Registered Nurse - Acute Assessment Unit | Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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

Job summary

A regional NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Band 5 Staff Nurse to join their Acute Assessment Unit. In this role, you will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Essential skills include strong communication, organizational abilities, and a passion for Acute Medicine. The Trust prides itself on high-quality training and development, promoting equality and diversity in the workplace. Applications close on December 21, 2025. Tours of the ward are encouraged before applying.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and development programs

Commitment to staff health and wellbeing

Inclusive recruitment practices

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a genuine interest in patient care.
• Ability to manage complex situations and competing demands.
• Commitment to personal professional development.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care within the AAU.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care.
• Support patient flow for timely assessments and discharges.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with Trust policies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Passion for Acute Medicine

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Staff Nurse to join our dynamic and expanding team within the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at Bedford Hospital.

The AAU plays a vital role in patient flow, supporting transitions from the Emergency Department (ED) through AAU to the base wards. Patients arrive from ED or SDEC for further assessment, investigations, and treatment. The unit cares for a diverse range of patients across multiple specialties, including Medical, Surgical, Gastroenterology, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Mental Health, and more.

Our nurses work collaboratively to deliver high-quality care in a fast-paced environment. With 30 beds and a high patient turnover, the role requires individuals who are alert, organised, and able to prioritise effectively.

We welcome applications from motivated nurses who are eager to contribute to patient care and service delivery. Prospective applicants are invited to arrange a tour of the ward to gain further insight into the services we provide.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience – we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust's 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.

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

Additional 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.

This advert closes on Sunday 21 Dec 2025