Job description
Please note that this advert is for nurses residing currently in the UK.
We have a variety of Band 5 Acute Registered Nurse opportunities across the Trust.
As a Newly Qualified Nurse you will be enrolled onto our new Acorn Programme. This is a preceptorship programme that allows you to complete your initial competencies in a friendly and supportive environment during the first 12 months of your career.
If you are unsure of where you would like to start your Registered Nurse journey, we would be happy to discuss opportunities for rotational roles for you that enables you to experience a variety of specialities over an agreed period of time.
We look forward to welcoming you to our hospital and hope that we will see you at our interview and assessment days where we can discuss your career with you in person.
All Newly Qualified Nurses will be required to attend for an assessment followed by interview (please see sample assessment exercise attached so that you can prepare).
The post holder will provide a high standard of nursing care by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of patient care. To work closely with the department / ward manager and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining policies, standards of nursing care, staff and service development within the department / ward environment.
To carry out all relevant forms of care under supervision and when proficient demonstrate procedures of care; supervise junior qualified and / or unqualified staff including student nurses whilst maintaining a safe working environment.
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.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Professional Responsibilities
- Assess patient care needs and the development and implementation of programmes of patient care and participate in the evaluation of these.
- To ensure a high standard of nursing care is performed at all times and assist in the review and regular update of these standards.
- Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to changes in the patient’s condition and safety.
- Adhere to all Trust Policies to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety. Ability to administer oral drugs safely and independently and that they are administered in line with the NMC and Trust Policy guidelines.
- Be aware of the principles of infection control and the prevention of cross infection in relation to patient care and the clinical environment.
- Be able to communicate basic care information and answer queries to patients, their relatives/carers and the multidisciplinary team members.
- To undertake intravenous drug therapy administration following a training programme which will assess the competencies and practical levels required to achieve safe working within the Trust policies and procedures.
- Care and control of medication and controlled drugs used for patient care, being aware of the systems used for safe administration and the ordering and maintenance of stock.
- Participate in clinical training including the aching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the ward environment
- Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the ward manager for development planning
- Advise patients and relatives /visitors to the ward with regard to control of infection.
- Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
- To manage the maintenance of an acceptable environment for patients, reporting and taking appropriate action on hazards and faulty equipment.
- To report incidents using the Trust electronic incident reporting system.
- Management of patients with regard to their nursing /clinical needs as directed by the nurse in charge.
- Report to and request advice from the nurse in charge of the ward in regard to patient care when appropriate.
- Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team
- To contribute to the discharge planning of patients informing the discharge team of issues and patient /relative requirements/requests.
- Ensure that the ward environment is well maintained, clean and safe. Report hazards to the nurse in charge acting to prevent further danger to staff and patients.
- To be economic in the use of ward stocks and clinical requisitions, avoiding waste wherever possible.
- To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust.
- Have basic computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the
- To take charge as required in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility for the ward/department. Only after completion of preceptorship programme and local induction period.
- To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.
- To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.
- Maintain professional portfolio.
- Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.
- To uphold the principles of the NMC code of professional conduct.
- To be conversant with all the Nursing policies and Procedures.
The post holder must be able to actively demonstrate and proactively deliver effective and personal care, which is safe for the patients, in a calm and compassionate manner to every patient, every time. This should be at the core of all planning which actively involves the patient and where appropriate, their relatives /carers. With the ability to escalate areas of interprofessional and multiagency care concerns to the ward manager, Matron or Deputy/Chief Nurse in a timely manner.