Community Staff Nurse

NHS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Bedford is seeking dedicated Band 5 Community Nurses to join its North Bedfordshire Primary Home Care Team. The role involves facilitating self-care for patients, promoting health, and participating in innovative care projects. Candidates should be registered general nurses with a passion for patient-centered service. This permanent position offers opportunities for personal and professional development, along with a supportive working environment.

Qualifications

• Registered General Nurse qualification required.
• Evidence of clinical skills required.
• Desire to promote health and patient-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate self-care for patients with long-term conditions.
• Promote health and lead innovative projects.
• Involved in Urgent Response and Virtual Wards.

Skills

Clinical governance

Safeguarding principles

Health promotion

Oral communication skills

IT/computer literacy

Education

Registered General Nurse

Job description

Job Summary

Band 5 Community Nurse

We are seeking motivated, dynamic, and passionate Band 5 Community Nurses to work within our North Bedfordshire Primary Home Care Team, based in Bedford. Staff will cover across the bases if needed, providing an excellent opportunity to develop knowledge and skills within the community nursing setting.

Would you be interested in a career within the NHS as a Band 5 Community Nurse, in the community nursing team? Are you passionate about providing a patient‑centred support service and want to deliver excellent and compassionate care to people over the age of 18 that live in Bedfordshire?

Main Duties

You will facilitate self‑care for patients with long‑term conditions, promote health, and lead innovative activities and projects that enhance patient service delivery and staff well‑being. You will also be involved in Urgent Response and Virtual Wards, which is a focus of our teams.

About us

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive.

Details

Posted: 19 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 5

Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 363-CHB7643146

Job locations: Twinwoods, Whitchurch Ward, Milton Rd, Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6AT

Job Responsibilities

We offer excellent development opportunities and training directed towards your needs and goals.

Experience in the field of adult community services is desirable, but a willingness to learn and contribute is more important. Newly qualified nurses who are passionate about a career in the community are welcome to apply.

You must have a driving licence and have access to a vehicle to carry out your duties. You will be required to work a shift pattern covering 7 days a week from 08:00‑21:00.

For further information, or to arrange a visit prior to interview, contact: Terry McKenna, Team Leader, 07875 113804

Person Specification

Education / Qualification / Training (Essential)

• Registered General Nurse
• Evidence‑based practice and up‑to‑date clinical skills

Desirable

• Evidence of post‑basic professional development
• Relevant teaching/mentorship qualification or commitment to undertake
• Post‑registration nursing experience, including community experience

Freedom to Act (Essential)

• Work within clearly defined clinical and professional policies
• Ability to work independently, seeking appropriate support and advice as necessary
• Works within codes of practice and professional guidelines

Experience (Essential)

• Evidence of and commitment to multi‑professional working
• Understanding of the interface between primary and secondary care
• Comprehensive understanding of the roles of others in health and social care

Knowledge and Skills (Essential)

• Knowledge of clinical governance
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles for vulnerable adults and children
• Knowledge of health promotion and prevention of illness
• Good oral communication skills in English
• IT/computer literacy

Physical, Mental and Emotional Effort (Essential)

• Ability to mobilise, stand for most of the shift, kneel and crouch to deliver clinical care (e.g. dressing wounds)
• Ability to concentrate on clinical care such as drug calculations, tests, and manage interruptions and unpredictable patient behaviour
• Occasional distressing or emotional circumstances such as delivering unwelcome news, caring for terminally ill, or safeguarding issues
• Postholder may work in occasional unpleasant conditions during home visits (e.g., unpleasant body odours, dust, noise, body fluid, or verbal aggression)

Other (Essential)

• Current UK driving licence and access to a car
• Ability to travel across sites and across Trust boundaries to meet patient needs and attend meetings

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require 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 lived in 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 on Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

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

Employer Details

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Twinwoods, Whitchurch Ward, Milton Rd, Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6AT

Website: https://www.elft.nhs.uk/