Job Description

We're excited to invite passionate and dedicated Staff Nurses to join the Richard Wells Ward and Russell Ward Nursing Teams at Bedford Hospital. This is a unique opportunity to become part of a supportive, forward-thinking environment committed to delivering excellence in surgical and orthopaedic care.



We're seeking reliable, motivated nurses who bring enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering outstanding patient care. If you're someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to grow professionally, we'd love to hear from you.

What we're looking for:

A strong track record and demonstrable evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)



Energy, initiative, and a genuine desire to support both personal and team development



Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate change with sensitivity and confidence



A commitment to maintaining high standards of holistic care within a multi-disciplinary team



This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact through clinical input and leadership, helping to uphold and enhance the quality of care we provide.



While our robust learning and development programme will support your growth, we recognise the importance of bringing relevant experience and skills to ensure your success in this role. Full details of the required competencies can be found in the attached Person Specification and .



The post-holder will provide direct clinical care to individual patients and patient groups within their designated area. This includes assessing care needs, planning and implementing care programmes, and evaluating outcomes from admission through to discharge.



Following a structured development period, the post-holder will be expected to take charge of the ward when required, assuming responsibility for staff and resources in the absence of the Ward Manager or Deputy. The role also involves supervising and supporting both qualified and unqualified staff, including pre- and post-registration nursing students.



To support clinical development and meet service demands, the post-holder will rotate across all ward areas within the Division of Surgery and Anaesthetics, including the admission and discharge facility. Shift work will be required across the full 24-hour period.



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.



The successful candidate will be assigned to either Reginald Hart Ward or Richard Wells Ward at Bedford Hospital.



Richard Wells Ward is a 27-bed general surgery unit.



Reginald Hart Ward is a 32-bed Trauma and Orthopaedic unit

Core Responsibilities:

Promote and uphold best practices in infection control while planning and delivering high-quality patient care.



Maintain accurate, clear, and timely documentation of all nursing interventions and communications with the multidisciplinary team.



Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and their families, offering updates and information regarding care and progress.



Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal clinical care from admission through to discharge.



Support safe, timely, and appropriate patient discharge, ensuring suitable arrangements are in place for ongoing care.



Liaise proactively with the matron, bed management team, and discharge coordinators to maximise efficient use of inpatient beds.