses, Critical Care Assistants, Critical Care Supports, Ward Clerks and Housekeeper.

Shift patterns

All 4 ITU units operate a 12 hour shift pattern that includes commencing at 7.30am to 8pm and 19.30pm to 8am. All staff undertake internal rotation.

Staff Training: ITU

We provide a preceptorship package that gives staff excellent structured preceptorship supported within supernumerary practice.

Regular study and learning opportunities working with Clinical Educators in the clinical area
Opportunities for rotation to the other critical care units to broaden experiences within Newcastle Hospitals (individually tailored to meet your needs)
Friendly and supportive workplace (clinical supervision in operation)
Ongoing access to affiliated university courses and in house study days

Newly Qualified staff are welcome within ITU however they must be prepared for the challenge of completing a full 1 year preceptorship package as well as finding their feet as a newly qualified staff nurse, so may need to be mentally resilient and able to cope with additional pressure even with the additional support offered.