Anaesthetic Staff Nurse - QEH Theatre

Job overview

We are seeking dedicated and motivated qualified professionals to join us in the Theatre department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

The operating theatres at QEH provide elective and emergency services 24/7 in orthopaedics, colorectal, general, gynaecology, urology and obstetrics.

If you are already working in the areas of anaesthetics or recovery, And must  have completed your Anaesthetic course or would like to peruse a new career pathway in these specialties, then now is your opportunity to join a hard-working and dedicated team.

Patient safety throughout patient journey in theatre, making sure correct equipment is available at all times.

Anaesthetic nurse to provide direct patient care prior and during anaesthesia. Assists the anaesthetists in the provision of anaesthetics. Prepares equipment and monitoring.

Theatre recovery nurse provides care to patients immediately post-surgery and post anaesthesia. Assess patients using, for example, ABCDE approach.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be accountable and responsible for providing a high standard of patient focused individualised care, with an evidenced based practice focus.

They will be expected to carry out aspects of patient care without direct supervision. They will be able to communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team and contribute to the effective running of the theatre / department.

Utilising the principles of the national framework and local strategy of Clinical Governance and other national initiatives, they will participate in action on improvements in patient care. The post holder will carry out all duties in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) Codes of Conduct, HCPC and Relevant Trust policies.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To deliver a high standard of patient focused individualised nursing care using a team nursing care approach.

To assess, plan implement and evaluate care of patients from admission to discharge using an integrated care pathway (ICP) or the nursing process.

To assist anaesthetist / surgeon / with emergency / elective procedures in all hospital departments as required.

To ensure stock levels are adequate for effective perioperative care.

To maintain effective channels of communication with patients, relatives and the multidisciplinary team involved in providing care.

To understand the principles of clinical governance and the impact on patient care, i.e. audit and evidenced based practice.

Ensure that written documentation are maintained in line with the NMC standards for Records and Record Keeping and Trust policy.

To ensure that medication is given to patients in line with the NMC and Trust policy and guidelines.

To act safely and develop skills to be effective in emergency situations, e.g. cardiac arrest.

To practice within the framework of corporate and local policies.

To be professionally sensitive to the needs of patients and colleagues.

To participate in the development of your Personal Development Plan and identify your own professional, educational and training needs and goals.

To ensure your own continual professional development in line with NMC requirements.

To monitor own needs for mandatory training - manual handling, fire, life support, etc.

To have or be active in developing your skills, e.g. intravenous additives administration and cannulation in line with service delivery.

To report and record all complaints, incidents or accidents to the sister/charge nurse, theatre manager or site mangers as appropriate.

To maintain confidentiality in relation to information about patients, staff and other health service providers in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1984 and the Caldicott guidelines.

Ensure that Trust policy is followed with regards to health and safety and infection control issues.

To maintain a safe environment by ensuring own knowledge of equipment and adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines. To participate in team and departmental meetings to develop and improve practice in the department and promote new ideas.

To up hold good standards of behaviour towards your colleagues, patients, and the public.

To take an active role in induction and orientation of new staff.

Conform to Trust and Unit policies regarding reporting of sickness and the booking of annual / study leave.

Maintain standard of conduct and dress to sustain public confidence in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional conduct and Trust Policies.

Act as team leader where required and clinical role model at all times