AGENDA FOR CHANGE
NHS JOB EVALUATION SCHEME
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Operating Department Practitioner/ Staff Nurse
Reports to: Team Leader/Operational Manager
Department: Theatres
Directorate: Surgical & Anaesthetic Directorate
Job Reference: SSSARAIGTHRR40
No of Job Holders: 5
Last Update:
2.
JOB PURPOSE
1. The post holder is expected to work without supervision, providing specialised assistance to
Anaesthetist and support to patients during anaesthesia and be responsible for assessing, planning,
implementing and evaluating patient care.
2. Supervision of junior staff, Nursing students.
3. DIMENSIONS
The Theatre Suite comprises 9 Theatres with Reception and Recovery area. All areas are covered by the
Anaesthetic Team:. Provides skilled support to 13 Consultant and 16 other grade Anaesthetists in the
Theatre suite which comprises of 9 theatres carrying out the following specialties Orthopaedics,
Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Urology, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, All Trauma, Vascular,
Ear Nose & Throat, Maxillofacial, Oral Surgery, Plastic Surgery
When required provides support to other members of the theatre team in a circulating role or as a
Recovery Practitioner.
Elective lists all specialties approx. …50 - 60…patients daily Monday – Friday..
Orthopaedic Trauma list on Sundays.
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Emergency cases, approx. …20…. between 5pm – 12 midnight and
approx. … 6.…..between 12 midnight – 8am.
Anaesthetic Assistants assist with …….2.……. lists weekly at New Craigs, 1 list per fortnight in
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Suite, and ………2……… lists weekly within Raigmore Day Case
Unit.
Anaesthetic Assistants provide support to Anaesthetists in A&E, Scan Rooms, X-Ray Theatre, Coronary
Care unit when required approx. ……1 - 2.. occasions weekly.
Is not a direct budget holder but is expected to influence purchasing by evaluating new and existing
products and stock.
Liases with the Procurement Officer, Stores department, and company representatives.
Works with Team Leader, Theatre Manager and Anaesthetists to ensure the most cost effective, suitable
equipment is purchased, maintained and utilised.
Anaesthetic Staffing complement of 20(…19.38………… WTE).
Shift pattern exists to provide 24 hour cover and varies to suit service needs.
On call rota, with sleep in requirement if unable to be in department within 20 minutes, as per Raigmore
Hospital On-Call Agreement.
On call rota with a sleep in requirement …13 people over 365 nights…………. per year.
Weekly hours 37.00
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4.a ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
GENERAL MANAGER
NURSE MANAGER
THEATRE MANAGER
Theatre AdminOfficer/
SystemsAdministrator
CLINICAL
EDUCATOR band 7
Receptionists
SCN band 7
Anaesthetics
SCN Band 7
TH 2 , 8, 11
SCN BAND 7
TH 3, 5 &6
66^
SCN- Band 7
TH 1, 4 & 10
SCN Band 7
TH 7 & 9
TEAM LEADERS
Band 6
TEAM LEADERS
Band 6
TEAM LEADERS
Band 6
TEAM LEADERS
Band 6
TEAM LEADERS
Band 6
THIS POST
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
SN or ODP
Band 5
ODP NEWLY
QUALIFIED
Support Workers
Band 2/3
Support Workers
Band 2/3
THEATRE
ORDERLIES
Support Workers
Band 2/3
Support Workers
Band 2/3
THEATRE
HOUSE KEEPER
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4.b ORGANISATIONAL POSITION – OUT OF HOURS
Team Leader
On-Call
Nurse in
Charge
(Emergency Team)
Staff Nurses
Recovery Nurses
(Trauma Team)
Sunday am
Anaesthetic
Assistants
Staff Nurse
Theatre Orderly
Recovery Nurse
Anaesthetic
Assistant
Support Worker
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5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
1. Ongoing provision of a safe and supportive environment in order to care for patients undergoing
various types of anaesthetic/surgical interventions e.g. Major, minor, high dependency cases. (preoperatively, intra-operatively and post operatively).
2. Application of theory to practice in a broad variety of clinical specialities including General Surgery,
Vascular, Urology, Orthopaedic/Trauma, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Oral,
Paediatrics and Ophthalmology, Plastic surgery, Pacemaker insertion, Cardio-versions, Recovery,
Scrub and Emergency theatre.
3. The Anaesthetic and Recovery teams provide services outwith the theatre suite including Electro
Convulsive Therapy sessions and dental lists at New Craigs Hospital, and cardioversion sessions in
the day case unit.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical (95% of time)
1. Works as a practitioner within the Statutes & Guidelines governed by the Nursing & Midwifery
Council (NMC)/Health Professions Council (HPC).
2. As an anaesthetic assistant, works closely with the anaesthetist/s throughout the patients time in
theatre, and is trained to provide skilled assistance to enable the anaesthetist to carry out procedures,
and care for the patient.
