Junior Sister/Charge Nurse – Acute Assessment Unit in Bedford

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Adult Registered Nurse to join our friendly and growing team on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at Bedford Hospital as a Band 6. Our 30-bedded unit cares for a wide range of acutely unwell patients, offering a fast-paced and rewarding environment where no two days are the same.

We are looking for a highly motivated nurse who shares our commitment to delivering compassionate, safe, and effective care. You will bring strong communication and organisational skills, confidence in managing complex situations, and the ability to lead by example. Your role will include the assessment, coordination, and effective management of patient care, working closely with the multidisciplinary team.

The AAU is a supportive and forward-thinking area where new ideas and innovation are encouraged. You will be surrounded by colleagues who value teamwork, professional growth, and high-quality patient care. This role is ideal for nurses looking to expand their skills and knowledge within Acute Medicine while stepping into a leadership position.

Main duties of the job:

• On AAU we have a high standard of care and aim to achieve excellence.
• Being a Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse on AAU involves taking charge of the shift and being able to effectively coordinate the team of RNs, CSWs, TNAs etc. to maintain a safe working environment for both staff and patients whilst fulfilling your duties and responsibilities as a Sister/Charge Nurse.
• Patient safety and quality of care is our top priority and this will need to be in the forefront of the successful applicant's working mind.
• Examples of this would look like: continuous risk assessments of the patients and overall view of the ward and problem solve where issues arise.
• This could be for our patients with Mental health issues, cognitive impairment/dementia or our vulnerable patients.
• Mitigating risks and having full oversight of the ward is imperative to the safety and high standard of care that we deliver for our patients.
• In addition, the Sister/Charge Nurse is also to deputise for the manager in their absence.
• This will involve communicating to different departments such as: Site team, Matron, Deputy Head of Nursing, Medical team, PLS and much more.
• Brainstorming, service improvement and regular team meetings with the manager to continually develop, improve and excel our service is something that will be encouraged and desired!

About us:

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. 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 a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

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.

Job responsibilities:

• To deputise for the Ward Manager and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
• Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensure accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
• Has a well developed clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.
• Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.
• Responsible for leading and coordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.
• To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/Matron.

Person Specification:

• Relevant experience at Staff Nurse level in a clinical setting.
• Experience in mentoring, assessing, coaching.
• Leadership management, leading a team.
• Previous experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of clinical governance.
• RGNMSPP/ENB998 or equivalent.
• Evidence of ongoing development and learning.
• Transformational leadership style.
• Excellent personal and communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate and support learning.
• Organisational ability.
• Demonstrate ability to think creatively and laterally.
• Open/Reflective/Warm.
• Enthusiastic and self aware.
• Creative and flexible.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to prioritise workload.
• Able to work to a deadline.
• Adaptable, reliable and dependable.
• Team focused.

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.