Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Job overview

We are excited to recruit to this opportunity within UHSussex. We are looking to employ candidates who meet the educational requirements and have operating department experience to work within our operating departments as Operating Department Practitioner Apprentices.

The post is a fixed term training contract for 3 years. Your time will be split between the University of Canterbury, and working alongside our theatre teams in one of our 4 main sites: Worthing, Royal Sussex County, St Richards and Princess Royal Hospitals.

At the end of the programme, the Operating Department Practitioner Apprentice will become a Registered Operating Department Practitioner accountable to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Registered Operating Department Practitioner

The Operating Department Apprenticeship programme combines, and integrates both academic and work-based learning. You will be required to continuously develop your skills and knowledge as you progress through the degree- programme.

To apply for this apprenticeship applicants must have significant previous experience of working within an Operating Department setting and have the appropriate qualifications.

Main duties of the job

This role is a developmental role. The trainee/apprentice will work towards becoming a HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioner through the successful completion of the Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Training programme.

The Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Training programme combines both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration of the employer and education provider.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Maintain excellent communication with patients, relatives, and members of the MDT regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a variety of communication skills in accordance with the client group.
• Maintain clear concise and legible documentation adhering to standards in accordance with Trust Policies.
• Provide concise handovers to other members of the MDT.
• Communicate effectively with the team on a timely basis ensuring robust systems exist so that staff feel informed. 

• Take an active role in Risk management in line with Trust and Directorate policy.
• Analyse and report information provided through appropriate clinical equipment and act upon this gathered information (e.g. patient observations)
• Maintain awareness of Trust and National targets, ensuring that within the scope of the AODP and support their delivery. 
• Report/action any accidents, incidents or undue occurrences reported or witnessed. 
• Seek to constantly improve practice in clinical areas in line with recent best practice innovations and developments.
• To contribute to a healthy and safe working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations and Trust policies 
• The post holder will be responsible for adhering to Trust policies and guidelines.
• Ensure infection control audits such as High impact interventions, and hand hygiene audits are completed and that any issues or areas of non-compliance raised are dealt with appropriately. 
• Ensure that accurate data is entered into all data collection systems; manual or electronic.
• Protects patient confidentiality and acts according to the Data protection Act

• Under the leadership and direction of a senior registered practitioner ensure that all patients have appropriate clinical assessments and that individual requirements are met.
• To contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which they work. 
• Work under the direction of the registered practitioner to ensure infection control procedures and cleanliness is observed in the department.
• Maintain awareness and support the delivery of evidence based and best practice in perioperative patient care. 
• Ensure that patient activity is monitored, and that all patient information is entered into Bluespier, Evolve systems and Theatre documentation (e.g. registers/care plans)
• To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
• The post holder will have the opportunity to develop to a Band 5 upon completion of the programme.
• Act as a role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace, always ensuring the highest standards of evidence-based care.

• Assist in the manoeuvring and positioning of patients and equipment.
• Chaperone and support patients in the anaesthetic room, theatre, and recovery area to ensure their safety, comfort, and dignity.
• Perform basic patient assessment (under supervision and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner) and deliver high standards of care.
• Deliver clinical and therapeutic care to patients as required within set protocols and within the scope of the AODP remit.
• Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, where appropriate, report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals. 
• Recognise and act on situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of an individual. 
• Recognise own limitations and only work within own scope of professional practice and competence. 
• Ensure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the registered practitioner as appropriate.
• Report and share information with the registered practitioners on the condition, behaviour, activity, and responses of individual patients. 
• Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions across all ages, for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities
• Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions, and reflecting on answers given.
• Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking operative and care procedures. 
• Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act/Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice/guidance from registered practitioners as required.
• Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care in the perioperative environment.
• Under supervision, contribute to the collection and labelling of all types of specimens in line with Trust protocols and procedures.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

5 x GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A-C or 4-9 including Maths and English. Minimum of a level 3 qualification – A levels, Access to HE Diploma, BTEC / apprenticeship level 3.

Desirable criteria

Evidence of recent study at Level 3 (within last 5 years) Significant previous experience of working within an Operating Department setting

Skills

Essential criteria

Ability to develop effective working and therapeutic relationships with patients, carers, and colleagues Ability to communicate with colleagues and service users on both routine and complex matters Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Understanding a patient centred approach Commitment to high clinical standards Good planning, prioritising, and organisational skill

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential criteria

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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