Nursing Associate – Assistant Theatre Practitioner | Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; Slough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Slough is seeking a motivated Nursing Associate or Assistant Theatre Practitioner to join their dynamic Theatre team. The role involves supporting a professional atmosphere, assisting in surgical procedures, and participating in training for junior staff. The provider offers first-class development opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance. No specific theatre experience is essential, and flexible working arrangements are encouraged. This role is crucial in delivering high-quality perioperative care and acts as a bridge between healthcare staff and the surgical team.

Benefits

Comprehensive training opportunities

Focus on work-life balance

Inclusive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Completion of a foundation degree specific to the Nursing Associate qualification.
• ATP must hold their certification.
• Desirable previous theatre experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the theatre team in establishing a good working atmosphere.
• Assist in effective communication between team members.
• Participate in training programmes for junior staff.

Skills

Surgical scrub techniques

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

Registered Nursing Associate qualification or Assistant Theatre Practitioner certification

Foundation degree specific to the NA qualification

Job description

Nursing Associate (NA) / Assistant Theatre Practitioner (ATP) – Theatres

18‑Month Fixed‑Term Contract (Band 4)

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Band 4 practitioner to join our dynamic Theatre team. This role is open to a registered Nursing Associate (NA) or individuals who have completed their Assistant Theatre Practitioner (ATP) training.

NAs and ATPs working within the operating theatres play a vital role in delivering high‑quality perioperative care. Acting as a bridge between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, they work closely with the surgical team to maintain a safe and sterile environment and act as the patient’s advocate throughout the perioperative journey.

You will learn and apply surgical scrub techniques to assist the operating surgeon, including the safe handling of sterile instruments. In Wexham Park Theatres, this often involves supporting a range of minor procedures across specialties such as General Surgery, Urology, Gynaecology, ENT and Plastic Surgery.

Nursing Associate roles are regulated by the NMC and require completion of a foundation degree specific to the NA qualification. Assistant Theatre Practitioners must already hold their ATP certification. While previous theatre experience is desirable, it is not essential. We offer a comprehensive supernumerary period during which you will double‑scrub and work alongside highly trained senior staff who will support you in gaining the required competencies and confidence for the role.

• Support the theatre team in establishing good working atmosphere and participate in effective and efficient use of staff, supplies and services.
• Participate as a skilled member of the theatre team.
• Assist in effective communication channels between team members, medical staff, wards and departments.
• Participate in achieving the stated quality assurance and risk management objectives set by the organisation.
• Ensure all equipment is regularly checked and maintained in a safe manner.
• Participate in training programmes for junior staff and other disciplines seconded to the department.

This role is working Monday to Friday.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first‑class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.

Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.

We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.

For a full list of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role, please refer to the job description/person specification attached to this vacancy.

This advert closes on Wednesday 10 Dec 2025