Role Purpose

The Band 5 Theatre Nurse is responsible for delivering high‑quality perioperative care while upholding Trust values and professional NMC standards. As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder provides expert support within the intraoperative environment, ensuring safe and effective care throughout the patient journey. The role involves both autonomous practice and close teamwork, with an expectation of developing specialist theatre skills and contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the operating department.

The post holder will also act as a positive role model, supporting colleagues, participating in quality initiatives, and leading delegated clinical or service responsibilities as required.

Main Responsibilities

1. Clinical Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised patient care using appropriate perioperative frameworks.

• Prepare operating theatres ensuring all required instruments, equipment, and consumables are available and fit for use.

• Scrub for a variety of surgical procedures, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and wider team.

• Maintain sterility and uphold infection prevention measures throughout the procedure.

• Undertake and document all surgical counts (swabs, needles, instruments) accurately and escalate discrepancies immediately.
  Note: Scrub nurse is solely responsible for sharps, swabs and instrument management.

• Safely manage and dispose of sharps and surgical waste following policy.

• Assist with positioning, prepping, and supporting the patient safely before and during surgery.

• Support safe transfer of patients between theatre areas, including handovers.

2. Theatre Coordination & Team Support

• Contribute to the smooth running of theatre lists and assist in turnaround between cases.

• Communicate effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs, nurses, porters, and wider MDT.

• Participate in WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and escalate concerns appropriately.

• Support senior staff, acting as deputy when delegated by the Sister / Charge Nurse.

3. Professional Standards & Governance

• Work in accordance with NMC standards, Trust values, local policies, and theatre protocols.

• Maintain accurate contemporaneous documentation and ensure confidentiality at all times.

• Report incidents, near misses, and equipment faults, supporting learning and improvement.

• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and monitoring of safety metrics.

4. Education, Training & Development

• Support orientation and teaching of learners, junior nurses, and HCAs, helping identify learning needs and providing supervision, demonstration, and feedback.

• Engage in CPD activities, including competency development, theatre rotations, and specialist training opportunities (e.g., perioperative nursing course, QI projects).

• Maintain up‑to‑date clinical skills and participate in mandatory training and appraisal (PDR).

5. Equipment & Resource Management

• Check, prepare, and operate specialised theatre equipment safely.

• Contribute to stock control, procurement, and equipment ordering according to service needs.

• Ensure appropriate action is taken when equipment issues arise, preventing delays to surgery.

6. Patient Care & Advocacy

• Provide reassurance and support to patients throughout their perioperative journey.

• Act as a patient advocate, ensuring dignity, privacy, and comfort are maintained.

• Challenge unsafe practice and raise concerns in line with speaking‑up policy.

7. Leadership & Team Culture

• Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and Trust values in all interactions.

• Support colleagues, contribute to a positive working environment, and promote effective teamwork.

• Take responsibility for delegated tasks and lead small projects as assigned by senior nursing staff.