Job overview
Applications are invited for the role of a Trainee Cardiac Surgical Care Practitioner in the Cardiac department at the St Thomas' Hospital.
We are looking for a motivated Registered Health Care Professional to join our Cardiac Surgical Care Practitioner team at St Thomas' Hospital.
The successful applicant will be supported to undertake an accredited MSc in Surgical Care Practice whilst learning and developing the skills & competencies required while performing operative procedures under the direction of Consultant Surgeons.
The role will provide the opportunity to be involved in one of the busiest cardiac centres in the UK, to develop essential surgical skills in assisting and harvesting conduit for coronary bypass grafts. There will be an opportunity to learn techniques such as open leg vessel harvesting, vein stripping, radial conduit harvesting along with Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting. The role provides exposure to minimally invasive surgery and complex aortic surgery as well.
Closing date: 31st December 2025
Main duties of the job
Under the direction and supervision of the Senior SCP's and Consultant surgeon, the post holder will be able to undertake defined invasive procedures within cardiothoracic theatres, utilising specialist skills and knowledge including vessel harvesting and closing of routine chest incisions.
The post holder will act as first or second assistant to Cardiac surgeons
The successful candidate will learn advanced surgical skills and contribute to the training of junior medical staff and future trainee SCPs, demonstrating and supervising specialist skills and their acquisition.
The post holder will undertake appropriate surgical care practitioner training to MSc level.
Working for our organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and – as part of King’s Health Partners – we are one of England’s eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research’s biomedical research centres, established with King’s College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a complete list of duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached Job description and person specification.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered Nurse or Registered ODP
2. Mentorship Level 6
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Extensive experience with cardiac theatres
4. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
5. Experience in cardiothoracic theatres/ward/ICU.
Skills
Essential criteria
6. Manual dexterity
7. Ability to work as part of the multidisciplinary team
8. Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal & communication skills
9. Time management and organisation skills
Desirable criteria
10. Teaching skills
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.