Medical Nursing jobs

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe, effective perioperative nursing care in a minor operating theatre, in line with the NMC Code, AfPP protocols, CQC regulations, local policies and evidence-based practice.
• Undertake the scrub role for planned procedures (including EVLA for varicose veins and a range of minor urology and dermatology procedures), maintaining aseptic technique and an organised sterile field throughout.
• Undertake the circulating (scout) role as required, supporting theatre flow, patient safety checks and maintaining the theatre environment.
• Prepare theatre and procedure rooms: check, assemble and set up instruments, consumables and equipment (including laser console/fibre sets where applicable) prior to lists.
• Complete and document safety checks, including WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (Sign In/Time Out/Sign Out) and device-specific checks as required.
• Laser safety: adhere to local laser safety rules; ensure correct signage, protective eyewear, controlled access, safe handling and disposal of laser fibres, and escalation of equipment concerns to the appropriate lead.
• Support outpatient consultations and pre-assessment clinics: welcome patients, complete baseline observations, update medical history, and ensure required investigations/results are available for the consultant.
• Undertake venepuncture/phlebotomy within competence and in line with policy, including correct labelling, handling and timely processing/dispatch of samples.
• Perform 12-lead ECGs within competence, ensuring correct patient identification, accurate recording, basic quality checks and prompt escalation of any concerns in line with protocol.
• Assist consultants during outpatient and procedure-room activity as required (e.g., chaperoning, preparing equipment and consumables, maintaining aseptic technique for minor procedures, and providing patient support throughout).
• Assist the clinician with ultrasound-guided and minimally invasive procedures as appropriate within competence, anticipating needs and maintaining patient dignity and comfort.
• Provide pre-operative assessment and preparation, including consent verification, allergy/VTE risk checks, baseline observations and skin preparation in accordance with protocol.
• Support post-operative care and discharge, including wound care, pain assessment, patient education (e.g., compression use, mobility advice) and escalation of concerns.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in patient records (written and electronic), including implants/consumables used, batch numbers, and any incidents/near misses.
• Maintain infection prevention and control standards: cleaning between cases, management of sharps, and appropriate decontamination and segregation of reusable instruments.
• Ensure safe storage, handling and stock control of medicines and consumables as applicable to the role and local policy.
• Manage theatre stock levels: monitor usage, rotate stock, place orders, and ensure availability of procedure-specific packs and emergency equipment.
• Participate in audits, incident reporting, risk assessments and quality improvement activity, supporting compliance with CQC essential standards.
• Maintain competency through training (including laser safety and device training) and participate in mandatory training, appraisal and supervision as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Registered Nurse (RGN) with current NMC registration.
• Recent experience as a Scrub Nurse/Theatre Nurse (scrubbing in, gowning, gloving, draping, passing instruments in a minor-ops, day surgery or outpatient theatre setting is essential).
• Experience assisting with varicose vein procedures (e.g., EVLA and/or radiofrequency ablation) and working to agreed clinical pathways and protocols (highly desirable).
• Understanding of laser surgery safety principles with evidence of relevant training/competency (or willingness to complete training).
• Strong knowledge of aseptic technique, instrument handling, IPC standards and perioperative documentation.
• Competent in venepuncture/phlebotomy and recording 12-lead ECGs (or willingness to undertake training and competency assessment).
• Effective communication skills and ability to work as part of a small multidisciplinary team.

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