Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Paediatric Nurse

The closing date is 03 October 2025

Job summary

The post holder carries responsibility for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the care needs of a child or group of children, without direct supervision. The post holder will assist and work with the senior sister on shift to ensure high standards of care are maintained. A period of preceptorship or induction (dependant on previous qualified experience) will be provided.

This post is to work across the Paediatric Unit, and may include covering the outpatient area and the Children's Assessment Unit

Main duties of the job

Clinical and Professional Leadership

  1. Manage the care of a group of children and their families for the duration of the shift, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
  2. Develop partnerships with children and their families to enable them to take on care of the child both in hospital and at home, as wished by the family.
  3. Be responsible for evaluating the care given, and effectively communicate this evaluation to children, families and staff through written and verbal reports.
  4. Use play as an effective means of communication, therapy and stimulation at all times during the planning and implementation of care. Where required, involve play specialist, ward teacher and schools in accessing and developing appropriate play/education programmes to meet the needs of the individual child.
  5. Take account of the health promotion needs of the individual child/family, and ensure that relevant information and support are given to meet these needs at an appropriate time during the child's stay in hospital.
  6. Ensure that all drugs are administered, recorded and stored in accordance with Paediatric Unit and Hospital Drug Policies.

About us

GENERAL:

To comply at all times with any regulations issued by the Trust, especially those governing Health and Safety at work and to ensure that any defects which may affect safety at work are brought to the attention of the appropriate manager.

It is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling wherever possible, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use, minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly.

This job description reflects the present requirements and objectives of the post. As the duties of the post change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment, in consultation with the post holder.

You are required to disclose any additional work you undertake or are planning to undertake for another employer.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

This post is subject to the successful completion of a probationary period of 6 months within which the notice period for both you and Bedford Hospital is four weeks.

STANDARDS:

Staff are responsible for complying with the relevant standards set by their Line Manager. A breach of such standards may lead to disciplinary action. It would be investigated fairly and appropriate steps taken to prevent a recurrence and address any wider causes.

Details

Date posted

22 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year PA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-NUR5795-MA

Job locations

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical and Professional Leadership

  1. Manage the care of a group of children and their families for the duration of the shift, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
  2. Develop partnerships with children and their families to enable them to take on care of the child both in hospital and at home, as wished by the family.
  3. Be responsible for evaluating the care given, and effectively communicate this evaluation to children, families and staff through written and verbal reports.
  4. Use play as an effective means of communication, therapy and stimulation at all times during the planning and implementation of care. Where required, involve play specialist, ward teacher and schools in accessing and developing appropriate play/education programmes to meet the needs of the individual child.
  5. Take account of the health promotion needs of the individual child/family, and ensure that relevant information and support are given to meet these needs at an appropriate time during the childs stay in hospital.
  6. Ensure that all drugs are administered, recorded and stored in accordance with Paediatric Unit and Hospital Drug Policies.
  7. nsure that all untoward incidents and accidents are reported, using appropriate documentation.
  8. Ensure that effective discharge planning, which begins at the time of admission, is developed and maintained to assist in optimal discharge time for the child.
  9. Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection control.
  10. Prepare for and undertake the protective interventions that she/he is responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence based practice and maintaining patient, staff and other users safety.

Managerial

  1. Prioritise workload, ensuring the safety of children and their families in your care
  2. Take responsibility for ensuring that all resources are used in a cost - effective way, to the benefit of patients in your care.
  3. Assist in the maintenance and control of stocks and stores on the ward.
  4. Assist in ensuring that regular maintenance and cleaning of equipment is carried out, faults reported and defective equipment is removed from use.
  5. Manage the shift, on occasion, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the Multidisciplinary team.

