Job overview
Start Your Nursing Career with Confidence – Join Us This September 2026
Are you a final-year Nursing Student (including apprentices) qualifying in September 2026? Ready to begin your career in a supportive, forward-thinking organisation?
At Dorset County Hospital and Dorset HealthCare NHS Trusts, we offer an exciting opportunity to launch your career across acute, community hospital, and community services, helping you find the path that’s right for you.
From day one, you’ll benefit from a high-quality preceptorship programme, supported by a dedicated team of experienced practice educators who will guide your transition from student to confident registered nurse. You’ll also have access to ongoing CPD opportunities to support your development and help you reach your full potential.
We are proud to be inclusive employers and welcome applications from dual-trained Adult and Mental Health nurses to support our diverse services.
Join a collaborative, supportive workforce where your growth truly matters.
When applying, please confirm your preferred area to start your nursing career (e.g. community hospitals).
Take the first step towards a rewarding future—your journey starts here.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Main duties of the job
To succeed with us, you’ll need to have a true passion for providing the best patient care and uphold our values to provide the best possible patient care!
On top of being part of our incredible team, you’ll enjoy an enviable quality of life in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain plus a comprehensive range of benefits including 27 days’ holiday (rising to 33 days), the NHS Pension Scheme, wide-ranging retail and travel discounts, relocation assistance, a subsidised restaurant, employee health and wellbeing support, and more.
Please note, this vacancy is for individuals about to qualify as Registered Nurses on UK based NMC approved training programmes.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service can present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidate’s individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce across Dorset County Hospital and Dorset HealthCare, we offer support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [email protected]
Person specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Evidence of ability to practice as competent practitioner
- Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality
Desirable
- Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
- Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively
- Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements especially risk management
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate your experience while undertaking your training, stating what areas you have obtained experience in, for example: General Medicine & Surgery, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Elderly Care, A/E, Theatres, Critical Care, Gynaecology etc.
Desirable
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional issues and the 6 C’s.
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential
- In final year of studying or recently qualified/fully registered in the UK in your profession (NMC)
Desirable
- Evidence of recent CPD
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Newly Qualified Nurse - Adult with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Nurse (adult and children) role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 p.a., pro rata for part time. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 01 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (18 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.