Job overview
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.
We have an exciting opportunity in our Theatre Department and are looking to recruit Theatre Practitioners to join our motivated, diverse and friendly team. You should be patient centred, enthusiastic and highly motivated.
We offer a supportive, exciting and challenging work environment with a supernumerary period that can be adapted to the level of previous experience for all, whether newly qualified or practised staff, in all aspects of perioperative practice.
We provide access to development courses and opportunities, to enhance leadership and clinical skills and our Practice Development Team are committed to support the development of all staff.
Our Main Theatre at Worthing Hospital comprises of nine Theatres and a Recovery Unit, with one of our theatres being a dedicated obstetric theatre, we also cover a wide range of surgical specialities. We also have two ophthalmic theatre and two day case theatres at Southlands hospital where you will also at times be asked to work.
Training rotation to include time at our Southlands hospital site in Day Surgery and Ophthalmology.
Main duties of the job
1. Provide care and emotional support to all patients
2. Provide assistance to the anaesthetist/surgeon during all stages of anaesthesia/surgery and PACU
3. Provide anaesthetic assistance in a variety of situations across the hospital (Anaes practitioner only)
4. Maintain knowledge and ability to use all specialist equipment used in theatre and recovery
5. Promote safe and effective practice across all areas
6. Frequently work at a high level of autonomy particularly in out of hours work
7. Support other members of the theatre/PACU team
8. Provide skilled care for the post operative patient in the recovery area (PACU)
9. Be aware of and comply with policies regarding: Infection Control Health and Safety Safeguarding Confidentiality Information Governance Theatre Specific NatSSips and LocSSip
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when
they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which
is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after
ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best
that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope
that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make
and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We are a busy department, providing peri-operative services for elective surgery five days a week and a variety of weekend and out of hours care for emergency surgery such as caesarean sections. We are a hardworking and supportive team looking to provide excellent care every time and strive to be forward thinking in all areas. Our trust values provide our core focus: Compassion, Communication, Teamwork, Respect, Professionalism and Inclusion and these work together to drive our Patient First programme that strives to continually achieve better for our patients.
We work alongside a variety of professions including radiographers, midwifes and doctors and all staff are encouraged to teach and support our students as well as continuing their own professional development. The theatre team itself works closely together, adapting to different situations using the wide variety of skills between each other. The theatre team consists of both ODP’s and Nurses who look to foster a culture of inclusion & belonging, providing opportunities for career development.
We are looking to appoint enthusiastic and committed Theatre Practitioners to join our team in either scrub, recovery or anaesthetics.
For anaesthetic posts you will need a recognised anaesthetic qualification.
You will need to have good communication skills and a dedication to providing a high standard of patient care. The successful candidate will work within the theatre team to ensure safety of the patient in the operating theatre. For more information please see the Job Description under Supporting Documents.
You will be expected to work shifts to enable us to meet the needs of the department. This includes a share of nights, weekend shifts and on calls.
Person specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
10. Current NMC UK/HCPC Registration
11. Current UK work permit/Skilled worker visa/UK resident
12. Evidence of continuing professional development
13. RGN 1st Level or Registered ODP (C&G 1752/NVQ Level III/Diploma)
14. Educated to Diploma/Degree level or equivalent
Desirable criteria
15. Dual trained/anaesthetic qualification
16. Previous theatre experience
17. Experience of leading a team/managing a group of patients
18. Practice Assessor/Practice supervisor/mentorship qualification
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
19. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
20. 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