Operating Department Practitioner / Anaesthetic Nurse

Job overview

We have exciting opportunities for full time/part time Anaesthetic Practitioners to join our team on a permanent basis at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust which is part of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.

Theatres within the Trust comprise of 18 Operating Theatres across 6 unique complexes, and cover a wide variety of specialities including innovative Robotic Surgery, General, Vascular, ENT, Maxillofacial, Orthopaedic, Urology, Gynaecology, Obstetric, and Ophthalmic Surgery.

We pride ourselves in forward thinking and encouraging our staff to develop by extending the role of the Anaesthetic Practitioner within our operating theatres. We always strive to improve quality, safety, and patient experience through collaborative working in partnership with each theatre complex and affiliated Directorates.

We have a strong commitment to education, training, and staff development. The Theatre Practice Educational team as well as the Theatre management teams will guide you through preceptorship programmes and continued professional development and support you in your role within the Trust.

Main duties of the job

ODPs/Anaesthetic Nurses are key to the smooth running of each theatre.  Anaesthetic Practitioners will work closely with Scrub practitioners to ensure that everything the Surgeons and Anaesthetists need each day is ready and available. ODPs/Anaesthetic nurses will then assist in Theatre and make sure the patient and MDT have everything they may need peri-operatively.

As an Anaesthetic Practitioner you will play an important role in ensuring every operation is as safe and effective as possible. You are expected to deliver safe quality care for patients during their peri-operative phase of care. You will be expected to take responsibility for you own professional performance and development. In some of the theatre complexes there is an expectation to commit to out of hours working.

The post holder will work as a member of the theatre team at Northampton General Hospital, supporting the organisation and delivery of theatre services across Main Theatres, Manfield Theatres, Gynae Theatres, Obstetric Theatres and our purpose built Day surgery unit. The post holder will participate in delivering a high standard of patient care and safety. They will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm to help create a suitable patient and an effective learning environment.

Detailed job description and main 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.

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.

Leadership

Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carers.

Responsible for assisting with the management and leadership of the theatre, maintaining an appropriate style that maintains good morale, a team approach to work and a culture which fosters innovation and change.

Sets high standards of nursing care for the theatre, including theatre cleanliness, etc., are maintained so that the patients experience is excellent.

Influence people and events through successful communication, negotiation and persuasion skills.

Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which impact on patients care and/or staff wellbeing.

Work in partnership with the senior team members to ensure the nursing strategy objectives are achieved.

Supporting Patient Excellence

In the absence of the Theatre Team Leader act as a first contact point for patients, relatives and staff to address concerns and complaints.

To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust. To act as a positive role model to the team.

Responsible for the assessment of the care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of patient care

Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and their families/carers.

Actively participate in the ward culture whereby patients’, relatives and carers participate and understand treatment plans

To monitor activity and patient dependency, escalating any concerns to the Theatre Team Leader both in and out of hours.

Adopt an open learning culture from clinical incidents and patient/staff feedback.

People/Management Excellence

Collaborate with all members of the clinical area to ensure efficient running of theatres.

Assist the Theatre Team Leader in introducing new members of staff to their duties, act as a preceptor to newly qualified staff.

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients’ property in accordance with Trust policy.

Promote and maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator/mentor/preceptor/coach in the supervision and teaching of less experienced staff, supporting and facilitating the development of competencies across all staff levels.

Maintains competent computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems.

Support a culture of teamwork within the clinical area.

Supporting Financial Excellence

Use resources effectively in order to provide quality patient care whist having an awareness of budgetary issues.

Be aware and undertake effective and efficient use of clinical, physical and financial resources.