Job summary
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 collaboratively 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 familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and 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
Essential
- Current NMC registration
- Evidence of professional development
- Basic life support up to date
Desirable
- Mspp (willing to undertake)
- Venepuncture and Cannulation
- Male and female Cauterisation
- ILS OR ALS
Experience
Essential
- 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 appraisal process
Knowledge
Essential
- 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
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current NMC registration
- Evidence of professional development
- Basic life support up to date
Desirable
- Mspp (willing to undertake)
- Venepuncture and Cannulation
- Male and female Cauterisation
- ILS OR ALS
Experience
Essential
- 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 appraisal process
Knowledge
Essential
- 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.
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.
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).
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