Staff Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner - Theatres

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Dorchester is looking for enthusiastic Band 5 Staff Nurses or Operating Department Practitioners to join their busy Theatres Department. The position offers opportunities for career development while providing high-quality patient care. Both permanent and fixed-term contracts are available, covering various sites. Candidates should have NMC/HCPC registration and experience in a clinical setting is desirable. This role supports a diverse community and requires flexibility in working shifts.

Benefits

Structured orientation programme

Career and professional development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Current NMC/HCPC registration is mandatory.
• Experience at Band 5 in surgery or theatres is essential.
• Understanding of professional nursing issues is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a motivated team delivering high quality care.
• Cover shifts in a 24-hour service throughout the week.
• Adapt service delivery to meet the needs of the local population.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Evidence of ability to practice as competent practitioner

Ability to maintain effective working relationships

Education

Registered Nurse/ ODP

Evidence of CPD

Job description

Job Summary

Theatres are looking to recruit enthusiastic Band 5 Staff Nurses or Operating Department Practitioners to support this busy Department. We are looking for all round trained Theatre Practitioners. Experience in Orthopaedics is desirable.

The Theatres Complex at Dorset County Hospital includes: Main Theatres (8 Theatres), Day Surgery Unit (2 Theatres), Weymouth Community Hospital (1 Theatre) and the Procedure Suite at South Walks House. This role will be predominately in Main Theatres but all staff are expected to work across all sites, depending on the needs of the service.

We currently have both permanent and fixed term contracts (full time and part time) for committed and enthusiastic individuals to complement the established team in delivering high quality care that is rapidly adapting to meet the needs of a diverse local population.

We can offer superb career and professional development opportunities with a structured orientation programme whilst the unit provides a challenging work environment.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under‑represented in our organization.

Main Duties of the Job

You will:

• Be required to work as part of a motivated team as well as being able to work on your own initiative.
• Be expected to work shifts to cover the needs of the service which is 24 hour a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

You have:

• Good communication skills
• Current NMC/HCPC registration

About Us

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them. UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

Job Details

Date posted: 05 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 5

Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year Per Annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time

Reference number: 405-25-NM507THE

Job locations: Dorset County Hospital Williams Avenue Dorchester DT1 2JY

Person Specification

Education and Training (Essential)

• Registered Nurse/ ODP
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable

• Teaching course/qualification

Experience (Essential)

• Experience at Band 5 in surgery or theatres

Desirable

• Understanding of professional nursing issues

Skills and Knowledge (Essential)

• Evidence of ability to practice as competent practitioner
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
• Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality

Desirable

• Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively
• Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements
• Evidence of ability to develop leadership skills
• Evidence of an area of special interest
• Knowledge of clinical audit
• Evidence of critical appraisal skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer Details

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website: https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/