3. In conjunction with the multidisciplinary team agrees implements and audits standards of clinical care
to promote and apply evidence-based practice and the attainment of health care governance
requirements. Is involved with the setting and maintaining of standards of care within the agreed
guidelines of NHS Highland Policies and Procedures ensuring delivery of a high quality service.
4. Demonstrates highly developed clinical nursing knowledge and skills and acts as a clinical adviser and
educator to team members including students and medical staff.
5. Follows NHS guideline for confidentiality and the role of the peri-operative nurse in the surgical
preparation of the patient at all times.
6. Daily responsibility for the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of care needs for
patients.
7. Provide support and advice to patients (and when required families or carers) to ensure an
understanding of the procedure/s to be undertaken. When necessary reporting/referring concerns to
others. Leads and supervises junior staff/students acting as a source of advice and support.
8. To set the highest standards of professional practice and clinical leadership.
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9. Recognises the importance of people’s rights in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures,
acknowledging and recognising others believes and preferences and choices, respecting diversity,
values and others as individuals.
10. Receive and act on safety action notices from NHS Scotland.
11. Has a delegated responsibility to ensure that Health & Safety policies and procedures are adhered to
e.g. Regular Safety Inspections, Completion of Risk Assessments, Moving & Handling Policies,
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and Incident reporting.
12. Preparation of self and others to minimise the introduction of micro-organisms into the peri-operative
setting. Achieved through correct scrubbing, gowning and gloving, maintaining aseptic technique,
trolley and equipment preparation for surgical or anaesthetic procedures.
13. Works within a team structure to ensure a high standard of cleanliness throughout the department.
Demonstrate and promote the use of Standard and Specific Infection Control Precautions to minimise
risk of infection to patients, self and members of the multidisciplinary team. Apply theory to practice
and use universal precautions to protect patients, themselves and other staff when dealing with at-risk
patients for example drug addicts, or immuno-compromised patients.
14. Demonstrate and promote skills such as Safe Handling and Positioning of the patient, pressure area
care, core temperature maintenance, minimising risk of harm to patients and staff during the perioperative period.
15. Care and Handling of Specimens, accurate labelling and despatch, due to the importance of
determining subsequent treatment of the patient.
16. Daily participation in Swabs, needles and Instrument count for procedures in Anaesthetics and in
surgery to ensure prevention of foreign body retention and subsequent injury to the patient.
17. Anaesthetic assistant role - Prepare the anaesthetic room (equipment, drugs, etc.) for individual
patient needs and anaesthetist requests. Receive patient to department and assess their needs whilst
providing reassurance. Ensure all appropriate documentation is present and complete, checking patient
details such as consent, allergies and preferences. Carry out patient assessment and planning,
implementing and evaluation of patient care throughout the per-ioperative period. Pre-operatively, the
anaesthetic assistant generally works independently in the anaesthetic room with the patient and
Anaesthetist. Provide safe and quiet environment for induction of anaesthesia. Is responsible for
communicating any relevant details to the surgical team in theatre. The Anaesthetic Assistant works
closely with the Anaesthetist/s throughout the patient’s time in theatre, and is trained to provide
skilled assistance to enable the Anaesthetists to carry out procedures, and care for the patients perioperatively. Provide assistance to visiting surgical teams during organ retrieval. Intra-operatively
assist with maintenance of anaesthesia responding to any problems/requests as they arise. Care for the
duration of operation until successful emergence from anaesthesia.
18. Scrubbed role – (rarely) Application of aseptic technique and wound management. Wearing of sterile
gown and gloves, having prepared all the necessary instruments and equipment, the post holder works
alongside the surgeon. Provide correct surgical instruments and materials in order to ensure safe and
efficient completion of surgical procedures. Responsible for ensuring that surgical instruments,
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equipment and swabs are all accounted for throughout the procedure.
19. Circulating role – (several times per day) Utilise communication and management skills, preparing the
environment, equipment and acting as a link between the surgical team and other parts of the
operating theatre. Ability to anticipate the requirements of the surgical team and to respond
effectively.
20. Recovery role – (several times per day) Total care of the patient in the Post Operative Recovery
Room. (several times a day). Independent decision making on patient care, based on independent
assessment of each patient. Management of patient’s airway, removal of laryngeal tube, monitoring of
vital signs, documentation of care, administration of oxygen and of drugs, including IV opiates (in
accordance to local and hospital policies). Setting up of new infusions, patient controlled analgesia,
and removal of intravenous cannulae. Written and oral hand-over to recovery nurse or ward nurse.
21. Because of the nature of their training, which covers a broad range of specialities and procedures,
Anaesthetic Assistants are generally dual or multi-skilled, and may also work as recovery
practitioners, as scrub side staff in theatre, or in theatre reception as required. Anaesthetic Staff are
expected to work in all specialities in elective and emergency situations.
