Pre Assessment Staff Nurse

CDDFT Charity; Darlington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated and experienced nurse to join their pre-operative assessment team. This role involves delivering specialized assessments for surgical and endoscopic procedures, ensuring patient readiness for surgery. The ideal candidate will have a strong surgical background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on patient care and contribute to the development of a vital service in a supportive environment. If you are passionate about providing high-quality care and thrive in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Must be a first-level registered nurse with surgical experience.
• Experience in assessing patients' suitability for anesthesia.

Responsibilities

• Assist with pre-operative assessments for elective surgery patients.
• Manage own caseload within agreed protocols.
• Provide pre- and post-operative care instructions.

Skills

Surgical Nursing

Patient Assessment

Communication Skills

Holistic Care Approach

Computer Literacy

Education

Registered Nurse Qualification

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated individual to undertake the above post as part of the pre-operative assessment team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will provide a specialist pre-operative service to all surgical specialties and Endoscopy.

The pre-operative assessment service is nurse-led. Duties include assessing patients and liaising with other members of the multi-disciplinary team in planning for admission and discharge.

The role requires you to be an experienced nurse from a surgical background, who is a team player, working effectively alongside a wide range of professionals, as well as working autonomously. You should have a holistic approach to care, and in-house training will enable you to evaluate patients' suitability for various forms of anesthesia.

Main duties of the job

• Assist with pre-operative assessment of patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Run initial health assessment clinics for patients listed for surgery.
• Carry out telephone assessments where appropriate.
• Assist in delivering pre-assessments for patients undergoing surgical, endoscopic, or colonic procedures.
• Develop the service as needed.
• Manage own caseload within agreed protocols to provide comprehensive pre-operative care.

This post includes an internal rotation program.

• Work within agreed protocols for all professional practice aspects.
• Assess patients using established proformas and checklists.
• Document assessments and plans in patient records.
• Differentiate between major and minor illnesses and refer patients to medical or other colleagues as appropriate.
• Assess patient suitability as a day case according to criteria.
• Prepare patients physically and psychologically for theatre.
• Provide verbal and written pre- and post-operative care instructions.
• Advise on health promotion.

About us

If you are being interviewed, you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated as essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites—Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We also have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield, and Weardale, as well as over 80 other community-based settings and patient homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as BAME and disabled people are currently underrepresented.

Full job descriptions are available in the adverts supporting documents.

Over-reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine if you can apply.

From April 9th, 2025—Healthcare Assistants—you must have a minimum of two years' NHS experience as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criterion and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities

• An opportunity for an experienced and motivated individual to join the pre-operative assessment team at Bishop Auckland, Durham, and Darlington.
• The successful candidate will provide a specialist pre-operative assessment service across all surgical specialties and endoscopy.
• The candidate must be a first-level registered nurse with relevant surgical or theatre experience. As a Band 5 nurse, you are expected to participate in standard setting, policy writing, and audits related to your area.
• The role requires an experienced nurse who is a team player, working effectively with various professionals and autonomously. A holistic approach to care and skills to assess and evaluate patients' suitability for anesthesia are essential.
• Good communication skills and computer literacy are required.
• Moving towards a 6-day service with weekend work included.
• Internal rotation is mandatory.