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Job summary

Main area
Theatres
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Early, Late, Twilights and Nights)
Job ref
218-AHP-B5-8343373
Employer
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
Town
Coventry
Salary
£32,073 - £39,043 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
26/10/2026 23:59
Interview date
19/11/2026

Employer heading

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust logo

Recovery Practitioner Theatres PACU

NHS AfC: Band 5

Job overview

We are seeking  enthusiastic and motivated Registered Nurses or Operating Department Practitioners(ODP) to join our Recovery Team. The successful candidate will be committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).

A willingness to undertake a dual role within the perioperative environment, including developing competencies in Scrub and/or Anaesthetic practice, is highly desirable. Successful candidates will be supported through a structured competency programme to develop the knowledge and skills required to work across multiple theatre specialities and areas of practice.

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Current NMC or HCPC registration.
  • A commitment to providing safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • The ability to prioritise and work effectively in a busy clinical environment.
  • A willingness to participate in a flexible rota, including weekends, nights, and on-call duties where applicable.
  • A desire to expand their perioperative skills by undertaking a dual role in Recovery and either Scrub or Anaesthetic practice, supporting workforce flexibility and enhancing patient care across the theatre complex.

In return, we offer a comprehensive induction programme, clinical support, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work within a dynamic multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding perioperative care.

Main duties of the job

To provide high-quality, safe, and effective care for patients recovering from anaesthesia and surgery within the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). The post holder will assess, monitor, and support patients throughout the immediate post-operative period, ensuring timely recognition and management of actual or potential complications while maintaining the highest standards of patient-centred care.

Clinical Responsibilities

  • Deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care to patients recovering from local, regional, and general anaesthesia.
  • Receive and assess patients admitted to PACU following surgical and diagnostic procedures.
  • Monitor and interpret patients' physiological observations and respond appropriately to any deterioration in condition.
  • Maintain airway patency and support ventilation and oxygenation as required.
  • Recognise and manage post-operative complications, escalating concerns promptly to senior staff or medical teams.
  • Administer medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, and oxygen therapy in accordance with Trust policies and professional standards.
  • Assess and manage pain, nausea, vomiting, and other post-operative symptoms.
  • Ensure patients meet agreed discharge criteria prior to transfer to wards, critical care, day surgery, or discharge home.
  • Provide compassionate care, maintaining patient dignity, privacy, and comfort at all times.
  • Facilitate effective communication with patients and relatives throughout the recovery period

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care within PACU.
  • Receive patients safely from the operating theatre and anaesthetic team using a structured handover process.
  • Monitor and manage airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, pain, temperature, and wound care during recovery.
  • Recognise and respond promptly to deteriorating patients and initiate appropriate escalation procedures.
  • Administer prescribed medications, including analgesia, anti-emetics, intravenous fluids, and blood products within scope of practice.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of patient observations and interventions.
  • Ensure patients meet discharge criteria prior to transfer from PACU.
  • Participate in emergency responses including cardiac arrests, major haemorrhage, difficult airway situations, and peri-arrest events.
  • Assist with the care of patients requiring Level 1 and enhanced post-operative monitoring.
  • Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and relatives as required.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP. 

 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • • Appropriate professional registration (NMC/HCPC) • If NMC registered, must be post-preceptorship in UK • Evidence of Continuous Professional Development • First level Degree in relevant subject • Study at level 6 (degree / diploma)

Experience

Essential criteria
  • • Clinical experience • Good communication skills • Working in a team • Post-preceptorship
Desirable criteria
  • • Current experience in recovery

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • • Ability to apply evidence-based practice • Knowledge of professional policies and procedures • Knowledge of clinical governance • Knowledge of Professional Code of Conduct
Desirable criteria
  • • A sound knowledge of current issues relating to the NHS

Skills

Essential criteria
  • • Be patient focused • Have good communication skills • Able to prioritise and meet deadlines effectively • Good management of own and others time • Able to use initiative and make decisions • Good IT skills

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values. (As detailed in UHCW’s Values in Action document below) • Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

No smoking policyAge positiveDisability confident leaderImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Pathway to excellenceCare quality commission - GoodPregnancy Loss PledgeHeart Charter

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.

Application numbers

Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Joseph Lukka
Job title
Clinical Lead Nurse PACU
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
02476965938