Overview
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust – Newly Qualified Adult Staff Nurse
The closing date is 21 October 2025. We welcome applications from student nurses who are currently in their 3rd year of training within 6 months of qualifying. We have a range of permanent and fixed-term positions and are looking to recruit highly motivated and enthusiastic newly qualified Band 5 Nurses to join our wards, departments and teams throughout the integrated trust. The Trust offers support, advice and guidance during the preceptorship period to develop confidence as an autonomous professional and to refine skills, values and behaviours to provide high-quality care.
During your preceptorship you will have access to a 2-week supernumerary period at the point of registration, allocated time for development of knowledge and skills, and ongoing professional development activities.
The following development activities are available: participatory continuing professional development, study days and e-learning linked to your PDP; monthly meetings with your preceptor; and quarterly meetings with your manager for guidance and support.
Main duties of the job
To assess patients’ needs and develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care. To organise the delivery of nursing care, deploying staff effectively. To be aware of and communicate changes to patient information and treatment plans, both verbally and in writing. To adhere to NMC standards of record keeping. To assist the Ward Sister in setting, monitoring and maintaining standards of care. To participate in nursing audit and service improvement activities (e.g., Essence of Care). To be aware of resource constraints and the importance of working within budget. To provide advice and act as a role model to other team members. To be proactive in managing risk and maintaining patient safety. To supervise the work of nursing support staff, ensuring tasks are delegated appropriately. To contribute to day-to-day management of the Directorate and address bed management issues. To participate in education and training of junior staff. To involve patients and carers in the planning and delivery of care. To participate in clinical supervision and to assist in resolving conflicts and defusing situations.
About us
We provide hospital services from two acute sites—Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale, as well as over 80 other community-based settings and care in patients’ homes. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents. For visa information and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply. From 9 April 2025, Healthcare assistants must have a minimum of two years’ NHS experience for sponsorship consideration (sponsorship available only if criteria are met and visa expiring within 3 months).
Job responsibilities
The post holder will provide leadership in the delivery of care, act in the best interests of people, and deliver person-centred, safe and compassionate care. They will act professionally at all times, use knowledge and experience to make evidence-based decisions, communicate effectively, be accountable for their actions, and be a role model for others while keeping abreast of new developments in nursing, health and care.
Person Specification
Experience
* Qualifying January 2026
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Awareness of Health & Safety/Clinical Governance issues.
* Basic IT skills, including e-mail and word processing.
Special Requirements
* Driving posts must have valid Full UK Driving Licence
Qualifications
* NMC Registration
* BSC/MSC Adult Nursing Degree
Statutory Registration
* NMC Registration
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and would require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 per year (pro rata where applicable)
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