Main area Acute Assessment Unit Grade NHS AfC: Band 5 Contract 6 months (Fixed term) Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week (Long days, Early Shifts, Late Shifts, Nights) Job ref 418-NUR4493-MR
Employer Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site AAU – Bedford Hospital South Wing Town Bedford Salary £32,073 – £39,043 Per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 06/06/2026 23:59
Registered Nurse – Acute Assessment Unit (6 mth Fixed Term)
NHS AfC: Band 5
Job overview
An exciting opportunity is available for a committed and compassionate Band 5 Staff Nurse to join the growing team within the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at Bedford Hospital( 6 months Fixed Term). This is a chance to become part of a forward‑thinking service that plays a crucial role in the hospital’s emergency and acute care pathway.
The AAU is central to effective patient flow, supporting seamless transitions from the Emergency Department (ED) or Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) through to the base wards. As part of this fast‑paced unit, you’ll care for a wide variety of patients requiring further assessment, investigations, and treatment. The caseload spans multiple specialties — including Medical, Surgical, Gastroenterology, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Mental Health — offering a rich and varied clinical experience.
With 30 beds and a consistently high turnover, the AAU demands nurses who are proactive, organised, and confident in prioritising care. You’ll work closely with a supportive multi‑disciplinary team, delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care while developing your clinical skills in an environment that is both challenging and rewarding.
We welcome applications from motivated nurses who are passionate about making a difference. Prospective candidates are encouraged to arrange a ward tour to gain a deeper understanding of the unit and the vital role it plays within the hospital.
Main duties of the job
Work as an effective team member, taking responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care within the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU).
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver AAU objectives, ensuring comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for all patients.
Support patient flow across the wider hospital by providing a coordinated and efficient service.
Ensure patients receive timely assessments, investigations, and results to enable same-day discharge where appropriate.
Deliver a positive patient experience as a central part of the role.
Demonstrate a genuine passion for Acute Medicine.
Exhibit strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to think creatively and solve problems.
Work effectively as a team player, managing complex situations and competing demands with professionalism and resilience.
Working for our organisation
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 valuesWe 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.
Deliver a high standard of evidence-based care to patients in line with hospital policies and procedures.
Maintain accurate records in accordance with legislation, Trust policies, and the NMC Code of Conduct.
Take responsibility for personal continuing professional development, maintaining a portfolio aligned with the Knowledge and Skills Framework.
Ensure information recorded on Trust clinical systems is accurately reflected on the ExtraMed bed management system for day-case patients, where applicable.
Answer telephone calls, take referrals, and manage enquiries from hospital staff and the public regarding patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and review appointments.
Communicate effectively with staff, patients, visitors, and external contacts, addressing issues tactfully and professionally
Person specification
Qualifications
- Current NMC registration
- Evidence of professional development
- Basic life support up to date
- Mspp (willing to undertake)
- Venepuncture and Cannulation
- Male and female Cauterisation
- ILS OR ALS
Experience
- Knowledge of patient conditions from different specialities
- Evidence of good clinical Skills
- Ability to work within a team and work effectively with others
- Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality
Knowledge
- Demonstrates sound knowledge of infection control standards
- Aware of national nursing agendas
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
- To work well within the multidisciplinary team
- Understand the requirement to safeguard adults and children
It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
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. Travel between hospital sites may be required. 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.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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