Emergency Department Technician

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Luton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Luton is looking for an Emergency Department Technician to assist the nursing team in delivering patient care. The ideal candidate will have NVQ level 3 or equivalent, or NVQ level 2 with relevant experience. Responsibilities include conducting ECGs, assisting with wound care, and performing patient observations. This role involves communication and teamwork, and successful candidates will benefit from a supportive training environment and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

High-quality training and development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Candidates must have an NVQ level 3 or equivalent or NVQ level 2 with experience.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are required.
• Experience in an acute setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist the nursing team by performing ECGs and observations.
• Conduct urinalysis and Covid/flu swabs.
• Provide basic nursing care and assist with minor injuries procedures.

Skills

Phlebotomy experience

Communication skills

Team working

Basic nursing care

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

NVQ level 2 with relevant experience

Job description

The Emergency Department Technician role requires an NVQ level 3 or equivalent (2 × A‑levels) – or NVQ level 2 or equivalent (5 × GCSE A‑C, including English and maths) with relevant experience in an acute setting or phlebotomy. Candidates will receive a hospital induction and a second induction with our Practice Development Team, plus a dedicated senior nurse as point of contact for training, development and concerns.

Successful applicants will be rotated throughout the Emergency Department assisting the nursing team.

Responsibilities

• ECG s
• Urinalysis
• Urine pregnancy testing
• Covid/flu swabs
• Observations/neurological observations
• Chaperone doctors/nurses
• Assisting the nurses
• Basic nursing care
• Wound care
• Plasters
• Assisting with minor injuries procedures
• After training, cannulation and venepuncture

Candidate Expectations & Competencies

Communication

• Recognise and maintain confidentiality of patient information and records.
• Ensure clarity when communicating with patients, relatives and team members, and answer questions within your own knowledge.
• Report changes in patient condition to the registered nurse on duty and participate in shift hand‑over to ensure effective continuity of care.
• Contribute to the ongoing support of patients and others significant to them, enabling patients to maintain their interests, identity and emotional well‑being.
• Welcome patients, families and visitors to the department and introduce them to the facilities and services provided.
• Answer the telephone in a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner, taking messages accurately and referring to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.
• Demonstrate a caring approach to patients, their families and visitors with good verbal and non‑verbal communication skills.

Implementation of Nursing Practice

• Assist with admitting, discharging, transferring and escorting patients in line with Trust policies.
• Support anti‑discriminatory practice, patient/client choice, and recognise individuals' personal beliefs and identity.
• Maintain personal and organisational health, safety and security standards.
• Respond appropriately to health or clinical emergencies.

Management

• Manage time effectively and complete allocated tasks within a reasonable period, knowing when to seek support from team members.
• Perform general clerical duties associated with the smooth running of the department.
• Assist in maintaining equipment and stock levels, including linen and catering supplies.

Problem Solving

• Identify and report any untoward incident, accident, problem or risk as soon as possible to the nurse/midwife in charge.

Team Working

• Participate in administrative, clerical and housekeeping duties such as booking transport, appointments, maintaining patient records and requisitions.
• Help maintain and monitor standards and assist with audits, identifying potential improvements.
• Contribute to the team as an active member, demonstrating flexibility and cooperation.

Our Values

We recruit based on qualifications and experience, but also on behaviours underpinning the Trust’s core values. We are committed to inclusive practices, equality, diversity and creating a culture that values differences.

Important Information

Vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all attached documents to familiarize yourself with all job requirements. You will work under the supervision of the registered nurse and will be accountable to the registered nurse and the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse of the department.

About Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas through two busy sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. We are a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring staff health and wellbeing, and we offer 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 and are committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

All new staff will undergo a probationary period covering their first six months in post.