Job Summary
We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and highly motivated registered nurse/ODP with excellent clinical knowledge in theatres and theatre recovery. The successful candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team. Good organisational skills, flexibility and sound clinical skills in operating department procedures are essential. The role requires effective and resilient leadership and management skills.
This Band 7 role is vital to the continued development and support of staff in the operating department, leading to an improved patient and staff experience. We encourage the development of our staff and support the further education of our team members in areas that benefit the service and our patients.
Main Duties
- To provide clinical and professional leadership to the Theatres department.
- The post holder will be responsible as a member of the team for the maintenance of a high standard of patient care, working with the team to ensure that our Theatre services are utilised efficiently and effectively.
- Assist in the implementation of training and development needs of the multi–disciplinary team.
- Lead and develop a measurable service in line with national measures and clinical outcome measures.
- Implement efficient strategies to ensure all resources are utilised effectively to achieve high standards of care.
- Ensure theatre utilisation and productivity meets targets by liaising with speciality teams to optimise theatre productivity and working with the site theatre management meeting weekly to ensure that every list is utilised fully.
- Provide clinical leadership to Theatre teams in balancing the challenges of providing safe services with excellent outcomes and in a way that delivers efficiencies and meets the expectations of patients, the public and the trust.
- Hold professional accountability for patient safety and effective care, focusing on the strategic priorities of handover of care, preventable venous thromboembolic events, medication errors, catheter‑associated UTIs, falls with harm, pressure ulcers, sepsis and Never‑Event near misses.
About Us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is ‘great healthcare from great people’. Everything we do is guided by our values: ‘People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working called ‘We care’, which empowers frontline staff to lead improvements day‑to‑day. We are looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Details
- Date posted: 19 December 2025
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: 7
- Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full‑time, flexible working
- Reference number: 344‑7222SAC
- Job location: Theatres, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, Kent CT9 4FQ
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Training
- Registered Nurse/ODP
- ODP Diploma / 1st Degree (or equivalent experience and willingness to work towards a degree)
- Immediate Life Support
- Paediatric Immediate Life Support
- Management / Leadership Course
- Mentor Qualification or ENB 998 or Practice Assessor / Practice Supervisor
Desirable Qualifications
- Post Graduate Certificate or willingness to work towards one
- Anaesthetic / airway management experience
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 2 years at Band 6
- Ability to co‑ordinate main theatre complex
- Ability to manage a group of staff
- Advanced knowledge of own specialist field and working knowledge of at least one other specialist field
- Patient‑focused approach
- IT literate
- Theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience
Governance
- Patient‑focused approach
- Knowledge of theatre‑based computer systems
- Working knowledge of COSHH, Health and Safety
- NMC / HCPC Code of Conduct
- Good understanding of Clinical Governance
- Risk management
- Understanding of current issues in healthcare
- Audit participation
Desirable Governance
- Advances in Recovery Care knowledge
- Dealing with conflict
- Mental Health First Aider
Personal Attributes
- Well‑developed verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to develop working relationships with others
- Time‑management and personal organisation skills
- Calm and focused under pressure
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively
- Good interpersonal skills in line with professional codes of conduct
Desirable Attributes
- Mentor Qualification or ENB 998
- Completion of Preceptorship
Other Requirements
- To be aware of, uphold and adhere to the Trust’s Vision, Mission and Values
- Current understanding of key issues facing the NHS locally and nationally
- Ability to work on own initiative using sound decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
Additional Conditions
- This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered.
- Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details