Job overview
Pre-Operative Assessment Nurse
Location: St Richard’s Hospital (Elmer Suite / Pagham Suite)
Working Pattern: 4 weekdays, 07:00–17:00
An exciting opportunity has arisen for registered nurse to join the Pre-Operative Assessment Department at St Richard’s Hospital. We are a small, friendly, and supportive team providing high-quality care to patients undergoing elective surgery across a range of specialties.
The successful candidate will work as a specialist nurse assessor within a nurse-led service, undertaking comprehensive pre-operative assessments to ensure patients are appropriately prepared and optimised for surgery. The role involves working both autonomously and collaboratively, managing an individual caseload while liaising closely with the anaesthetic team and wider multidisciplinary team.
You will be responsible for identifying risks, initiating appropriate investigations, and making referrals in accordance with local protocols. The role also includes contributing to perioperative planning and supporting efficient patient pathways.
Previous experience in pre-operative assessment is desirable but not essential, as full training and support will be provided. Applicants must have a minimum of one year’s post-registration UK experience and demonstrate strong clinical, organisational, and communication skills.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Undertake comprehensive pre-operative anaesthetic assessments for patients undergoing elective surgery.
2. Ensure patients are managed on an individual basis and are appropriately prepared and optimised for elective procedures in a safe and timely manner.
3. Perform, interpret, and evaluate clinical observations, investigations, and diagnostic results, identifying abnormalities and escalating concerns as required in line with local protocols.
4. Deliver high-quality, evidence-based clinical care, ensuring clear and effective communication with patients, in accordance with Trust values and professional regulatory standards.
5. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care, including initiating referrals for further assessment, treatment, and investigations where necessary.
6. Maintain clear and effective communication between healthcare teams and patients to support a safe and seamless surgical pathway. Provide both verbal and written information, advice, and education to patients and their carers.
7. Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and respect at all times, ensuring patients, relatives, visitors, and colleagues are treated with dignity, courtesy, and sensitivity.
8. Contribute to the sharing and development of good practice within the department and across the Trust.
9. Support patients throughout their surgical journey, including pre operative assessment and preparation, admission and preparation for theatre
Working for our organisation
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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
10. Support, supervise, and mentor student nurses and junior staff, contributing to their learning, development, and clinical competence within the department.
11. Provide high-quality care and support to pre-operative elective patients, ensuring they are fully prepared for surgery in line with clinical standards and protocols.
12. Deliver safe and effective post-operative care for day-case patients, including ongoing assessment and facilitating nurse-led discharge in accordance with established criteria and guidelines.
13. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by working across different clinical areas as required.
14. Working autonomously in own clinic, managing own caseload of patients as well as working within a team.
15. Work collaboratively with all members of the ward team, promoting effective communication and liaison with the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest standard of patient care is consistently delivered.
16. Communicate effectively within the team, contributing to a positive working environment by supporting and motivating colleagues, while maintaining strict confidentiality at all times in relation to patients and their carers.
17. Provide clear, accurate, and timely written and verbal information, advice, and education to patients and their carers, supporting informed decision-making and promoting safe care throughout the patient pathway.
Internal applicants should note that this opportunity will be offered on a secondment basis. Before applying, internal colleagues must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they can be released from their substantive role if successful.
Release to undertake a secondment is not automatic and must be agreed between the colleague, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
18. Uk registration & Band 5 post reg experience
19. Interest in further learning and development
20. Ability to undertake physiological observations
21. Clear communication skills – both verbal and written. IT skills
Desirable criteria
22. Mentorship / Teaching qualification
23. Surgical pre assessment experience
24. Venepuncture
25. Experience of supervising students and junior staff
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
26. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
27. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications