Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Adult Registered Nurse to join our friendly and expanding team on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at Bedford Hospital as a Band 6. We are a 30 bedded Acute Assessment Unit specialising in a variety of acutely unwell patients.
Bedford's Acute Assessment Unit is looking for a highly motivated nurse who wishes to contribute to our vision of providing compassionate, safe and effective Nursing care. We are seeking to recruit nurses who can make a difference with their dedication, expertise, compassion and aspiring leadership skills. You will need to be an excellent communicator and organizer, be willing to deal with complex and difficult situations and competing demands. The role will involve the assessment, co-ordination, and effective management of patient care. The Acute Assessment Unit is a busy but rewarding area, with friendly and supportive colleagues, in an environment that encourages new ideas, innovation and personal development will surround you.
We are inviting applications who are seeking to expand their knowledge and skills within the Acute Medicine Specialty. As a member of one of our teams, you will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary teams and be continually supported in your professional development.
Why not come and visit the ward for an informal visit we would like to meet you and introduce you to the team., On AAU we have a high standard of care and aim to achieve excellence.
Being a Band 6 Sister/ Charge Nurse on AAU involves taking charge of the shift and being able to effectively co-ordinate the team of RN's, CSW's, TNA's etc. to maintain a safe working environment for both staff and patients whilst for filling your duties and responsibilities as a Sister/ Charge Nurse (details in Detailed job description and main responsibilities)
Patient safety and quality of care is our top priority and this will need to be in the forefront of the successful applicants working mind. Examples of this would look like: continuous risk assessments of the patients and overall view of the ward and problem solve where issues arise. This could be for our patients with Mental health issues, cognitive impairment/ dementia or our vulnerable patients. Mitigating risks and having full oversite of the ward is imperative to the safety and high standard of care that we deliver for our patients.
In addition, the Sister/ Charge Nurse is also to deputise for the manager in their absence. This will involve communicating to different departments such as: Site team, Matron, Deputy Head of Nursing, Medical team, PLS and much more.
Further more, Brainstorming, service improvement and regular team meetings with the manager to continually develop, improve and excel our service is something that will be encouraged and desired!, + To deputise for the Ward Manager 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., + Has a well development clinical understanding and practice with effective assessment skills.
+ Provides clinical advice as required to staff, carers and junior colleagues which promotes
clinical practice and reduces risk to patients.
Management Responsibilities
+ Responsible for leading and co-ordinating the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Department Manager.
+ To assist with the management of the nursing team, under the direction of the ward Manager/ Matron.
Professional and Legal Responsibilities
+ 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.
Care and Compassion
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.
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.

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 familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.