Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Registered Nurse Critical Care

The closing date is 13 April 2026

Job summary

NOTE: Only apply if you have NMC pin number.

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We are offering a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic, experienced and motivated nurse to join our Critical Care team at Bedford Hospital. We are seeking someone who is approachable, reliable and committed to delivering high-quality patient care.

Our Adult Critical Care service provides an integrated Level 1, 2 and 3 pathway, with 6 Level 3 beds and 4 Level 2 beds in a purpose-built unit, supported by a 24/7 Level 1 service.

The post holder will support the Critical Care Matron in maintaining high standards across the service, ensuring thorough assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of effective care plans. The role includes providing strong leadership, modelling excellent professional behaviour and helping to maintain a safe, supportive environment for patients and staff.

Applicants should have substantial experience in a ward or acute care setting, with strong communication and time-management skills. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, managing complex situations and competing priorities.

The successful candidate will complete all required training and specialist competencies. Your journey will begin with a supernumerary period tailored to your previous ITU experience, supported by a structured induction, simulation sessions and dedicated training days.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is responsible for assessing patient care needs and for developing, implementing and evaluating appropriate programmes of care.

Following suitable supervision and assessment through the Knowledge and Skills Framework, the post holder will also be expected to supervise and support nursing and non-nursing staff. They will be designated to take charge of the unit on a regular basis in the absence of the nurse with continuing responsibility.

Maintain a consistently high standard of clinical practice when carrying out nursing procedures.

Ensure the safe custody, checking and administration of medications in line with policy.

Work in full compliance with the clinical governance framework, promoting a culture of safety, dignity and continuous improvement. Motivate colleagues and contribute to a positive, high-quality care environment.

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.

Details

Date posted

30 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

418-NUR58649-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital, Critical Care complex

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this posting. Please review them for full details and responsibilities.

The postholder will provide skilled nursing care under supervision, demonstrating a high standard of practice in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. Once competent, the postholder will undertake the Band 5 Critical Care Management Programme.

They will ensure that care is delivered in accordance with Trust and Critical Care policies, and that the custody, administration, and recording of drugs comply with Hospital Policy and NMC guidelines. Completion of IV drug competency within Critical Care is required.

The postholder must inform the Critical Care Matron of any matters affecting the professional standard of patient care and adhere to the guidelines set out in the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this posting. Please review them for full details and responsibilities.

The postholder will provide skilled nursing care under supervision, demonstrating a high standard of practice in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. Once competent, the postholder will undertake the Band 5 Critical Care Management Programme.

They will ensure that care is delivered in accordance with Trust and Critical Care policies, and that the custody, administration, and recording of drugs comply with Hospital Policy and NMC guidelines. Completion of IV drug competency within Critical Care is required.

The postholder must inform the Critical Care Matron of any matters affecting the professional standard of patient care and adhere to the guidelines set out in the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (NMC)
  • Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable

  • Qualification in critical care

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in an acute setting or substantial ward experience
  • Leadership potential
  • Positive attitude to change
  • Skills in mentoring, supervision of students and colleagues
  • Works well within a team

Desirable

  • Previous experience in a Critical Care environment
  • Ability to lead projects and new developments

Knowledge

Essential

  • Able to use IT systems including Microsoft Office

Personal Skills

Essential

  • Problem solving skills - ability to respond to unexpected demands
  • Ability to work independently and make autonomous decisions
  • Strong communication skills written and verbal
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload and direct the work others and adjust plans as required both in the short and long term
  • Able to work flexibly to meet the demands of the role
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (NMC)
  • Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable

  • Qualification in critical care

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in an acute setting or substantial ward experience
  • Leadership potential
  • Positive attitude to change
  • Skills in mentoring, supervision of students and colleagues
  • Works well within a team

Desirable

  • Previous experience in a Critical Care environment
  • Ability to lead projects and new developments

Knowledge

Essential

  • Able to use IT systems including Microsoft Office

Personal Skills

Essential

  • Problem solving skills - ability to respond to unexpected demands
  • Ability to work independently and make autonomous decisions
  • Strong communication skills written and verbal
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload and direct the work others and adjust plans as required both in the short and long term
  • Able to work flexibly to meet the demands of the role

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, Critical Care complex

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, Critical Care complex

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:

Team Manager

Fiona Line

Fiona.line@bedsft.nhs.uk

01234792257

Details

Date posted

30 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

418-NUR58649-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital, Critical Care complex

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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