Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please find attached the full job pack:
Vacancy Advertisement
Application Form/Equal Opportunity Form
Job Description
General Conditions of Service
Personal Specification
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum
Vitae, Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Workforce Services until the closing date.
After the closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this
decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to
attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been
contacted regarding interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application
has been unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from
Workforce Services
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Current vacancies may be viewed on-line at www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE-AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Department(s)/Location
Number of Job Holders
Advanced Scrub Practitioner
Theatre Services – Ninewells & PRI
2 JOB PURPOSE – Advanced Scrub Practitioner
To provide competent and skilled assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon whilst not
performing any surgical procedure, this role is provided as an additional member of the surgical team within clearly
defined parameters.
The post holder will also undertake a scrub practitioner and an advanced scrub practitioner role, although not
simultaneously as a dual role.
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will have responsibility for assessment of care needs and the
development of programmes of care, and/or the implementation and evaluation of these programmes ensuring the
delivery of high quality care to patients. The post holder will contribute to the continuing development of clinical
practice.
In the absence of the senior charge nurse and/or deputy provide cover to ensure effective operation of the
perioperative environment and ensure that standards of practice are maintained and staff deliver safe and effective
care within their scope of practice
3 ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
HOPCAN
Theatres / Anaesthesia
Operational Manager Theatres
Senior Charge Nurse
Charge Nurse
This role – Advanced Scrub Practitioner
4 SCOPE AND RANGE
To provide a high quality, safe and supportive environment in order to care for patients, clients, carers, relatives to
meet identified care needs.
The post holder will also undertake a scrub practitioner and an advanced scrub practitioner role, although not
simultaneously as a dual role.
Environment of Care: the operating department
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Operating Department
Operating room
Day Surgery Unit
To include:
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Staff management and supervisory responsibilities for new, registered and non-registered staff and
learners on a day-to-day basis.
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Liasing with the multidisciplinary team and external agencies to ensure effective running of the operating
department.
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Budgetary Responsibilities (supplies ordering, patient’s valuables, the safe use of highly complex and
expensive equipment).
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Provide assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based care utilising high level
knowledge, skills and judgement.
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Act in the best interests of the patient in situations where they are unable to make an informed choice for
themselves. E.g. learning difficulties, unconscious patient.
5 MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
● Care Delivery
1.
Responsible for the assessment of care needs to include simple and complex clinical problems of the
patient.
2.
Advanced Scrub Practitioner duties may include but are not limited to:
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enhancing the communication link between theatre, patient and ward, including pre-operative
assessment and post-operative care evaluation
assisting with patients’ positioning, including tissue viability assessment
skin preparation prior to surgery
draping
skin and tissue retraction
handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for exposure or access
handling instruments
male/female catheterisation
cutting of sutures and ties
assisting with haemostasis in order to secure and maintain a clear operating field
use of suction
indirect application of electrocautery under supervision
camera holding for minimal invasive access surgery
use and maintenance of specialised surgical equipment relevant to area of working
assistance with wound closure
application of dressing
transfer of patient to post anaesthetic care unit
3.
Responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for the patient
whose needs may be predictable or unpredictable and/or unstable and changing to ensure delivery of a
high standard of care.
4.
Able to identify the requirements of the patient needs in elective/emergency situations and have the
knowledge and skills to act accordingly
5.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with individuals and groups about difficult or
complex matters to overcome any problems in communication and to ensure that appropriate information is
shared and patient needs are met.
6.
Support and involve patients / clients / carers/ relatives and liaise with and coordinate other members of
the multidisciplinary team in the planning and delivery of individualised care.
7.
Responsible for maintaining patient records within agreed standards to ensure the care management plan
is communicated to patients and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
8.
Adopts a proactive approach to infection control, actively contributing to infection control policy and
practice.
● Management/Leadership
9.
The post holder may coordinate and prioritise the effective management of the operating department and
the workload of others working as part of the multidisciplinary team to ensure that the interests of
patients/clients are met
10. Contributes to the effective use of physical, human and financial resources.
11. Lead, supervise and provide training to new registered and non-registered staff, and learners and support
the training of medical staff providing care to patients. To provide advice and support ensuring safe and
effective care and that educational needs are met.
