RN Scrub Nurse /ODP

Newmedica; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Newmedica in Plymouth is seeking an experienced Scrub Nurse/Practitioner to join our busy ophthalmology theatre team. You will prepare the theatre, support the surgeon during cataract surgery and help maintain patient safety and hygiene standards.

You will also manage clinical records, assist with audits and participate in continuing professional development, all within an NHS-funded service focused on eye health and compassionate patient care.

Qualifications

• Nursing degree or equivalent qualification essential.
• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council is essential.
• Theatre training / substantive experience required.
• Hospital eye service experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up theatre for cataract surgery and support the surgeon.
• Provide scrub provision and assist with the daily theatre list.
• Maintain accurate patient records and manage clinical waste.
• Participate in clinical audit and Continuing Professional Development.

Skills

Scrub nursing

Theatre teamwork

Patient care

Clinical governance

CPD

Education

Nursing degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

WHO ARE WE?

Newmedica is one of the leading providers of NHS-funded ophthalmology services in England.

• Our Purpose is to make a positive difference to people’s lives
• Our Vision is to change lives through better sight and eye health

We provide services for NHS CCGs, NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, and other providers of NHS funded services. We deliver over 160,000 patient interactions annually, including outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. Our services are delivered through a variety of models including Managed Services and Ophthalmology Joint Venture (OJV) Partnerships.

ROLE SUMMARY

Scrub Nurses /Practitioners are an integral part of our theatre teams and will undertake a variety of duties. You’ll be setting the theatre up ready to accommodate patients. We can typically see 18-22 patients a day in our high-volume cataract surgery provision, so you’ll thrive working in an efficient and fast paced environment.

You’ll provide a competent scrub provision, supporting the surgeon through the daily theatre list, anticipating any potential problems and resolving these. At the end of the day, you’ll help clean down the theatre and in all you do you’ll ensure the highest standards are met in terms of patient safety, clinical compliance and hygiene levels.

Aside from providing Scrub services in the theatre, you'll also undertake medicine management and audit duties as well as maintaining accurate patient records. You'll manage clinical waste and ensure the correct disposal procedures are implemented.

The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Scrub Nurses need to be empathetic and friendly and able to put patients at ease and help them feel comfortable during their time in surgery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities for Clinics

• Up to date proficient Scrub skills for high volume cataract surgery.
• Ability to set up for vitrectomy surgery
• Full understanding of Phaco Machines/Instrumentation and set up
• Full knowledge of the eye and understanding of Biometry/Lens bank/Implants
• Ability to support the surgeon anticipating any potential problems in theatre and resolve them
• Working as part of a theatre team

Administrative Duties

• To keep accurate patient health records, updating electronic patient records or completing handwritten clinical notes.

Professional Duties

• To work within the requirements of the code of practice and standard of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• To be responsible for and demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development and Clinical Governance.
• To participate in training and development of clinical and other groups of staff.
• To participate in clinical audit and research projects, as required.

THE INDIVIDUAL

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION

• Nursing degree or equivalent qualification essential.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• Theatre training /substantive experience required.
• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council is essential.
• Hospital eye service experience desirable
• Knowledge of clinical practice and demonstrable knowledge of developments in Optometry is required.
• Experience and commitment to medical audit.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office products and using computerized systems for data input/output and review.

SKILLS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Enjoy the routine and rhythm of a process-driven environment.
• Ability to work in different theatre environments adapting to different surgeons
• Able to balance working independently with appropriate escalation and delegation.
• Committed to deliver consistently high standards of care to patients.
• Seeks for continuous professional development.
• Self-motivated to provide an excellent level of communication and individual care for patients.
• Comfortable making a significant contribution, including teaching and training, in a small multi-disciplinary team.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION COMMON TO ALL ROLES

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively promote and market Newmedica and present a positive image of the Company and its activities both within and outside the Healthcare environment.
• Ensure the quality standards and performance measures applying to the work of the section are met and facilitate continuous improvements in all aspects of the post.
• Undergo any self-development and training as necessary for success in the role and provide support and development for others where appropriate.
• Carry out any duties at all times in accordance with the Company’s policies including Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety.
• Promote by positive example both internally and externally, the purpose and vision of Newmedica.
• Undertake all responsibilities in adherence with Newmedica Policies and Protocols for Infection, Prevention and Control.
• Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the grade of the post, which the principal or their senior management representative may from time to time require.

STATUS OF THIS DOCUMENT

• This job description is a guide to the work that you will initially be required to undertake.
• It may be changed from time to time, in consultation with you, to meet changing circumstances.
• It does not form part of your contract of employment.

CRIMINAL RECORDS DECLARATION

• Newmedica is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and we will ask applicants to disclose details of convictions, irrespective of whether they are spent or not.

SAFEGUARDING

• It is the responsibility of all Newmedica employees and contractors to fully comply with Newmedica’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Individuals must ensure that they understand their role in protecting adults and children that may be at risk of abuse.