Band 5 - Operating Department Practitioner/Anaesthetic Nurse, Theatres

Job summary You must have a valid UK HCPC PN REGISTRATION OR NMC PIN REGISTRATION with post graduate UK recognised anaesthetic qualification to apply for this role or you will not be moved to the shortlisting stage. Candidates must have current anaesthetic experience. We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dynamic practitioners to join our friendly multi‑disciplinary team. The shifts pattern is three long days a week, from Monday to Sunday or three-night shifts per week. There will be a mixture of nights and days on a four‑week template. We have been known to offer rotational opportunities for staff for them to develop and/or maintain their skills. The post holder will be responsible as one of the Band 5 anaesthetic practitioners at Watford General Hospital. It is essential for the applicant to have either an Operating Department Practitioner qualification or post reg qualification in Anaesthetics. *Previous applicants need not apply* Main duties of the job We welcome both nurses with a post graduate anaesthetic qualification and ODPs alike, as training and development is essential to maintain the excellent service provided therefore meeting evidence based best practice. Applicants will need to possess good interpersonal skills in order to work effectively within the existing theatre teams whilst having the ability to work under their own initiative. You will be expected to practice anaesthetics in a number of different surgical specialities including Obstetrics, Paediatrics, ENT, Urology, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Urology, Oral and maxilla Facial, Colorectal, and Robotics. You will also be expected to cover outlying areas such as the cardiac catheter lab and rotate on the emergency bleep covering cardiac arrests, trauma call and any other airway intervention calls. You must be able to adapt to change and remain calm and focused under pressure as well as a great team player. About us With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Details Date posted: 11 December 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 5 Salary: £32,602 to £39,686 a year inc. HCA Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working Reference number: 360-B-10548-B Job locations: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB Job responsibilities Stock rotation and ordering Preparation and organisation of anaesthetic clinical area Preparation of anaesthetic equipment Checking and administering blood products and fluids Assist the anaesthetist in the clinical area Supporting the team and being an effective team player Maintain patients confidentiality and dignity Ensure Trust policies and guidelines for correct ordering, storage and use of all drugs are adhered to Ensure that Trust policies and guidelines for correct clinical practices are followed Be aware of Risk Management and Clinical Governance and the implications this has on clinical practice Ensure the theatre staff and multidisciplinary team are aware of policies and procedures relating to Fire, Health & Safety, COSHH and Infection control Report to Team Leader and/or Theatre Manager any accidents, untoward incidents and complaints as soon as possible to include completion of the relevant documentation and dispatch to the appropriate department Person Specification Education and qualifications – Essential First level registration with the NMC and recognised anaesthetic qualification ODP registration Evidence of professional development Desirable Degree Knowledge – Essential Up to date knowledge of relevant political and professional issues in health care Understanding of the theatre department Desirable Knowledge of developing care pathways Experience – Essential Theatre experience as part of training or rotation on a programme Commitment to clinical effectiveness and evidence‑based care Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. Employer details West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB Website: http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr