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Job summary

Main area
Theatres
Grade
Band 5
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Working pattern to include weekends, nights, on call and evenings. Part time considered)
Job ref
252-6246093
Employer
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Darent Valley Hosptial
Town
Dartford
Salary
£29,828 - £36,311 per annum inclusive of allowances
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
12/05/2024 23:59

Employer heading

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust logo

Operating Department Practitioner

Band 5

Job overview

We are seeking Theatre Practitioners to work within our Theatre Suite for a mix of both elective and emergency theatres across a wide variety of specialties. Previous anaesthetic experience is a essential.  

We are looking for enthusiastic Operating Department Practitioners or Registered Theatre Nurses to join our dynamic workforce.  Previous anaesthetic experience is essential, additionally we provide a comprehensive mentorship package for newly qualified Registered Nurses/ Operating Department Practitioners.

You will need to be able to demonstrate good communication skills and working with the multidisciplinary team, with an understanding of all integrated governance requirements of the theatre environment.

As a practitioner you will be a role model and advocate for the Trust’s values and participate in any developments within the Trust and within national guidelines relating to your specialty or theatre environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join our team, personal and professional growth is actively encouraged and a wide range of career development opportunities are available including professional development support.

If you are committed to delivering excellence and a high quality patient focused service within the peri-operative environment then we would like to hear from you!

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship.  All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will work in Darent Valley Hospital, Theatres and has responsibility for the assessment and development of programmes of care, including monitoring standards of care. In addition, the post holder carries responsibility for deployment, supervision and teaching of multidisciplinary clinical staff and learners.

Assisting both the Anaesthetist and participating within the Multidisciplinary team.

To provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to both perioperative patients and their relatives whilst they are under the care of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.

To take direct responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of or as delegated by the Departmental Coordinator or Clinical leader.

To assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of practitioners within the Unit complement.

To act as a clinical resource within the Unit and across the Division as necessary.

To act as a positive role model to junior staff members.

Participating in “on-call” rotas or cross site working where necessary.  Carry out other duties, as may be required by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust which fall within the grading of the post. This post will include working day shifts, late shifts and night shifts Monday to Sunday.

The departmental service requirement is 24/7 365 days per annum.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Ensure that the agreed standards of care are maintained at optimum level, informing the unit manager of any concerns.

Assist with the organisation of the reception and discharge of patients, ensuring that they receive safe and competent care during the immediate and post-operative period.

Act as a resource/advisor to junior healthcare / support workers and students in the delivery of research based programmes of care, ensuring the appropriate teaching, assessment, planning and evaluation is undertaken.

To ensure that all patient documentation is completed and kept up-to-date, and that care plans provide an accurate progress record and response to treatment.

Assists with accidents and incidents involving patients, staff relatives and visitors. Completes statements and incident forms and reports such incidents and accidents appropriately and in a timely manner.

Participates in the Quality Assurance tool within the Critical Care Directorate.

Provide skilled high quality Peri-operative care to all patient groups.

Assist in ensuring that all patients are safe to be transferred back to ward areas, in accordance with the recovery area protocol.

Provide skilled high quality assistance to the anaesthetist.

To adhere to the NMC / HCPC Code of Professional Conduct at all times

Please see attached job description for more information. 

Person specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to plan / organise day to day clinical activities.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Team building and working skills
  • Understanding of the issues pertaining to change management
  • Understanding of the issues pertaining to clinical risk
  • Problem solving skills – able to respond to unexpected issues and provide first line response and to identify appropriate sources of secondary support
  • Able to prioritise own workload and that of others
  • Customer service skilled
Desirable criteria
  • Demonstrable clinical expertise, relevant to the area / sphere of responsibilities
  • An understanding of HR processes and issues pertaining to staff management
  • An understanding of issues in relation to finance management
  • Awareness and understanding of current health issues and in particular to demonstrate a good understanding of the NHS Plan and recent initiatives
  • Computer literacy

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous clinical experience of a theatre service specialty area
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience of assisting in change processes within a clinical environment

Personal Attributes

Essential criteria
  • Flexible – Able to adapt to ensure achievement of objectives within constantly changing situations and environments
  • Diplomatic manner
  • Adaptable
  • Approachable attitude
  • Helpful and resourceful

Education and Training

Essential criteria
  • 1st level Registered General Nurse or Registered Operating Department Practitioner
  • Evidence of CPD
Desirable criteria
  • Further relevant professional studies or working towards a course (e.g: Theatre Scrub/Recovery/Anaesthetic Practitioner)
  • Post-reg Educational Qualification (i.e. Mentorship)
  • Relevant degree level studies

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoAge positiveInvestors in PeopleCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerArmed Forces Covenant Bronze Award

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Laura-Jayne Welch
Job title
Matron
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01322 428905