12. Contribute to discussion, debate and influence change in practice underpinned by research that is
evidence based.
13. Act as team leader where appropriate ensuring effective teamwork and promote healthy working relations.
14. Monitor and maintain own and others health, safety and security.
15. To work within an ethical and legal framework utilising the NMC code of professional conduct, defined
policies, procedures, standards and protocols of the department, organisation and NHS Tayside to
promote safe and effective evidence based practice and contribute to quality improvement.
16. Take cognisance of the Peri-operative care Collaborative Position Statement 2007, ‘The role and
responsibilities of the ASP’.
17. In the absence of the CN/SCN, take charge of the operating department for the management of standards
of care and the daily responsibilities, including work allocation, deployment and supervision of staff, to
ensure smooth running of the area.
● Education & Continuing Professional Development
18. The post-holder is expected to maintain competency and produce evidence demonstrating continued
professional development in the role of ASP.
19. To participate in personal / career development plan to maintain and develop attitudes, skills and
knowledge facilitating personal and professional growth in order to maximise contribution to and quality of
service delivery.
20. To support the personal and professional growth of new, registered and non-registered staff, and learners
in order to maximise contribution to and quality of service delivery.
21. To undertake teaching of registered and non-registered staff, including basic and post-basic students,
support the training of medical students/staff and visitors (i.e. medical representatives)
22. To participate in the implementation of staff personal development plans to facilitate ongoing development.
23. Provide mentorship for learners and registered and non-registered staff and contribute to the development
of an effective learning environment
● Quality/Research and Development
24. Demonstrate research awareness and ability to participate in and regularly support ongoing research in
nursing practice/medical practice, clinical trials, medical research and equipment testing.
25. To work within an ethical and legal framework utilising the NMC code of professional conduct, defined
policies, procedures, standards and protocols of the department, organisation and NHS Tayside to
promote safe and effective evidence based practice and contribute to quality improvement.
26. To work within the guidance described within the position statement of the Peri-operative care
Collaborative, 2007.
27. Contribute to discussion, debate and influence change in practice.
28. Proposes changes within own area using evidence based practice
6 COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Communicates continuously on routine, difficult, complex and highly sensitive matters with a wide range of health
care workers, patients, families and other relevant departments / agencies utilising a wide range of media such as
IT, telephone, verbal and written communications. Overcomes any difficulties in communication with people involved
such as language barriers, learning difficulties, clinical conditions e.g. stroke and effectively manages complaints
and incidents. Uses motivational, reassurance, emphatic and negotiating skills.
Establish and maintain relationships based on mutual respect communicating on a regular basis with patients /
relatives / multidisciplinary team and external agencies involved in the provision of care.
7 KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
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You must be registered on Sub-part 1: RN1 or RNA or Sub-part 2: RN2 of the NMC register or registered
HPC
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Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to the role
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Previous experience as a scrub practitioner
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Specialist Specific knowledge acquired through post-registration courses e.g. Fitness to Practice, ENB 182
or the equivalent level of knowledge and Skills required
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Completed or work towards nationally recognised Advanced Scrub Practitioner qualification for registered
nurses and Operating Department Practitioners.
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Ideally should have post-basic qualification in operating department practice or the equivalent level of
knowledge demonstrated through a portfolio of evidence
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Ability to work using own initiative as part of a multi professional team.
8 SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
The post holder is expected to have the knowledge and skills necessary to use all equipment in the area in line
with local policies and procedures
Examples of equipment and machinery used:
Information Technology:
Online incident reporting (Adverse Incident Management) E
Theatre management system
Moving & Handling:
Hoists
Patient transfer slides / boards
Operating table and heavy (>15kg) attachments
Instrument Sets
Patient trolleys
Video stacking systems
Specific specialised equipment.
