Job overview
Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICB.
An opportunity has arisen for a well-motivated individual to join our Ward Team at Fordcombe Hospital near Tunbridge Wells.
We are part of the Wells Health Division and provide Private and NHS healthcare for a variety of patient pathways including Day Case surgery, Inpatient Surgery, Endoscopy and Pain.
You will have the opportunity to develop or enhance your skills in a wide range of specialities.
Main duties of the job
We require excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an interest in all specialities.
Previous surgical experience is desirable but not essential.
You will be monitoring patients undergoing procedures requiring sedation, general anaesthetic or local anaesthetics. You will be responsible for their care from admission to discharge and ensuring they are safely prepared for their surgery or intervention.
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:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. 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). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
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.
Please note that the Fordcombe Site is located in a rural area with limited access via public transport. You will need to ensure you are available to attend the time during the day and evenings. Access to a vehicle is advantageous.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. First level Registered Nurse with Nursing and Midwifery Council registration
6. Practice Supervisor preparation (or equivalent)
Desirable criteria
7. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
8. IV Therapy, Venepuncture and Cannulation Training.
9. Practice Assessor (or equivalent)
10. Intermediate Life Support Training
11. Central Venous Access Device Training
12. Evidence of continuous professional development
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
13. No previous experience as a RN required (post open to newly qualified RNs).
14. Up-to-date knowledge of nursing theory and best practice at the level of a newly qualified nurse.
15. Insight and understanding of current issues in nursing and the NHS.
16. Able to demonstrate adherence to The Code (NMC, 2018).
17. Can define equality, diversity and inclusivity.
Desirable criteria
18. Able to describe audit and quality issues.
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Good interpersonal skills.
20. Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with staff, patients and relatives, ensuring that communication is tailored to the person being addressed.
21. Robust nursing assessment skills.
22. Care planning and evaluation skills.
23. Effective time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
24. Ability to reflect on practice and accept constructive feedback.
25. Utilises a problem-solving approach to work.
26. Demonstrates effective nursing practice in all basic registered nurse procedures.
27. Able to work under own initiative within boundaries of role.
28. Demonstrates awareness of evidence-based practice.
Desirable criteria
29. Solid delegation skills.
30. Able to teach and supervise others.