Job overview
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity to join our compassionate team on the Acute Medical Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital as a Band 5 Staff Nurse on a permanent contract. We’re looking for motivated and dedicated individuals who are passionate about providing high-quality patient care and making a difference in the lives of those we care for.
The Acute Medical Unit is a 28-bedded unit that admits patients referred by their GPs and the Emergency Department. Here, patients benefit from rapid access to diagnostic services, with care plans quickly developed. Patients stay for up to 48 hours before being transferred to a specialty ward or discharged home. The Same Day Emergency Care Service also operates within AMU, ensuring comprehensive care for our patients.
If you’re eager to expand your knowledge across a wide range of medical conditions and pursue opportunities for professional development, this is the ideal role for you.
Main duties of the job
1. Continue to uphold and enhance high standards of nursing care, reflecting the core values of nursing practice outlined in the ward philosophy
2. Take responsibility for assessing care needs and developing, implementing, and evaluating individual care plans
3. Foster a supportive and innovative learning environment for both untrained and qualified staff, contributing to the ongoing development of the ward
4. Act as a clinical and professional team leader, guiding and supporting your colleagues within the ward area
Join us in delivering exceptional care and become an integral part of a dedicated, supportive team at both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
5. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
6. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
7. Blue Light card eligibility
8. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
9. First level registered nurse
10. Basic Life Support provider
Desirable criteria
11. Evidence of further education since qualification e.g. diploma/degree
12. Mentorship/Preceptorship course (or equivalent)
13. ENB specialist course
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
14. Knowledge of a general hospital setting
15. Proficient clinician and clinical role model
16. Insight and understanding of current issues in nursing and the NHS
17. Demonstrates a commitment to professional development
Desirable criteria
18. Experience at Band 5 in an acute setting
19. Understanding of audit and benchmarking processes
Skills
Essential criteria
20. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
21. Evident commitment to high standards of patient-centred care
22. Effective organisational skills
23. Adaptable and flexible
24. Ability to reflect on practice, accept criticism and act constructively
25. Understanding of own accountability, responsible and reliable
26. Utilises a problem-solving approach to work
Desirable criteria
27. IT/Keyboard skills
28. Commitment to teaching others