Band 5 Newly Qualified Registered Nurse Luton

Are you a newly qualified nurse looking for your first Registered Nurse role? We are delighted to welcome applications from newly qualified nurses who have already graduated from university in 2025/2026, hold current NMC registration, and have not yet worked in a Band 5 Registered Nurse position. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to begin your nursing career within a supportive team who will welcome and support you in achieving your goals and building your confidence during your preceptorship and enable you to develop clinical skills and continue professional development. In exchange for your commitment to help us provide the best care we can, we will offer you a comprehensive staff benefits package.

Please state in your Supporting Information which site you would prefer to be based at and your preferred specialty. You will also be given an opportunity to provide this information via a QR code at the Assessment Centre. If you are shortlisted you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will be held on Monday 17th August 2026 at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital. If you then achieve the qualifying score in both assessments (this includes a 1 hour written drug knowledge paper and a 15 minute OSCE style practical test), you will be invited to an interview taking place in September 2026. You must be able to commence in post by no later than Monday 2nd November 2026 if you are successfully appointed.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide a high standard of nursing care by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of patient care. They will work closely with the department / ward manager and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining policies, standards of nursing care and staff and service development within the department / ward environment. They will carry out all relevant forms of care under supervision and when proficient carry out procedures to a high standard, supervise junior qualified and / or unqualified staff including student nurses whilst maintaining a safe working environment.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone and to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required and you must be able to travel to Bedford Borough Hall for your Induction. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

The post holder must be able to actively demonstrate and proactively deliver effective and personal care, which is safe for the patients, in a calm and compassionate manner to every patient, every time. This should be at the core of all planning which actively involves the patient and where appropriate, their relatives or carers. The post holder must show the ability to escalate areas of interprofessional and multiagency care concerns to the Ward manager, Matron or Deputy/Chief Nurse in a timely manner.

Person Specification

• Qualifications Essential: Current Acute Registered Nurse with the NMC (University graduate from 2025 or 2026 cohort)
• Knowledge Essential: Demonstrates reflective practice
• Skills Essential: Venepuncture, Cannulation, Competent in the administration of intravenous medication
• Personal Attributes Essential: Role Model

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.

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.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Luton and Dunstable Hospital / Bedford Hospital, Luton / Bedford, LU4 0DZ, United Kingdom

Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact: Workforce Matron Carly Blackwell carly.blackwell@bedsft.nhs.uk