Job overview
To act as a specialist recovery practitioner, providing post‑operative support for patients across services including elective surgery, emergency care, and maternity.
The post holder is accountable for the provision, organisation, and delivery of patient care within their scope of responsibility and assessed competencies. They will contribute to the development and delivery of safe post‑operative care, working across Bedfordshire NHS Foundation Trust Theatres, Maternity, and community services, including the laser unit, OMF, MRI, and supporting acute pain management. The role also includes providing effective mentorship and supervision, and participating in the education and training of nursing staff. The post holder will ensure that safe, efficient, and timely individualised care is delivered in line with local and national standards.
Main duties of the job
Key Duties
1. Work as a skilled member of the recovery team, undertaking nursing duties within the recovery area and delivering the highest standard of patient care.
2. Develop and maintain the clinical skills and knowledge required to provide holistic, evidence‑based nursing care.
3. Participate in monitoring and maintaining standards in line with clinic policies and procedures, including the daily checking and secure management of controlled drugs.
4. Communicate effectively and responsibly with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team.
5. Maintain accurate, legible written and electronic records of care, ensuring patient safety, privacy, and dignity at all times
Skills & Experience
6. RGN / ODP‑qualified practitioner with current NMC or HCPC registration.
7. Strong understanding of the post‑operative needs of patients and service users.
8. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure and adapt within a team environment.
9. Highly motivated, punctual, adaptable, and consistently maintains a professional image
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
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.
Utilising the specialist peri‑operative care plan, the post holder will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care within their scope of responsibility in the Recovery Department and across all peripheral service areas within Bedford Hospital.
10. Maintain safe and effective airway management for patients arriving in Recovery, working alongside pain‑management processes to ensure high‑quality post‑operative care.
11. Ensure clear, effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, and relatives. This includes giving and receiving complex or sensitive information, recognising individual needs, and addressing any barriers to understanding.
12. Competently undertake a wide range of clinical duties in line with professional training and departmental protocols, demonstrating proficiency across Recovery and other relevant areas within Bedford Hospital NHS Trust.
13. Contribute to the setting, monitoring, and evaluation of care standards in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
14. Work effectively as a team member, supporting colleagues to deliver safe and coordinated care.
15. Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date patient records in accordance with departmental policies, including care plans and systems such as OPERA, ensuring all documentation supports safe, high‑quality care.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. Registered Nurse (NMC) or ODP
Desirable criteria
17. Perioperative Care of Patients or Equivalent course for PACU
18. PILS
19. Student Assessor or SLIP equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
21. Multi Skilled Practitioner
Desirable criteria
22. Previous experience in Recovery/Critical Care/HDU setting
Knowledge
Essential criteria
23. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct and practice
24. Knowledge of Patient safety
25. Postoperative Care of Surgical Patients
26. Knowledge of WHO checklist
Desirable criteria
27. CPD (Perioperative Care of Patients)
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
28. Autonomous Practitioner
29. Able to work under pressure
30. Able to meet deadlines
31. Able to adapt to changing needs of the service
32. Open and Team Focused
33. Reliable, Adaptable and Dependable
Desirable criteria
34. Enthusiastic and self-aware
35. Creative and Adaptable
36. Warm and Reflective
Other
Essential criteria
37. Able to work various shift pattern and unsocial hours
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.