Scrub Nurse

Evolve Staffing Ltd; West of England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Shift flexibility

NHS Bristol access

Job summary

Evolve Staffing Ltd. is recruiting Band 5 Theatre Scrub Nurses to join perioperative teams across Bristol NHS Hospital Trusts. You will scrub for major orthopaedic, ophthalmic, cardiac, urology, and general procedures, ensuring aseptic technique and instrument readiness.

The role offers flexible shifts, competitive pay, and fast onboarding with full DBS and occupational health checks. You must hold an active NMC/HCPC registration and have NHS theatre experience, with BLS/ILS certifications.

Qualifications

• Active registration with the NMC or HCPC.
• 6–12 months NHS operating theatres experience as a Theatre Scrub Nurse across varied specialties.
• Diploma or Degree in Adult Nursing or Perioperative Care.
• Valid ILS or BLS certification.
• DBS check and occupational health clearance, plus references.

Responsibilities

• Scrub for a range of surgical lists across Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Cardiac, Urology and General surgery.
• Maintain sterile fields and ensure aseptic technique throughout procedures.
• Perform accurate intraoperative counts and assist with instrument preparation.
• Collaborate with Surgeons, Anaesthetists and ODPs to support safe patient care.
• Document intraoperative care records and implant details per Trust protocols.

Skills

NMC/HCPC registration

Theatre scrub experience

Aseptic technique

Intraoperative patient care

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma or Degree in Adult Nursing or Perioperative Care

Tools

Surgical instruments

Laparoscopic stacks

Specialized implants

Job description

Evolve Staffing Ltd is currently recruiting dedicated, adaptable, and highly skilled Band 5 Registered Nurses (Theatre Scrub Nurses / Perioperative Practitioners) to join dynamic surgical teams within premier NHS Hospital Trusts across Bristol.

This position offers exceptional flexibility and competitive pay rates for experienced perioperative nurses who thrive in fast-paced surgical environments. As a Scrub Nurse representing Evolve Staffing Ltd, you will play a critical role in supporting complex surgical operations across a wide variety of elective and emergency surgical lists. If you possess comprehensive clinical expertise in surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, and intraoperative patient care across multiple surgical specialties, this role provides an ideal opportunity to advance your clinical career while benefiting from flexible shift patterns in Bristol.

Key Responsibilities & Surgical List Duties

As a Band 5 Theatre Scrub Nurse, you will be responsible for providing high-standard perioperative nursing care, maintaining sterile field discipline, anticipating surgeon needs, and ensuring patient safety before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Your day-to-day duties across specialty surgical lists will include:

Surgical Specialty List Coverage

• Major & Minor Orthopaedic Surgery: Preparing and scrubbing for total hip replacement (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), complex trauma fixation, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), arthroscopic knee/shoulder surgery, and spinal procedures.
• Ophthalmic Surgery: Scrubbing for high-volume cataract extractions, vitreo-retinal surgery, trabeculectomy, and emergency ocular trauma operations.
• Cardiac & Cardiothoracic Surgery: Assisting in open-heart surgical procedures, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacements (AVR), and thoracic resection lists.
• Urological Surgery: Managing scrub requirements for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), flexible and rigid cystoscopy, laparoscopic nephrectomy, ureteroscopy, and laser stone lithotripsy.
• General, Vascular & Emergency Surgery: Scrubbing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hernia repair, bowel resections, emergency laparotomies, vascular bypass, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs.

Intraoperative & Clinical Standards

• Rigorously applying aseptic technique and maintaining sterile fields within operating theatres at all times.
• Performing precise pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative swab, instrument, and sharp counts in strict accordance with NHS Trust protocols and Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) guidelines.
• Ensuring full compliance with the Surgical Safety Checklist (Sign In, Time Out, Sign Out) to uphold patient safety and mitigate surgical risks.
• Preparing surgical instruments, specialized equipment, sterile drapes, and implants tailored to specific surgeon preference cards.
• Operating advanced electrosurgical, laparoscopic, and suction equipment safely.
• Collaborating seamlessly with Consultant Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), Recovery Nurses, and Healthcare Support Workers.
• Accurate and timely documentation of intraoperative care records, implant details, and surgical register entries.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

• Professional Registration: Active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Adult Nurse (RNA / Level 1 Nurse) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).
• Clinical Experience: Minimum of 6–12 months recent, post-qualification experience working within NHS Operating Theatres as a Theatre Scrub Nurse across varied surgical specialties (Orthopaedics, Ophthalmic, Cardiac, Urology, General).
• Specialist Knowledge: Demonstrated competence in managing complex surgical trays, specialized implants, laparoscopic stacks, and specialized surgical equipment.
• Certifications & Education: Diploma or Degree in Adult Nursing or Perioperative Care, with valid certifications in Immediate Life Support (ILS) or Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Compliance Standards:
  • Valid Right to Work in the United Kingdom.
  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check registered on the Update Service.
  • Full occupational health clearance, including immunity against Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tuberculosis, and Varicella.
  • Two satisfactory professional clinical references covering the last 3 years of practice.

Why Choose Evolve Staffing Ltd?

• Competitive Pay: Outstanding hourly rates with enhanced pay structures for night shifts, weekends, and Bank Holidays.
• Shift Flexibility: Choose from early, late, long day, night, and weekend shifts to suit your personal lifestyle and commitments.
• Bristol NHS Trust Access: Gain exposure and consistent shifts across major acute hospital sites in Bristol and the surrounding South West region.
• Seamless Onboarding: Fast-track compliance and onboarding supported by a dedicated personal recruitment consultant.
• Payroll Choices: Reliable weekly payroll processing via PAYE or compliant Umbrella companies.
• Continuous Development: Revalidation guidance, free mandatory training updates, and CPD support.
• Referral Incentives: Generous candidate referral bonuses when you introduce skilled nursing colleagues to Evolve Staffing Ltd.