Job summary
We are currently seeking to recruit Band 6 Junior Sisters/Charge Nurses who are looking to develop their clinical and leadership skills in a forward-thinking and varied environment. We have permanent vacancies and a fixed term/secondment opportunity for 9 months opportunity!

You are likely to be an emerging leader within your field of nursing, a senior staff nurse who is looking for further clinical or leadership development or an established ED nurse looking for the next step in your career. You will be passionate about the care that you and your team deliver and offer a flexible and dedicated approach to this role. You will have the necessary post-registration experience working within an ED or acute services ward and you will already hold, at least, a substantive Band 5 post within your ward/department. You will be able to offer flexibility in relation to your shift pattern and have the ability to work a range of shifts over a 24-hour-period, inclusive of nights and weekends.

If you are considering the secondment opportunity please speak to your Line Manager first and visit your Trust's Secondment Policy.

Main duties of the job

• To support and work with the senior charge nurse and Matron to provide effective unit management.
• To take regular charge of the clinical area in the absence of the senior charge nurse.
• 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.

The post holder will demonstrate expert knowledge and practice in the delivery of patient care, therefore experience of working within an acute environment is essential.

You are expected to communicate effectively with patients and relatives and the other members of the multi-disciplinary team ensuring accurate and seamless information is conveyed and documented.

Good clear communication skills are necessary for this post as you will be required to co-ordinate the flow of patients safely through the unit whilst liaising with other departments to ensure a quick turnover to aid with the flow of patients through the Trust.

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.

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

• To deputise for the ED band 7 and liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, to ensure care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently.
• Communicate proactively with all staff on the clinical condition and treatment plan of patients and ensures accurate nursing records are maintained by all staff.
• To lead and support others in co-ordinating the discharge process and ensures written and verbal advice is available to patients relatives and carers.

Please see detailed Job Description and person specification.

Person Specification
Qualification & Experience
Essential

• Current & Active UK NMC Registration
• The necessary experience of working in an Emergency Department

Desirable

• Post registration experience of working in an acute hospital setting

Skills
Essential

• Completed ILS
• Mentorship / Practice assessor / SLIP
• Venenpuncture and Cannulation
• Plastering skills

Desirable

• Advanced life support
• Evidence of having or working towards having leadership courses

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Experience in triage prioritisation and rapid patient assessment
• Experience in leading or coordinating a team in the clinical area
• Experience supporting junior staff, students/or new starters
• Understanding of infection control practices in the ED

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS + ED targets and performance standards
• Experience in quality improvement, audit, or service service development
• Evident of excellent communication skills

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.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.