This post is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract that will commence on the successful applicant's start date in the role. We have been granted funding by the Peninsula Cancer Alliance to enable same‑day pre‑op for cancer patients.
Our Friendly Pre‑Assessment unit is looking for registered Nurses/ODPs to support the peri‑operative (Pre‑op) assessment of patients prior to their surgery date. We are involved in an exciting project to improve our Pre‑operative assessment process, including gaining additional skills in assessing blood results and ECG interpretation. The Pre‑op team covers Derriford Hospital providing a One‑Stop Shop facility (alongside our waiting list pool) supporting and advising all complex and non‑complex surgery.
We aim to ensure a quality‑focused and safe assessment service for all patients. You will provide nurse‑led complex and non‑complex peri‑operative risk assessment, undertaking a variety of skills and ongoing competencies to assist in the smooth running and delivery of the service.
To discuss this opportunity informally please contact Grace Bush (sister, Pre‑assessment) at g.bush@nhs.net or 01752 439021.
Interview date: To be confirmed.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as NHS At‑Risk staff throughout Devon who can demonstrate recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will implement, coordinate and deliver effective, high‑quality care for the pre‑operative patient, following a client‑centred model of practice and ensuring the area of work runs smoothly and efficiently. The individual will make appropriate verbal and written assessment to gain information related to a patient's surgery and act on such assessments in preparing and supporting the patient's pathway, referring to outside specialist help if required.
As part of the wider hospital team, you will interact with practitioners from other areas because you understand that continuity in patient care is key.
Job responsibilities
* Assess pre‑operative patients to ensure any potential issues that might delay surgery are identified and relayed to the relevant person, ensuring all professional protocols are adhered to.
* Review ECGs and blood tests and organise care needs based on the results or review by the Clinical Lead or a member of the Anaesthetic team.
* Perform comprehensive and holistic assessment of patients, ensuring they are fully prepared physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially for surgery.
* Advise patients on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
* Maintain accurate patient records, observing legal requirements, confidentiality and information management.
* Demonstrate a commitment to evidence‑based practice and clinical excellence, playing an active role in introducing this evidence to improve patient‑centred care.
* Engage and interact with patients and their carers, explaining procedures and treatments to gain cooperation, understanding and allay apprehension.
* Establish and maintain effective communication channels with internal and external agencies to ensure an efficiently run service, especially with medical staff, anaesthetists and ward/theatre staff. Refer to others as appropriate (e.g., Anaesthetic clinic).
* Assist in monitoring in‑patient and day‑case activity and work with clinicians to maximise theatre utilisation.
* Carry out duties within the guidelines of the post‑holder’s professional code of conduct (e.g., NMC, HCPC).
* Supervise junior staff, providing leadership and acting as a role model for junior colleagues and staff in training.
Person Specification
Knowledge & experience
* Proven demonstrable ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate clinical care and act accordingly.
* Recent CPD evidence.
* Knowledge of and ability to apply evidence‑based practice.
* Computer literate (ECDL).
* Demonstrated managerial or leadership potential.
* Relevant extended roles – Health & Safety, COSHH, infection control, etc.
* Ability to cannulate and administer I.V Iron.
* Organisational skills, able to work as team leader.
* Ability to prioritise workload, instruct and direct others.
* Awareness of financial constraints.
* Methodical and organised enthusiasm for introducing and facilitating change.
Qualifications
* Registered Nurse / Operating Department Practitioner with NMC/HCPC registration.
* Knowledge of surgical specialties.
* Education to Diploma or Degree level or equivalent.
* NVQ Trainer/Assessor/Educator or relevant educational course (e.g., Cert Ed or ENB 998/C&G 730 or equivalent).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.
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