Operating Department Practitioner or Theatre Nurse

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Dartford seeks a dynamic senior Operating Department Practitioner or Theatre Nurse to enhance its anaesthetic/scrub team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership and communication skills, alongside the ability to manage and motivate a team effectively. Responsibilities include providing high-quality peri-operative care, ensuring compliance with professional conduct codes, and assisting with patient management during their immediate and post-operative periods. A current NMC or HCPC registration is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current registration with the NMC or HCPC.
• Must have the statutory right to work in the UK.
• Strong clinical experience and leadership capability required.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert peri-operative care to all patient groups.
• Assist with the organization of the reception and discharge of patients.
• Ensure compliance with the NMC / HCPC Code of Professional Conduct.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Team motivation

Clinical expertise

Education

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Job description

Job Overview

Our Theatre Team provides a first class 24/7 service which includes anaesthetic, surgical and post-operative care and treatment for our patients. We are seeking a dynamic senior Operating Department Practitioner or Theatre Nurse to enhance our enthusiastic and progressive anaesthetic/scrub team/recovery team. This role requires excellent leadership and communication skills. The right candidate will be able to educate, motivate and manage an effective team, be a proactive and confident practitioner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert, high quality peri‑operative care to all patient groups.
• Act as a clinical resource within the Unit and across the Division as necessary.
• Assist leadership and development of an identified group of practitioners within the Unit complement.
• Take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of or as delegated by the Departmental Coordinator.
• Act as a positive role model to junior staff members.
• Participate in “on‑call” rotas or cross site working where necessary.
• Assist with the organisation of the reception and discharge of patients, ensuring safe and competent care during the immediate and post‑operative period.
• Ensure all patient documentation is completed and kept up‑to‑date, and care plans provide an accurate progress record and response to treatment.
• Deal with accidents and incidents involving patients, staff relatives and visitors promptly and appropriately.
• Participate in the Quality Assurance tool within the Critical Care Directorate.
• Provide skilled high quality assistance to the anaesthetist.
• Ensure patients and their relatives are updated regularly with accurate information, and ensure that this is presented in a sensitive way.
• Support continuous quality improvement, assisting in audits and formally evaluating standards of care and implementing changes.
• Act as a resource/advisor to junior healthcare practitioners and medical staff in the delivery of research based programmes of care.
• Maintain standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the clinical area, reporting deficits to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with the NMC / HCPC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to personal information pertaining to staff.
• Ensure practice is evidence based and assist in the development of policies and protocols within the clinical area.

Qualifications & Requirements

Eligible candidates must hold a current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have the statutory right to work in the UK. Appropriate level of clinical experience and leadership capability are essential.

Inclusion & Equality

We are an inclusive and diverse employer who value equality and diversity. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.