Junior Sister / Charge Nurse

Haringey GP Federation; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a motivated Junior Sister/Charge Nurse for the Acute Assessment Unit at Bedford Hospital. This role involves leading a team, ensuring high standards of patient care, and conducting risk assessments. Ideal candidates should be registered general nurses with strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills. A commitment to patient safety and ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential. Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities are available.

Benefits

Access to training and development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Relevant experience at Staff Nurse level in a clinical setting.
• Experience in mentoring and assessing junior colleagues.
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of clinical governance.

Responsibilities

• Take charge of shifts and coordinate the nursing team to ensure a safe work environment.
• Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams regarding patient care.
• Conduct continuous risk assessments to maintain high standards of care.

Skills

Leadership management

Mentoring and coaching

Clinical governance

Organisational ability

Communication skills

Education

Registered General Nurse (RGN)

MSPP/ENB998 or equivalent

Job description

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Junior Sister/Charge Nurse

The closing date is 06 February 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Adult Registered Nurse to join our friendly and growing team on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at Bedford Hospital as a Band 6. Our 30-bedded unit cares for a wide range of acutely unwell patients, offering a fast-paced and rewarding environment where no two days are the same.

We are looking for a highly motivated nurse who shares our commitment to delivering compassionate, safe, and effective care. You will bring strong communication and organisational skills, confidence in managing complex situations, and the ability to lead by example. Your role will include the assessment, coordination, and effective management of patient care, working closely with the multidisciplinary team.

The AAU is a supportive and forward-thinking area where new ideas and innovation are encouraged. You will be surrounded by colleagues who value teamwork, professional growth, and high-quality patient care. This role is ideal for nurses looking to expand their skills and knowledge within Acute Medicine while stepping into a leadership position.

We warmly welcome informal visits -- come and meet the team and see what makes our unit such a great place to work.

Main duties of the job

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!

About us

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 values We 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 familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

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

Professional Responsibilities

• 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.

Education, Training & Development

• 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.

Person Specification

Experience

• Relevant experience at Staff Nurse level in a clinical setting
• Experience in mentoring, assessing, coaching
• Leadership management, leading a team
• Previous experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrates knowledge and application of clinical governance
• IT Skills

Qualifications

• RGN
• MSPP/ENB998 or equivalent
• Evidence of ongoing development and learning
• Transformational leadership style
• Excellent personal and communication skills
• Ability to facilitate and support learning

Personal skills

• Organisational ability
• Demonstrate ability to think creatively and laterally

Other

• Open/Reflective/Warm
• Enthusiastic and self aware
• Creative and flexible
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to prioritise work load
• Able to work to a deadline
• Adaptable, reliable and dependable
• Team focused

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust