Senior Theatre Practitioner

TASK SPECIFIC SKILLS Act as a senior practitioner and member of the clinical team, carrying out safety checks of swabs, instruments and needles in conjunction with a second person and immediately acting on any discrepancies. Practice within a range of specialties and complexity of cases. To act as a lead practitioner demonstrating assessed skills and competencies, with underpinning knowledge working under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon. Performing a dual role as per hospital policy following risk assessment of each situation in order to ensure patient safety.

Act as a circulating member of the Theatre team. Assisting with other members of the team in the preparation and clearing of Theatres. Assisting with the labelling and dispatch of the theatre specimens. Assisting in the compiling of the operations register.

Maintain accurate patient documentation. To use the correct procedure when handing a patient into the care of another practitioner, giving the correct information and instruction. To undertake on call sessions as required. Work within the remit of HMT and local Policy and Procedures.

PROFESSIONAL Act in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct or equivalent guidelines from governing body for profession, with particular reference to limitations of competence and conduct. To be responsible for your own professional development and participate in own Performance and Development planning. Responsible for own awareness of current developments in Nursing, the Health Service and relevant specialist clinical practices. Act as link person for specific specialty as agreed with Theatre Management and to be able to demonstrate proactivity/productivity in this role.

ANALYTICAL Exhibit advocacy and decision-making skills autonomously in relation to patient care. Contribute to, and maintain, an integrative theatre service offering flexibility where appropriate to patients, their carers and the multidisciplinary team. Can identify and react appropriately to changing demands, situations and pressures in the department and prioritise accordingly, leading the team to be flexible and accommodating as appropriate. Participate in clinical audit, incident reporting, and quality assurance activities, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

Maintain confidentiality and protect patient information in line with GDPR and data protection legislation. Demonstrates understanding and adheres to the organisations Safeguarding Policies PLANNING & ORGANISATION Contribute to planning and allocation of staff, skill mix matrixes and management for sickness as necessary. Working within budgetary restraints, co-ordinate stock/equipment. Including leading on trials in line with hospital policy, reviewing and updating stock and equipment requirements within the department.

Initiate the procurement and/or maintenance of assets Keep up to date and disseminate as appropriate, local and national peri-operative initiatives. Contribute to the development and update of Policy and Procedures Implementation of guidelines (e.g. NICE, AfPP) where appropriate, in line with Clinical Governance. COMMUNICATION Contribute to development and maintenance of a supportive working environment, which is conducive to uphold morale, well-being and efficiency of all staff.

Develop effective communication skills and strategies within the department. Liaise with Theatre Manager regarding issues that affect staffing and the provision of high-quality care to service users. Effective interpersonal and listening skills enabling optimum communication with patients, their carers and the multi-disciplinary team. To ensure accurate and comprehensive nursing / theatre records, in all formats, are maintained using appropriate documentation.

Contribute to a supportive working environment, which is conducive to uphold morale and well-being all staff. TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Strive to stay up to date with evidence-based practice and peri-operative initiatives. Participate, contribute and develop plans of action based on quality improvement activities (audit, feedback, inspection findings etc.) Ensure safe use of equipment within the department undertaking/delivering training where necessary. Participate in performance review, performance management and appraisal programs within the hospital.

Be responsible for induction and mentorship of staff new to the department as allocated. To act as a resource, supporting and motivating staff members. Prepare, teach and demonstrate theatre practice, applying theory to research based practice. Support and facilitate students in the department Undertake Surgical First Assistant duties as part of an extended scope of practice, where appropriately trained and competent.