Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven, motivated, and dedicated nurse to lead our acute respiratory ward. We are seeking a Ward Manager with strong clinical and managerial experience, alongside excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills. The successful candidate will be able to work autonomously at a senior level and manage both financial and human resources effectively. They must also be confident in overseeing projects, supporting staff, delegating appropriately, and fostering a cohesive team with a positive and supportive culture.
You will be expected to demonstrate effective team‑focused leadership, engaging staff through clear communication and consultation to promote teamwork, high‑quality care, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution. A commitment to safeguarding the nursing, comfort, and emotional well‑being of patients is essential.
Main duties of the job
The post holder has ongoing responsibility, across the full 24‑hour period, for the assessment and delivery of patient care on Pilgrim Ward. They are also accountable for managing the ward’s resources, including budgets, capacity, and patient pathways, such as the Non‑Invasive Ventilation (NIV) pathway.
They will be expected to deliver excellent standards of nursing care and clinical expertise, both through direct patient care and by supporting staff in meeting the higher needs and dependency levels of our patients.
The role includes supervising, managing, and teaching nursing and non‑nursing staff, acting as an exemplary clinical role model and team leader to ensure the delivery of high‑quality care.
The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all patients on the ward receive high standards of nursing care, in line with evidence‑based practice and Trust policies, and for monitoring the quality of care provided.
Working for our organisation
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 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 familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
(See attached JD)
The post holder has continuous responsibility, over a 24‑hour period, for the assessment and delivery of patient care. They are also accountable for managing resources within the area, including budgets, capacity, and patient pathways.
They are expected to deliver excellent standards of nursing care and clinical expertise, both through direct patient care and by supporting staff who care for patients with higher levels of need and dependency.
The role includes supervising, managing, and teaching nursing and non‑nursing staff, acting as an exemplary clinical role model and team leader to ensure the delivery of high‑quality care.
The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all patients on the ward receive high standards of nursing care, in line with evidence‑based practice and Trust policies, and for monitoring the quality of care provided.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
2. Mentorship qualification
3. Educated to Degree level or equivalent
4. Evidence of continuing clinical & professional development
Desirable criteria
5. Relevant teaching certificate/qualification
6. Completion of a clinical leadership programme or equivalent
Skills & Experiance
Essential criteria
7. Experience of managing/leading team
8. Experience of staff performance management
9. Evidence of managing challenging situations
10. Evidence of participation in clinical governance, research and audit.
11. Excellent written & verbal communication skills
12. Experience of working in a respiratory ward
Desirable criteria
13. Evidence of managing a team and staff performance
14. Experience of managing staff capability, conduct and sickness absence at the early stages
Other
Essential criteria
15. Demonstrates the ability to undertake challenging conversations
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
16. Demonstrable ability to manage a ward/department
17. IT skills
18. Ability to problem solve, anticipate and forward plan
19. Can adopt their leadership style to meet the needs of their staff
Desirable criteria
20. Counselling or coaching skills
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.