Job overview
Are you theatre trained and looking for a new adventure?
We have exciting opening within theatres at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for enthusiastic dynamic staff wanting to increase their knowledge and skills across a number of specialities. If you want to further your career, then please apply.
In brief the department comprises of 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 provides 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 specialities.
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 however 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 & teaching to all relevant personnel within the specialist area.
To provide technical & clinical advise to relevant colleagues in the peri-operative setting.
To provide information & support to patients having anaesthesia / surgery.
To provide & assist with the development of safe & high quality specialist patient care & 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.
Working for our organisation
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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Deputise for the Senior Theatre Practitioner when required.
2. Ensure that accurate records and information systems are maintained.
3. Ensure the safe control, custody and administration of all drugs within the peri-operative area in accordance with Trust Policies and national legislation.
4. Assist the Team Leader to ensure that clinical/nursing practices accurately reflect the departmental philosophy.
5. Inform Team Leader/Theatre Manager if there is a change in circumstance, which may affect safe and competent practice.
6. Assist the Team Leader to actively lead in the development of their specialised areas within the peri-operative services.
7. Assist the Team Leader/Senior Theatre Practitioner to ensure self and others attend mandatory training sessions as required.
8. Able to demonstrate relevant IT and keyboard skills to enable electronic data collection and communication.
9. Effectively communicate with all disciplines, patients/clients and relatives.
10. Ensure Safe code incident record forms are completed and acted upon and the manager is informed accordingly.
11. Assist the team leader to effectively lead a multidisciplinary team under pressure in, at times, a highly stressful environment, including emergency situations as required.
12. Ensure the security of the working area is maintained.
13. 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.
14. Attend routine departmental meetings.
15. Ensure adequate stock levels of consumables are maintained and order equipment and supplies as delegated.
Person specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
16. Current NMC UK/HCPC Registration
17. Current UK work permit/Skilled worker visa/UK resident
18. Evidence of continuing professional development
19. IT skills
20. Communication skills
21. Dual trained/anaesthetic qualification
Desirable criteria
22. Previous theatre experience
23. Experience of leading a team/managing a group of patients
24. Practice Assessor/Practice supervisor/mentorship qualification
25. Basic Life Support/ Rhythm
26. Recognition and defibrillation
27. Competence in IV cannulation
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
28. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
29. 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