Theatre Practitioner Nurse / Operating Department Practitioner

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Brighton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Theatre Practitioner Nurse in Brighton. This role involves assisting in surgeries, ensuring patient safety, and leading a dynamic team. Candidates must hold a current NMC registration, have previous theatre experience, and demonstrate leadership capabilities. The position offers opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment. Interested applicants with a UK work permit are encouraged to apply before February 10, 2026.

Benefits

Access to professional development courses

Qualifications

• Current NMC registration and UK work permit required.
• Evidence of previous theatre experience and team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support to the team during surgeries.
• Ensure safe administration of drugs and maintain records.
• Communicate effectively with patients and multidisciplinary team.
• Lead a team under pressure in emergency situations.

Skills

NMC UK Registration

Theatre experience

Team leadership skills

Basic Life Support

Education

Current UK work permit

Evidence of continuing professional development

Job description

Overview

Theatre Practitioner Nurse / Operating Department Practitioner at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279). The closing date is 10 February 2026.

Are you theatre trained and looking for a new adventure? We have exciting openings within theatres at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for enthusiastic, dynamic staff wanting to increase their knowledge and skills across a number of specialties. If you want to further your career, then please apply.

In brief the department comprises 10 operating theatres, including a recovery unit. We care for some of the most complex surgical procedures/conditions being treated in the region. The mix and complexity of cases we have provide a unique opportunity to develop your practice in areas few other hospitals can offer.

We are seeking to recruit two skilled scrub and anaesthetic practitioners, either Registered Nurses (with or without an anaesthetic qualification) or Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs). We offer access to development courses and opportunities aimed at enhancing both leadership and clinical skills. Our Practice Development Team is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of all staff members.

We also cover a wide range of surgical specialties.

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC/HCPC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing or ODP qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses or ODPs.

Main duties of the job

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route; sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

To provide clinical support and teaching to all relevant personnel within the specialist area.

To provide technical and clinical advice to relevant colleagues in the peri-operative setting.

To provide information and support to patients having anaesthesia / surgery.

To provide and assist with the development of safe and high quality specialist patient care and to work within the guidelines of the Trust Nursing & Midwifery Strategy.

The post holder will complete an orientation programme to the clinical area in accordance with the Trust's induction programme, and be expected to achieve perioperative competencies. An education/mentorship qualification is highly desirable, but not a prerequisite. If one is not held, successful candidates will be required to achieve one within 6 months of starting. This will be supported and facilitated with the help of our in-house Practice Development team.

About us

1) At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We\'re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust. Candidate Pack

Job responsibilities

• Deputise for the Senior Theatre Practitioner when required.
• Ensure that accurate records and information systems are maintained.
• Ensure the safe control, custody and administration of all drugs within the peri-operative area in accordance with Trust Policies and national legislation.
• Assist the Team Leader to ensure that clinical/nursing practices accurately reflect the departmental philosophy.
• Inform Team Leader/Theatre Manager if there is a change in circumstance, which may affect safe and competent practice.
• Assist the Team Leader to actively lead in the development of their specialised areas within the peri-operative services.
• Assist the Team Leader/Senior Theatre Practitioner to ensure self and others attend mandatory training sessions as required.
• Able to demonstrate relevant IT and keyboard skills to enable electronic data collection and communication.
• Effectively communicate with all disciplines, patients/clients and relatives.
• Ensure Safe code incident record forms are completed and acted upon and the manager is informed accordingly.
• Assist the team leader to effectively lead a multidisciplinary team under pressure in, at times, a highly stressful environment, including emergency situations as required.
• Ensure the security of the working area is maintained.
• Ensure the provision of a safe working environment for the staff, patients and visitors at all times in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Attend routine departmental meetings.
• Ensure adequate stock levels of consumables are maintained and order equipment and supplies as delegated.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

• Current NMC UK/HCPC Registration
• Current UK work permit/Skilled worker visa/UK resident
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Previous theatre experience
• Experience of leading a team/managing a group of patients
• Basic Life Support/ Rhythm
• Recognition and defibrillation
• Competence in IV cannulation

Equality and Diversity

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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.