Teaching and Learning

  1. Take a proactive role in ensuring that you receive feedback regarding personal and professional development, through regular appraisal and more informal methods.
  2. Develop and maintain a professional portfolio in line with NMC guidelines and PREP proposals.
  3. Set regular objectives for self-development, in line with ward/unit objectives, and ensure that relevant training is undertaken to meet development needs.
  4. Participate in demonstrating skills to other members of staff, as appropriate.
  5. Take an active part in teaching programmes, both as teacher and learner, according to competence in relevant topics.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical and Professional Leadership

  1. Manage the care of a group of children and their families for the duration of the shift, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
  2. Develop partnerships with children and their families to enable them to take on care of the child both in hospital and at home, as wished by the family.
  3. Be responsible for evaluating the care given, and effectively communicate this evaluation to children, families and staff through written and verbal reports.
  4. Use play as an effective means of communication, therapy and stimulation at all times during the planning and implementation of care. Where required, involve play specialist, ward teacher and schools in accessing and developing appropriate play/education programmes to meet the needs of the individual child.
  5. Take account of the health promotion needs of the individual child/family, and ensure that relevant information and support are given to meet these needs at an appropriate time during the childs stay in hospital.
  6. Ensure that all drugs are administered, recorded and stored in accordance with Paediatric Unit and Hospital Drug Policies.
  7. nsure that all untoward incidents and accidents are reported, using appropriate documentation.
  8. Ensure that effective discharge planning, which begins at the time of admission, is developed and maintained to assist in optimal discharge time for the child.
  9. Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection control.
  10. Prepare for and undertake the protective interventions that she/he is responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence based practice and maintaining patient, staff and other users safety.

Managerial

  1. Prioritise workload, ensuring the safety of children and their families in your care
  2. Take responsibility for ensuring that all resources are used in a cost - effective way, to the benefit of patients in your care.
  3. Assist in the maintenance and control of stocks and stores on the ward.
  4. Assist in ensuring that regular maintenance and cleaning of equipment is carried out, faults reported and defective equipment is removed from use.
  5. Manage the shift, on occasion, taking account of the planned programme of care, changes needed during the shift, and the effects of that care on the child and/or family. All care given must take account of prescriptions for care by medical staff and other members of the Multidisciplinary team.

Teaching and Learning

  1. Take a proactive role in ensuring that you receive feedback regarding personal and professional development, through regular appraisal and more informal methods.
  2. Develop and maintain a professional portfolio in line with NMC guidelines and PREP proposals.
  3. Set regular objectives for self-development, in line with ward/unit objectives, and ensure that relevant training is undertaken to meet development needs.
  4. Participate in demonstrating skills to other members of staff, as appropriate.
  5. Take an active part in teaching programmes, both as teacher and learner, according to competence in relevant topics.

Person Specification

Qualifactions

Essential

  • RSCN or RN Child
  • Current NMC registration

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of a hospital
  • Evidence of further development

Experience

Essential

  • Working as a student or nurse in an acute hospital
  • Research based nursing practice
  • Staff Training and Development

Desirable

  • Working with children and young people
  • An awareness of change management, Clinical Risk Management and Clinical audit

Knowledge

Essential

  • Awarness of implementing change
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Teaching skills
  • Good organisational skills and time keeping skills
  • Able to work independently and within a team

Desirable

  • Awareness of clinical risk management
  • Able to contribute towards the development of the service
Person Specification

Qualifactions

Essential

  • RSCN or RN Child
  • Current NMC registration

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of a hospital
  • Evidence of further development

Experience

Essential

  • Working as a student or nurse in an acute hospital
  • Research based nursing practice
  • Staff Training and Development

Desirable

  • Working with children and young people
  • An awareness of change management, Clinical Risk Management and Clinical audit

Knowledge

Essential

  • Awarness of implementing change
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Teaching skills
  • Good organisational skills and time keeping skills
  • Able to work independently and within a team

Desirable

  • Awareness of clinical risk management
  • Able to contribute towards the development of the service

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).

Additional information

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

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

ward manager

Julie Sharpe

Julie.sharpe@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk

01234792204

Details

Date posted

22 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year PA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-NUR5795-MA

Job locations

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)