Preoperative Staff Nurse

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Preoperative Assessment Nurse - Princess Royal Hospital

The Preoperative Assessment Department at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) manages clinics for elective surgical patients across multiple specialties, covering planned admissions to PRH in Haywards Heath, the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, and the Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre (GIRFT accredited) located on the PRH grounds. You will be based at PRH.

This is a dynamic, nurse-led department where staff nurses provide high-quality care through comprehensive, individualized assessments of elective surgical patients. Responsibilities include initiating investigations and referrals to other healthcare professionals according to protocols, planning perioperative care, and liaising with staff involved in patient admissions.

The department offers opportunities to develop skills across various specialties, supported by unregistered staff and an in-house training program focused on physical assessment skills. We encourage professional development.

Please note: this role is not theatre-based.

We welcome applications from candidates with a UK NMC registration. Unfortunately, we are not currently able to sponsor overseas nurses.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the physical, social, and psychological condition of patients preparing for elective surgery.
2. Perform nursing interventions based on evidence-based practice, applying knowledge and skills to meet patient needs.
3. Complete preoperative assessment documentation according to departmental protocols and guidelines.
4. Explore and document patients' anesthetic, medical, surgical, drug, and social histories.
5. Review blood results, identify abnormalities, and communicate potential issues to relevant medical staff.
6. Conduct patient risk assessments competently.
7. Identify patients at risk of anesthesia and follow referral protocols.
8. Ensure patients understand the purpose, effects, and risks of their procedures.
9. Provide health promotion and pre/post-operative advice.
10. Inform scheduling and medical teams of unfit patients or those unsuitable for day surgery to determine appropriate management.

At UHSussex, diversity is valued, and we promote an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. We offer staff networks, buddy schemes, and are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We prioritize compassion, empathy, and staff wellbeing, including flexible working arrangements.

As a university trust committed to research and education, we support your growth and development throughout your career with us. We look forward to your application and to welcoming you to our team.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

For further details or informal visits, contact:

• Name: Ali Weir-Smith
• Job Title: Manager
• Email: [e-mail]
• Telephone: [phone]

Informal visits are encouraged and welcomed. Contact: 01444 441881 Ext. 65963