Medical Devices:
Defibrillator
Diathermy machine
Endoscopy (camera, light source, carbon dioxide insufflators) systems
Endoscopes
Fume cupboards
Operating microscope
Glue spray gun
Tourniquet machines
Surgical Instrumentation
Treatments:
Oxygen therapy
Control of post operative nausea & vomiting
Nebulisers
Post operative/procedure airway management
Intravenous drug administration
Patient controlled analgesia pumps (PCA)
Post operative bladder irrigation
Maintenance of normo-thermia
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records
under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other electronic
records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS Tayside and
manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance
produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
9 PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
● Physical skills (Several times per shift)
Insertion/removal of urinary catheters
Administer intravenous injections and or intra-muscular injections, syringe pumps
Assembly and use of instrumentation including fine tools e.g.
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and infusions
Laparoscopic instruments
Surgical staple guns
Surgical prosthesis
Implants
Drill, screw, etc.
Application of Haemostats or ligo-clips to vessels
Application of cast bandages
Requiring a high level of precision, hand eye coordination and speed in an emergency situation e.g. haemorrhage
which is an inherent risk to every procedure, with a narrow margin for error e.g. failed/difficult intubation
Administer medication either orally, per-rectum, intra-muscularly, intravenously, subcutaneous and/or by infusion.
● Physical demands: (Several times per shift :)
Patient movement with use of mechanical aides, manoeuvre unconscious patients
Pulling and pushing Trolleys, Beds, Tables with patients.
Pulling/pushing heavy equipment >15 kg
Lifting heavy instrument trays and instruments >15 kg
Standing still for long periods of time (minimum 1 hr.) in a restricted position when scrubbed.
Wearing lead aprons (>5kg) for prolonged periods of time
Through out shift maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in all areas of the peri-operative environment
on a continual basis
Several times per shift - wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compromising personal comfort e.g.
lead apron, surgical masks, surgical gown, surgical gloves, protective eye wear.
● Mental Demands: (Several times per shift :)
Concentration required when checking documents/patient notes
Concentration required before (check equipment, check patient, check consent), during (anticipating problems
and preparing for them) and after procedure (swab, instrument and sharps counts)
Becoming competent in the use of new equipment,
Accurately check drug dosages.
Concentration required due to unpredictable work pattern e.g. reallocation of the workload, change in theatre lists.
Respond immediately to deterioration in patient condition.
The above examples are subject to frequent interruptions from team members, telephone and pager requests,
demands from the surgical team etc.
● Emotional Demands: (Several times per shift)
Communication with distressed/anxious/worried patients/carers due to worry about anaesthetic, uncertain
diagnosis, recovery.
Caring for the terminally ill during palliative procedures. (One shift per week)
Caring for patients undergoing life saving/changing surgery. (Every shift)
Looking after trauma patients
Working with stressed individuals (Every shift)
Dealing with sudden and often traumatic death within the theatre environment. (One shift per month)
Performing last offices on patients who have died within the theatre. (One shift per month)
Dealing with demanding and often unreasonable behaviour exhibited by members of multidisciplinary team.
(Every shift)
● Working Conditions: (Several times per shift)
Exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions: dirty sharps, diathermy plume, bloody theatre linen, body
fluids, formaldehyde, body fluid/blood splashes, noise, blood borne diseases, highly stressful environment.
Prolonged (>1hr.) exposure to latex gloves possibly leading to contact dermatitis.
Surgical hand scrub with brush (+ 5 min.) with strong antiseptic solution possibly leading to contact dermatitis,
breakdown of the skin’s integrity.
Shift pattern: late/early/weekend.
On-call and /or day / night rotation.
Extremes of temperature
10 DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The Advanced Scrub Practitioner will provide competent & skilled assistance under direct
supervision of the operating surgeon.
The post holder will be responsible to the senior charge nurse for clinical guidance and professional
management, work review and formal appraisal of performance.
The post holder will be responsible for clinical guidance and professional management, work review and
formal appraisal of performance of registered and non-registered staff.
The post holder has responsibility for managing a defined caseload working within professional guidelines.
The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, monitoring, evaluation and interpretation of a
patient’s condition, to include simple and complex situations e.g. conflicting priorities during a theatre list.
While undertaking either the scrub practitioner role or advanced scrub practitioner role, the post holder will
apply the appropriate clinical skills and knowledge and ensure availability of equipment, surgical implants,
and human resources liaising with relevant colleagues, to ensure the quality of care and consistency of
service.
