Job overview
The post holder will be responsible for the routine daily planning and organisation of the allocated theatre, for clinical procedures and practice and participate in the department’s administration as required.
The post holder will be responsible for the assessment of care needs, the development of programmes of care and their implementation and evaluation.
The post holder will be a qualified nurse/ODP and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council/AODP with an up-to-date PIN number.
The post holder is also expected to carry out all relevant forms of care without direct supervision, and will be required to demonstrate procedures to, and supervise qualified and unqualified staff.
The post holder will contribute to the overall good of the organisation by being a positive role model and to treat all staff, visitors and service users with courtesy.
The post holder will undertake rotation across the specialities to cover the service where acquired skills allow.
It is expected that the post holder will be able to carry out all the duties listed in the main duty section below. The duties will vary from speciality to speciality, and they may carry out other similar duties in support of the theatre environment that are not listed. No duties are to be undertaken by the post holder unless they have received the appropriate training.
Main duties of the job
Exercise professional accountability as guided by the NMC Code of Conduct (nurses)/ Association of Operating Practitioners Scope of Practice/Code of Conduct.
Act as an effective role model.
Ensure that nursing procedures and policies are followed.
Take charge of the theatre room in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility.
Assist in maintaining the correct environment for teaching junior nurses, trainee ODP’s and learner nurses and be aware of post registration course requirements.
Monitor and maintain the quality of nursing activities and achieve the prescribed standards of nursing/ODP care set for the department.
Providing assistance to the surgeon/anaesthetist/nursing/ODP colleagues as required. Acting as member of the surgical scrub team either as a scrub or circulating practitioner (Theatre nurse/ODP)
Carry out nursing care to the highest possible standard according to Trust Policies and Practice and Clinical Guidelines. This requires a thorough understanding of policies and guidance related to, for example, infection control, hygiene and individualised patient needs
A more detailed duties and responsibilities are on the Job Description
Working for our organisation
The Whittington Hospital has been rated twentieth in the second annual Healthcare 100 awards, which recognises top employers in healthcare.
We pride ourselves in forward thinking and encouraging our staff to develop by extending the role of the theatre practitioner. If you are an experienced Theatre Nurse, we are offering a Band 6 Senior Theatre Practitioner position within our busy suites. We have 6 Main Theatres and 4 Day Treatment Centre Theatres specialising in Orthopaedics and Trauma, Bariatric, General, Colorectal, Breast surgery, Urology, Vascular, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
You will need to deliver a holistic care approach that is current, evidence based and effective. You must have a broad knowledge and skill base including communication and team working skills, in order that you contribute to the smooth running of the theatre department.
We are committed to ongoing professional development and opportunities for you to undertake a wide range of in-house and university-based training programme.
To be a fit for this role, you must hold the appropriate qualifications as current registered practitioner RGN/ODP and has demonstrated evidence of continuing professional development. You must hold an Advance Theatre Practitioner and a Mentorship course.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
A detailed Job Description and Person Specification are attached to guide applicants and recruitment team with the longlisting and shortlisting of candidates.
Person specification
Education / Qualification
Essential criteria
1. •RGN/RN or Diploma / Degree in Operating Department Practitioner
2. •Proof of Registration with NMC (nurses)/ Health & Care Professions Council (ODP’s)
3. •Essential to have undertaken a mentorship course.
4. •Relevant experience working within theatres as a scrub practitioner.
Desirable criteria
5. •ENB 998 or recognised equivalent
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
6. •Able to work without clinical supervision.
7. •Ability to line manage staff in the absence of line manager.
8. •Essential leadership role skills. •Able to work as a team member
9. •Able to manage learners
10. •Good verbal and written communication skills •Prioritisation skills
Desirable criteria
11. •Competence on a range of skills and any additional training undertaken.
12. •Good knowledge of all specialties
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
13. •NMC Code of Professional Conduct/ HCPC.
14. •Knowledge of a range of surgical procedures
15. •Equal Opportunities •Data Protection •Infection control regulations •Risk management
16. •Current nursing/operating department research and developments
17. •Evidence based practice in theatres •Knowledge of audit process
Desirable criteria
18. •Current NHS issues
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
19. •Professional manner
20. •Good communication skills with patients and colleagues of all disciplines
21. •Flexible and willing to rotate to all areas •Flexible to meet the changing needs of the service
22. •Able to work under pressure •Able to deal with stress
23. •Good attendance record
Desirable criteria
24. •Enthusiastic and motivated
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS
To comply with the Trust’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies, procedures and protocols. All individual members of staff (paid or unpaid) have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults This will require you to:
25. Ensure you are familiar with and comply with the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
26. Ensure you are familiar and comply with the London Multi Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan London Procedures.
27. Ensure you are familiar and comply with local protocols and systems for information sharing.
28. Know the appropriate contact numbers and required reporting lines.
29. Participate in required training and supervision.
30. Comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct
Whittington Health is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.