Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated Operating Department Practitioner (or a Registered Nurse with a qualification in Anaesthetics) to join our Gynaecology and Obstetrics Theatre Team. You must have sound clinical experience, excellent communication and negotiation skills and be able work flexibly and lead by example.
You must be able to work in partnership with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and work closely with the theatre management team in order to provide safe quality care and an excellent patient and staff experience. Additional experience in either Scrub or Recovery is beneficial.
There will also be the opportunity for staff to work in other operating theatres across the Trust once competencies have been met for the post.
Full time is preferable but part time hours will be considered.
Main duties of the job
To assist anaesthetists in delivering anaesthetics to patients undergoing surgery in DSU.
Take responsibility for work environment by restocking, reordering equipment, and keeping the area clean and tidy.
Take responsibility for one's own professional development.
Co-ordinate theatre list or department in the absence of senior staff members.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Supporting Clinical Excellence
To provide a high standard of care as set out in Theatre Standards and trust guidelines
To maintain accurate completion of theatre records, documentation and care plans.
Assess the immediate and ongoing needs of the patient and when appropriate in discussion with the patient and or their significant others develop an individualised plan of care.
Make decisions on the most appropriate method of care for the patients where a variety of options need to be considered as to the most suitable care plan going forward.
Regular communicate with other team members, including Consultants, nursing staff and other specialties.
Contribute to and participate in the development of a culture that is committed to innovation and quality improvement through the use of research and audit.
To assist in the monitoring and maintenance of equipment used in the Units and report any faults that occur to the appropriate person.
Assist in cleaning schedules, facilitating an agreed level of cleanliness for the units.
Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality care.
Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and their families/ carers.
Actively maintain and promote a safe theatre environment.
Undertake nursing procedures and techniques in accordance with agreed Trust policies and guidelines.
Plan, develop and implement approaches to promote health and wellbeing of patients and improve their health status.
Maintain an awareness of the developments in the care and treatment of patients in order to be able to carry out duties competently and efficiently.
Responsible for safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications including controlled drugs in line with Trust Policy and Nursing Midwifery Council standards.
Document the condition and progress of patients and report to medical staff and/or senior theatre staff any areas of concern.
Maintain contemporary detailed theatre documentation.
Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the theatre area.
Once competent in team management skills, takes charge of the clinical area on a regular basis in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility or his/her deputy.
When required, participate in all elements of care, throughout the patients pathway through theatres, from admission through to discharge.
Comply with all Trust policies and risk assessments with particular regard to the policies and procedures carried out in the event of maintaining staff and patient safety.
Communication
Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records.
Maintain accurate documentation of any clinical notes or IT systems used in theatre.
Ensure clarity in communicating with patients, relatives and carers as well as other team members. Answer questions within the sphere of ones own knowledge.
Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.
Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
To attend and participate in departmental meetings, helping to implement change as required.
Person Specification
Education, Training & Qualifications
Essential
1. Registered Nurse with an Anaesthetic Qualification or an Operating Department Practitioner
2. Evidence of commitment to revalidation as per NMC requirements
Desirable
3. Degree level education
4. Teaching/Assessor qualification
5. Specialist theatre qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
6. Previous experience within anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
Desirable
7. Evidence of clinical effectiveness, research and audit
Skills & Abilities
Essential
8. Demonstrate an ability to assess, plan, prioritise, deliver, and evaluate patient care
9. Competent and capable of using medical equipment
10. Able to undertake patient manual handling manoeuvres and non-patient manual handling manoeuvres
Desirable
11. Demonstrate a knowledge of current issues related to the NHS
12. Knowledge of patient administration systems
13. Competent in venepuncture, cannulation and the administration of intravenous medication