Job summary
The Surgical Short Stay Unit (SSSU) covers same day operations for patients undergoing Urology and Gynaecology procedures, as well as providing overnight care for patients undergoing General Surgery, Breast Surgery, Colorectal surgery, Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery, Maxillo- Facial surgery, ENT, Plastics and Vascular surgery.

To support and work with the Ward Manager and Theatre managers to provide effective unit management. To take regular charge of the clinical area in the absence of the ward manager.

To take responsibility for the assessments of the care needs; the development, implementation and evaluation of care to ensure the highest possible standards of care are received by patients.

To supervise and teach other nursing and non-nursing staff, acting as an excellent clinical role model and team leader to ensure quality care is delivered to the patients.

Act as nurse in charge and liaise with theatres, recovery and other relevant services to ensure appropriate patient flow.

Support the ward managers in terms of staff performance, sickness, appraisals, training and audits.

Main duties of the job

• Admit day surgery and inpatients completing a comprehensive assessment.
• Assist in leading the department team by an appropriate management style that maintains good morale and team approach to work
• Act as nurse in charge and liaise with theatres, recovery and other relevant services to ensure appropriate patient flow.
• Support the ward managers in terms of staff performance, sickness, appraisals, training and audits.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide safe, quality care to post-operative patients undergoing various surgical procedures.
• Safely discharge patients ensure they meet all day surgery criteria- nurse led. Ensuring patients have a clear understanding
• Demonstrate and apply clinical decision-making skills to all clinical specialties; Liaise with specialist teams to create and organise post-operative care and provide continuing care to patient's post-surgery.
• Be IV competent ,venepuncture and cannulation competent.
• To be able to perform a bladder scan, ECG's, Vital observations
• Act as a mentor to junior staff and create a positive learning culture by supporting skill acquisition and competency development.
• Provide teaching to all students and new staff as part of an ongoing development programme.
• Act up as the daily coordinator in the absence of the Ward Manager if required

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.

Our values
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 responsibilities

• Admit day surgery and inpatients completing a comprehensive assessment.
• Act as nurse in charge and liaise with theatres, recovery and other relevant services to ensure appropriate patient flow.
• Support the ward managers in terms of staff performance, sickness, appraisals, training and audits.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide safe, quality care to post-operative patients undergoing various surgical procedures.
• Safely discharge patients ensure they meet all day surgery criteria- nurse led. Ensuring patients have a clear understanding
• Be able to manage post-operative pain and nausea
• Demonstrate and apply clinical decision-making skills to all clinical specialties; Liaise with specialist teams to create and organise post-operative care and provide continuing care to patient's post-surgery.
• Be IV competent ,venepuncture and cannulation competent.
• Be able to monitor catheters and when to raise concerns regarding fluid input and output.
• To be able to perform a bladder scan, ECG's, Vital observations
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure that all information is disseminated accurately to patients, relatives, members of the multi-disciplinary team and other departments.
• Maintain patient dignity and respect, and equality and diversity as per Trust Policies.
• Act as a mentor to junior staff and create a positive learning culture by supporting skill acquisition and competency development.
• Provide teaching to all students and new staff as part of an ongoing development programme.
• Participate in local audits.
• Act up as the daily coordinator in the absence of the Ward Manager if required.
• 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.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Current Registered Nurse with the NMC

Desirable

• Mentorship / Practice Supervisor & Practice Assessor Preparation or teaching qualification or working towards

Experience
Essential

• Post registration experience of working in a surgical setting
• Experience of managing challenging situations to a positive outcome
• Experience of conducting appraisals and mentoring others

Desirable

• Experience of managing a team and staff performance
• Experience of managing staff capability, conduct and sickness absence at the early stages

Skills
Essential

• Competent in all aspects of medicine management
• Venepuncture and Cannulation
• Ability to prioritise and organise workload
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Desirable

• Ability to problem solve, anticipate and forward plan
• Ability to work under pressure and seek help when required

Personal
Essential

• Team Player
• A strong desire and ability to lead the department

Desirable

• Flexible

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 Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager Rachel Tuffy rachel.tuffy@ldh.nhs.uk 07811698007

Details
Date posted 01 September 2026
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 6
Salary £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract Permanent
Working pattern Full-time
Reference number 418-RN5448-KA
Job locations Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ, United Kingdom