11 MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Effective management and prioritisation of competing demands within an unpredictable environment.
Knowledge of a wide variety of clinical specialties including variations of simple and complex procedures
In the absence of the senior staff provide cover to ensure the effective resource management within the
operating department
12 JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
The job description will need to be signed off using the attached sheet by each post holder to whom the job
description applies.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FORM – SIGNATURE OF
AGREEMENT
Advanced Scrub Practitioner
Post Title
Grade E Operating Theatre Nurse
Reference Number
The attached job description and essential additional information will be used as part of the Agenda for
Change assimilation exercise and therefore the job-matching panel may wish to seek further clarification on
any issues contained within the documents. Should this be necessary please identify an appropriate
Manager and Staff representative who can be contacted.
Responsible Manager
Anne Couser
Contact No.
Staff Representative
Contact No.
Indicative Band to Anne Couser
32192
POST REF NO:
JOB TITLE/BAND:
LOCATION:
D/LR/152/12
Advanced Scrub Practitioner – Band 6
Theatres
HOURS:
37.5
CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE:
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Previous scrub experience in a
variety of specialities at Band 5
level.
Evidence of involvement with
student learning/mentoring.
Ability to utilise and implement
Evidence based practice.
Change catalyst.
Management/ Leadership
ability
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
Registered Nurse/ODP.
Successful completion of UK
accredited Advanced Scrub
Practitioner (ASP) course or a
willingness to work towards
this.
Evidence of further postregistration professional
development
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
High standards of clinical
competence.
Ability to plan and organise.
Ability to motivate staff.
High degree of initiative.
Proficiency with standard
setting/quality issues.
Report writing skills
Audit skills
Knowledge of Health & Safety
issues/ protocols.
Very skilled at using Theatre
equipment and materials.
Research skills
Audit skills
COMMUNICATION
Evidence of excellent inter-
Counselling skills
Complaints procedure
personal skills.
Excellent written skills.
Report writing skills
Ability to teach.
IT skills
Ability to communicate with
patients, relatives, peers and
other professional groups
PHYSICAL EFFORT
MENTAL EFFORT
EMOTIONAL EFFORT
WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to stand on feet for long
periods of time.
Ability to remain standing in a
restricted position for long
periods of time.
Ability to transfer patients using
mechanical aids.
Ability to travel across sites
Ability to maintain accurate
patient records.
Ability to deal with frequent
interruptions and competing
demands.
Ability to remain calm in a
crisis.
Ability to deal with distressed
patients/relatives on a regular
basis.
Ability to deal with
bereavement/breaking of bad
news on a regular basis.
Direct contact body fluids on a
daily basis.
Exposure to noxious gases/
anaesthetic vapours during the
course of surgery.
training.
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/LR/152/12
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
ADVANCED SCRUB PRACTITIONER, BAND 6
LOCATION:
GENERAL SURGERY, THEATRES,
NHS TAYSIDE
Conditions of
Service
Remuneration
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £25,783 to £34,530 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Pay points under £21,000 will receive an additional nonconsolidated non-pensionable sum to raise basic pay by a total
of £250 pro rata for part-time staff. This addition will be divided
into 12 equal monthly payments, will cease on 31 March 2014
and will be noted separately on payslips
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 hours per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.13 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,278
£15,279 to £21,175
£21,176 to £26,557
£26,558 to £48,982
£48,983 to £69,931
£69,932 to £110,273
£110,274 and over
Contribution
5%
5.3%
6.8%
9.0%
11.3%
12.3%
13.3%
Annual Leave
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Occupational
Health
Clearance
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions)
(Scotland) Order
2003
Disclosure
Scotland
Immigration,
Asylum and
Nationality Act
2006
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two
satisfactory references.
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National
Health Service are subject to a medical examination.
Medical examinations are arranged and undertaken by the
Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member
of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect
of regulated work with protected adults and *regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not
have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional
you should have current and continuing professional registration
Registration/
with NMC/HPC and hold the appropriate qualification(s).
Induction Standards &
Code of Conduct
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line
or
to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9,
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of Wednesday 26th February 2014