Job summary To provide expert clinical, professional, and managerial leadership in the running of the surgical pre-operative assessment (POA) service. This includes both nursing and patient booking teams. This service provides assessment of patients going through the elective surgical pathway to identify and mitigate clinical risk, with decision making for referral to anaesthetic consultant review as required. Key working relationships Internally:Anaesthetic Consultant TeamAdmissions/booking staff Infection ControlPathologyExternallyGeneral Practitioners and Colleagues in other NHS organisations Main duties of the job An enthusiastic and self-motivated person is required to undertake pre-operative assessments. The role gives the opportunity to work as part of a dedicated and busy clinical team whilst developing self and others in delivering a high standard of clinical care. The post holder will undertake pre-operative assessments of all elective inpatient and day surgery patients requiring general anaesthetic. By successfully completing the assessment process, ordering pre-operative investigations and liaising with internal and external members of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will have prepared the patients for admission and reduce cancellations. 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. We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners. 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 backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals. Date posted 05 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Per Annum / Pro Rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 265-6719143 Job locations Pre-Operative Assessment Area K, Northampton General Hospital Cliftonville Northampton NN1 5BD Job description Job responsibilities Supporting Clinical Excellence The post holder must be able to perform an in-depth history from the patient and evaluate previously unknown health issues. Have the knowledge and skills to be able to conduct heart and airway assessments, ECG recognition and spirometry interpretation. Have excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure that information is disseminated accurately to patients. Be able to deal with complex patients where other MDT members need to be involved. To have the relevant knowledge to provide the patient/carers relevant information and advice about their operation or procedure. Discuss associated risks and general health education. Identifying any barriers to discharge and communicating these to MDT. Being able to provide emotional support to patients who are to undergo major/ life changing surgery and cancer diagnosis. Be able to demonstrate clinical decision-making skills and take responsibility for decisions. Ordering correct pre-operative investigations. Liaising with specialist teams to create and organise pre-operative care management plans, including making the clinical decision to defer to medical anaesthetic team and declare a patient is fit for surgery. Acting on abnormal results in a timely and effective manner to minimise any delays in treatment. Be confident to work autonomously and independently with exceptional time management skills. Prioritise referrals to within the trust and primary care. Be in charge of own caseload including cancellation of admissions and following up referrals and investigations for the more complex patients. Follow admission criteria for both day surgery and inpatient admissions. Participate in supervision and coaching of student nurses. Participate in the education, development and supervision of other staff members. Including, medical/ODP students. To assist in establishing and monitoring protocols/care pathways. Being able to use IT systems for triaging pre-operative patients and completing electronic patient assessments. Ensure relevant IT systems are updated so that important information is shared with the booking teams/theatres/surgeon/anaesthetist and medical secretaries. To supervise junior staff in the delivery of care. Be able to organise, make decisions, problem solve and manage conflict in managing daily operations of department. Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of nursing care Responsible for the safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications. To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners. Supporting Patient Excellence People/Management Excellence To participate in regular staff and division meetings. Have open positive communication between all disciplines of staff. Assist the team to create and maintain positive working relationships within the multi-disciplinary team. Assist the department to monitor standards of care in liaison with the department sister. Policy and Service Development Responsibilities Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific Induction and competency Programmes. To contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own personal performance/development plan to achieve KSF outline for role. Able to identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations. Contribute to the education and training of others, gaining an understanding of clinical supervision. Complete all competencies relating to role within an agreed timescale. Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area and contribute to audit initiatives. Adhere to all Trust Policies and Health & Safety, as applicable. Supporting Financial Excellence Have budget awareness in the ordering and use of equipment, supported by written documentation where applicable. Professional Responsibilities Be responsible for their own development, maintaining a professional portfolio and keeping themselves updated on current nursing issues. Will be responsible for their own actions and be bound by the NMCs Code of Professional conduct and all approved Trust policies. Will maintain own skills and knowledge and demonstrate clinical excellence and high standards of practice to other staff. Be an active and approachable role model. Research & development Responsibilities To practice clinical competencies in line with relevant Trust initiatives e.g. ECG, Heart Sounds and Venepuncture. To maintain awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in its Implementation. To contribute to research and development programmes within the ward/department. General Responsibilities Is observed to have a smart appearance, hence adhering to the Trusts uniform policy. Demonstrates a caring and supportive attitude towards their work colleague. Uphold the Trusts vision and values. Job description Job responsibilities Supporting Clinical Excellence The post holder must be able to perform an in-depth history from the patient and evaluate previously unknown health issues. Have the knowledge and skills to be able to conduct heart and airway assessments, ECG recognition and spirometry interpretation. Have excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure that information is disseminated accurately to patients. Be able to deal with complex patients where other MDT members need to be involved. To have the relevant knowledge to provide the patient/carers relevant information and advice about their operation or procedure. Discuss associated risks and general health education. Identifying any barriers to discharge and communicating these to MDT. Being able to provide emotional support to patients who are to undergo