What does a theatre nurse do?
Theatre nurses have a uniquely rewarding yet challenging role. They work with patients at their most vulnerable time. Theatre nurses work primarily in hospital operating theatres and anaesthetic/recovery areas; however, they can also be involved with procedures on wards, in clinics or in other specialist areas. As people’s lives are in the hands of the theatre staff, the role requires a confident, focussed and cool approach, often under high pressure.
Theatre nurse skills and qualifications
Theatre nurses accompany patients throughout the surgical procedure. Below are some examples of the skills and qualifications required to be successful in this role.
- Being calm at all times
- Having the appropriate nursing experience and sufficient knowledge of how an operating theatre works
- Being organised
- Knowing how to handle pressure
- Having stamina and being able to stay focussed for long periods of time
- Having empathy and a naturally caring personality
- Being able to work in a team of healthcare professionals
Theatre nurse experience requirements
In this field, having experience is invaluable. No surgeries are alike. Theatre nurses should build up their experience records by attending as many surgeries as they can. Trying to attend different kinds of surgeries is also a plus. It allows the nurse to learn the instruments used, the dynamics in the theatre, how to work with surgeons, manage stress, work on stamina and much more. Attending as many surgeries as possible and scrubbing in is the best way to learn.
Theatre nurse education and training requirements
To become a theatre nurse, candidates need a nursing degree and to be registered as an adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse. They can achieve this through a university degree or an apprenticeship. They then need to do an induction and undertake specific training that will teach them the necessary skills and knowledge for the role.
Theatre nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a theatre nurse in the United Kingdom is £31,754 per year. This salary will vary depending on the theatre nurse’s experience and the recruiting employer.
Job description samples for similar positions
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Theatre nurse job description FAQs
What does a typical day look like for a theatre nurse?
The first thing a theatre nurse does when they arrive at work is check the white board that displays the surgery schedule. They then go to the theatre to prepare it and ensure it is ready with all the appropriate equipment. After a team briefing, the patients arrive and the surgeries begin. Days can be long and finish with a good clean of the theatre before handing over to the night staff.
Who employs theatre nurses?
For theatre nurses, there are two types of employers. They can work for the NHS or in the private sector. As the NHS provides emergency services, there is a constant flow of work and nurses usually work long shifts. The private sector does not usually deal with emergency surgeries and therefore does not require the same schedules.
What qualities should you look for when recruiting a theatre nurse?
Theatre nursing requires a handful of soft skills that will make the theatre nurse more effective in their job. These interpersonal skills range from empathy, flexibility and being able to work as a team to stamina and assertiveness.
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