Band 5 - Operating Department Practitioner/Anaesthetic Nurse, Theatres

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Watford is seeking motivated anaesthetic practitioners to join their team. The role involves working in various surgical specialties, maintaining patient confidentiality, and adhering to Trust policies. Ideal candidates will possess relevant qualifications and interpersonal skills. Flexible working options are available, promoting a balanced work-life environment.

Qualifications

• Essential qualification in anaesthetics or operating department practice.
• Welcoming nurses with postgraduate anaesthetic qualifications and ODPs.
• Experience in multiple surgical specialties including Obstetrics, Paediatrics, ENT, and others.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize anaesthetic clinical area.
• Assist anaesthetist in clinical area.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policies and guidelines.

Skills

Good interpersonal skills

Ability to work under own initiative

Team player

Adaptability and calmness under pressure

Education

Operating Department Practitioner qualification or post reg qualification in Anaesthetics

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dynamic practitioners to join our friendly multi-disciplinary team.

The shifts pattern is three long days a week, from Monday to Sunday or three-night shifts per week. There will be a mixture of nights and days on a four-week template. We have been known to offer rotational opportunities for staff for them to develop and/or maintain their skills.

Responsibilities

• Responsible as one of the Band 5 anaesthetic practitioners at Watford General Hospital.
• Stock rotation and ordering.
• Preparation and organisation of anaesthetic clinical area.
• Preparation of anaesthetic equipment.
• Checking and administering blood products and fluids.
• Assist the anaesthetist in the clinical area.
• Supporting the team and being an effective team player.
• Maintain patients’ confidentiality and dignity.
• Ensure Trust policies and guidelines for correct ordering, storage and use of all drugs are adhered to.
• Ensure that Trust policies and guidelines for correct clinical practices are followed.
• Be aware of Risk Management and Clinical Governance and the implications this has on clinical practice.
• Ensure the theatre staff and multidisciplinary team are aware of policies and procedures relating to Fire, Health & Safety, COSHH and Infection control.
• Report to Team Leader and or Theatre Manager any accidents, untoward incidents and complaints as soon as possible to include completion of the relevant documentation and dispatched to the appropriate department.

Qualifications

• It is essential for the applicant to have either an Operating Department Practitioner qualification or post reg qualification in Anaesthetics.
• We welcome both nurses with a post graduate anaesthetic qualification and ODPs alike, as training and development is essential to maintain the excellent service provided therefore meeting evidence based best practice.
• Applicants will need to possess good interpersonal skills in order to work effectively within the existing theatre teams whilst having the ability to work under their own initiative.
• You will be expected to practice anaesthetics in a number of different surgical specialities including Obstetrics, Paediatrics, ENT, Urology, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Urology, Oral and maxilla Facial, Colorectal, and Robotics.
• You will also be expected to cover outlying areas such as the cardiac catheter lab and rotate on the emergency bleep covering cardiac arrests, trauma call and any other airway intervention calls.
• You must be able to adapt to change and remain calm and focused under pressure as well as a great team player.

Other

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.

www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

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If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Closing details

This advert closes on Tuesday 11 Nov 2025