Pre‑Operative Assessment Nurse (Fixed Term – 12 months)
Closing date: 15 June 2026
Location & Working Pattern
Location: St Richard's Hospital (Elmer Suite / Pagham Suite)
Working pattern: 4 weekdays, 07:00‑17:00
Role Overview
An opportunity to join the Pre‑Operative Assessment Department at St Richard's Hospital to provide high‑quality care to patients undergoing elective surgery. The role involves working both autonomously and collaboratively, managing a caseload and liaising closely with the anaesthetic and multidisciplinary teams.
Responsibilities
* Undertake comprehensive pre‑operative anaesthetic assessments for patients undergoing elective surgery.
* Ensure patients are managed on an individual basis and are appropriately prepared and optimised for elective procedures.
* Perform, interpret, and evaluate clinical observations, investigations, and diagnostic results, raising concerns and seeking early intervention as required.
* Deliver evidence‑based clinical care and maintain clear, effective communication with patients and teams.
* Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and initiate referrals as necessary.
* Maintain clear 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.
* Demonstrate professionalism, compassion and respect, treating all individuals with dignity.
* Contribute to sharing and development of good practice within the department and the Trust.
* Support patients throughout their surgical journey, including pre‑operative assessment, admission and preparation for theatre.
* Support, supervise and mentor student nurses and junior staff, contributing to their learning and development.
* Deliver safe and effective post‑operative care for day‑case patients and facilitate nurse‑led discharge.
* Work across different clinical areas as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
* Manage own caseload autonomously while working within a team and maintaining strict confidentiality.
Qualifications & Experience
* Registered nurse with the UK NMC registration.
* Minimum one year of post‑registration UK experience at Band 5 or equivalent.
* Experience in pre‑operative assessment is desirable but not essential.
* Demonstrated strong clinical, organisational and communication skills.
* Experience of supervising students and junior staff.
* Proficiency in venepuncture, physiological observations and IT skills.
* Interests in further learning and development.
Person Specification
* UK registration & Band 5 post‑registration experience.
* Interest in further learning and development.
* Ability to undertake physiological observations.
* Clear communication skills: verbal and written, and IT skills.
* Venepuncture competence.
* Experience of supervising students and junior staff.
Equality and Diversity
* Evidence of undertaking own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles where relevant.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Contact Information
Informal visits are encouraged. For further information, contact the Nurse in Charge: 01243 788122 ext. 31920 or email: liene.sapele@nhs.ne.
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
#J-18808-Ljbffr