major/ life changing surgery and cancer diagnosis. Be able to demonstrate clinical decision-making skills and take responsibility for decisions. Ordering correct pre-operative investigations. Liaising with specialist teams to create and organise pre-operative care management plans, including making the clinical decision to defer to medical anaesthetic team and declare a patient is fit for surgery. Acting on abnormal results in a timely and effective manner to minimise any delays in treatment. Be confident to work autonomously and independently with exceptional time management skills. Prioritise referrals to within the trust and primary care. Be in charge of own caseload including cancellation of admissions and following up referrals and investigations for the more complex patients. Follow admission criteria for both day surgery and inpatient admissions. Participate in supervision and coaching of student nurses. Participate in the education, development and supervision of other staff members. Including, medical/ODP students. To assist in establishing and monitoring protocols/care pathways. Being able to use IT systems for triaging pre-operative patients and completing electronic patient assessments. Ensure relevant IT systems are updated so that important information is shared with the booking teams/theatres/surgeon/anaesthetist and medical secretaries. To supervise junior staff in the delivery of care. Be able to organise, make decisions, problem solve and manage conflict in managing daily operations of department. Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of nursing care Responsible for the safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications. To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners. Supporting Patient Excellence People/Management Excellence To participate in regular staff and division meetings. Have open positive communication between all disciplines of staff. Assist the team to create and maintain positive working relationships within the multi-disciplinary team. Assist the department to monitor standards of care in liaison with the department sister. Policy and Service Development Responsibilities Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific Induction and competency Programmes. To contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own personal performance/development plan to achieve KSF outline for role. Able to identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations. Contribute to the education and training of others, gaining an understanding of clinical supervision. Complete all competencies relating to role within an agreed timescale. Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area and contribute to audit initiatives. Adhere to all Trust Policies and Health & Safety, as applicable. Supporting Financial Excellence Have budget awareness in the ordering and use of equipment, supported by written documentation where applicable. Professional Responsibilities Be responsible for their own development, maintaining a professional portfolio and keeping themselves updated on current nursing issues. Will be responsible for their own actions and be bound by the NMCs Code of Professional conduct and all approved Trust policies. Will maintain own skills and knowledge and demonstrate clinical excellence and high standards of practice to other staff. Be an active and approachable role model. Research & development Responsibilities To practice clinical competencies in line with relevant Trust initiatives e.g. ECG, Heart Sounds and Venepuncture. To maintain awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in its Implementation. To contribute to research and development programmes within the ward/department. General Responsibilities Is observed to have a smart appearance, hence adhering to the Trusts uniform policy. Demonstrates a caring and supportive attitude towards their work colleague. Uphold the Trusts vision and values. Person Specification Education and Training Essential NMC registered Degree level study or equivalent experience and able to demonstrate specialist knowledge within this field through practical experience Desirable Pre-operative assessment specialist knowledge Recognised mentoring and assessment qualification Recognised management qualification Healthcare related degree Knowledge and expreience Essential Post Registration experience - surgical or medical required Pre-assessement experience/process Working within teams with autonomy and own caseload Knowledge of elective surgery Competence across a range of nursing, either medical/surgical ward experience Knowledge of relevant NICE guidelines Desirable Knowledge of current issues facing the NHS Pre-operative Assesment experience Research and implementation in practice Skills and abilities Essential Assessment skills including detailed history taking Leadership skills Interpersonal and communication skills Good IT skills including use of excel and sharepoint Good planning, prioritisation and organisational skills Extended clinical skills - including ECG recording and interpretation Physical examination of the patient (heart, spirometry & airway assessment Desirable Extended skills including venepuncture, chest auscultation and blood result interpretation Personal qualities Essential Self motivated and able to use own initiative Caring and compassionate Flexible Ability to work within and lead a team Strong drive to improve standards Dexterity Empathy Frequent moderate physical effort - assisting patients on/off couch/assessing patients Person Specification Education and Training Essential NMC registered Degree level study or equivalent experience and able to demonstrate specialist knowledge within this field through practical experience Desirable Pre-operative assessment specialist knowledge Recognised mentoring and assessment qualification Recognised management qualification Healthcare related degree Knowledge and expreience Essential Post Registration experience - surgical or medical required Pre-assessement experience/process Working within teams with autonomy and own caseload Knowledge of elective surgery Competence across a range of nursing, either medical/surgical ward experience Knowledge of relevant NICE guidelines Desirable Knowledge of current issues facing the NHS Pre-operative Assesment experience Research and implementation in practice Skills and abilities Essential Assessment skills including detailed history taking Leadership skills Interpersonal and communication skills Good IT skills including use of excel and sharepoint Good planning, prioritisation and organisational skills Extended clinical skills - including ECG recording and interpretation Physical examination of the patient (heart, spirometry & airway assessment Desirable Extended skills including venepuncture, chest auscultation and blood result interpretation Personal qualities Essential Self motivated and able to use own initiative Caring and compassionate Flexible Ability to work within and lead a team Strong drive to improve standards Dexterity Empathy Frequent moderate physical effort - assisting patients on/off couch/assessing patients Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Northampton General Hospital Address Pre-Operative Assessment Area K, Northampton General Hospital Cliftonville Northampton NN1 5BD Employer's website https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)