Registered Nurse in Bedford

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Staff Nurse to join the dynamic team on Whitbread Ward at Bedford Hospital. Whitbread Ward plays a vital role in patient flow, supporting the transition of patients from ED and AAU to the base wards. Patients arrive on Whitbread for further assessment, investigations, and treatment, and we care for a diverse range of patients across multiple specialties, including Medical, Surgical, Gastroenterology, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Mental Health, and more. Our nurses work within a skilled team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. With 27 beds and a high patient turnover, the ward requires nurses who are alert, organised, and able to prioritise their workload effectively. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, supportive team, always looking for ways to improve and enhance our service. We warmly welcome applicants to arrange a ward tour to learn more about the range of services we provide.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will function as an integral member of the team, taking responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care provided to patients on the ward.
• They will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to contribute to patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• This coordinated approach supports patient flow throughout the hospital, ensuring that assessments, investigations, and results are delivered efficiently, enabling timely discharge and a positive patient experience.
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong passion for Acute Medicine.
• The role requires excellent communication, organisational skills, and the ability to think creatively and solve problems.
• The successful candidate will be a proactive team player, capable of managing complex situations, competing demands, and challenging scenarios with professionalism and resilience.

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. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. 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, we are committed 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. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based care to patients in line with hospital policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with legislation, Trust policies, and the NMC Code of Conduct.
• Take responsibility for your own professional development and performance, maintaining an up-to-date portfolio in line with the Knowledge and Skills Framework.
• Ensure information recorded on Trust clinical systems is accurately reflected on the ExtraMed bed management system for day-case patients, where applicable.
• Answer telephone calls, manage referrals, and respond to enquiries from hospital staff and the public regarding patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and review appointments.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with all staff, patients, visitors, and external contacts, identifying and addressing any issues in a professional and tactful manner.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Current NMC registration
• Evidence of professional development
• Basic life support up to date
• Mspp (willing to undertake)
• Venepuncture and Cannulation
• Male and female Cauterisation
• ILS OR ALS

Experience

• Knowledge of patient conditions from different specialities
• Evidence of good clinical skills
• Ability to work within a team and work effectively with others
• Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality

Knowledge

• Demonstrates sound knowledge of infection control standards
• Aware of national nursing agendas
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• To work well within the multidisciplinary team
• Understand the requirement to safeguard adults and children

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.