22. Plan and organise own working day around the requirements of the theatre list or departmental needs,
with anticipation of changes and likely operating times and requirements for each individual case
accounted for.
23. Take responsibility for ensuring that the ventilation and scavenging are on during theatre use. Check,
clean, calibrate, and/or prepare the equipment and anaesthetic room for use. This includes emergency
equipment and diagnostic measuring devices. Is responsible for the safe use of expensive/ highly
complex equipment and is expected to dismantle, clean and reassemble scopes, anaesthetic machines,
and emergency trolleys, shut down and decontaminate equipment and work surfaces at end of
case/list, and dispose of waste as per hospital guidelines.
24. Initiate nursing process without direct supervision i.e. assess, plan, implement and evaluate care of
patients peri-operatively, at initial contact and throughout the patient’s time in theatre, until handing
over care to the recovery practitioner, or ward staff. Communicate patient care needs with others in
the multi disciplinary team, including anaesthetists, surgeons, operating department practitioners,
nurses, support workers, radiographers, radiologists.
25. Provide personal care for patients – predominantly total nursing care for unconscious, recovering or
critically ill patients. Handle and process patients’ valuables. Communicate patients’ care needs to
scrub and recovery staff as required.
26. Provide continuous assistance to the Anaesthetist/s throughout the peri-operative period (daily).
27. Take responsibility as Keyholder for Controlled drug cupboards on a daily basis, and responsible for
checking controlled drug stock. Responsible for maintaining stock levels of drugs and equipment in
anaesthetic rooms and for ensuring stock is ordered.
28. Supervision (several times a day) for any nurse, student or support worker working in the anaesthetic
room, who has not had specific anaesthetic training.
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29. Provide training in anaesthetic assistance and undertake assessments of nursing students and trainee
SVQ candidates (if appropriately qualified Work Based Assessor). Appropriately qualified Mentor
takes sole responsibility for mentoring a nursing student for their entire placement. (14 – 16 weeks
per year).
Managerial (5% of time)
1. Assist the Teamleader/Assistant Teamleader to manage and drive changes and development through
planning, communication and action within the multidisciplinary team to ensure that objectives are
met.
2. On a daily basis promote and maintain good relationships within the department and with staff of all
disciplines throughout the hospital and NHS Highland, sporadically participating in relevant meetings
promoting theatre practice and networking with other critical care areas as required.
3. Has a delegated responsibility to participate in the operational management of the theatre suite out of
hours; i.e. late shifts, weekends and nightshift.
4. Awareness of PIN guidelines.
5. Daily requirement to organise own workload prioritising and adjusting priority in the face of changing
demands to ensure the best care for the patient.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
Daily use of expensive technical equipment, calibrating when required, checking for faults and ensuring
regular maintenance (liasing with medical physics or suppliers when necessary). Is expected to have
knowledge of all equipment used in the department, and will use equipment once provided with training,
but may not have daily clinical involvement.
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Equipment
Scavenging systems
In theatres, Scan rooms, A&E & X-ray theatre
In the recovery room
Use
To extract waste anaesthetic gases from the theatre,
to minimise pollution of air.
Anaesthetic machines
Penlon
Lamtec
To deliver oxygen, air , nitrous oxide and anaesthetic
agents to the patient.
Ventilator equipment
On anaesthetic machines
‘Ambu bag’ manual ventilation and connections
A&E portable ventilator and connections
Suction equipment and suction pressure
Suction on Anaesthetic machines
Suction in theatre inc cascade systems
Suction in the recovery room
Portable suction systems (on trolleys)
To provide respiratory support for patients.
To provide suction to clear patients’ airways or body
cavities of fluids.
Monitoring equipment:
To monitor patients’ condition and get information to
act appropriately on changes to condition.
Pulse oximetry
Non-invasive blood pressure
ECG
Temperature probes and thermometers
Capnography
Gas analyser
blood oxygen levels and pulse
blood pressure
heart rate and rhythm
core, and skin temperature
output of carbon dioxide
intake, usage and output of anaesthetic agents, gases
and oxygen and air. Respiratory rate.
Respiratory rate and pressures
Supply gas pressures
Blood flow in limbs/ IV catheter position
Arterial blood pressure
Central venous pressure
Cardiac output
Spirometry
Cylinder and line gauges
Doppler probes
Invasive blood pressure equipment
Central venous pressure equipment
Swann Ganz equipment
Portable monitoring for patient transfer
To monitor critically ill patients during transfer
around the hospital, or to other hospitals
Equipment for obtaining biochemistry/
bacteriology/ haematology results:
Glucometer
Hemocue
Blood gas
Monovette blood sample syringes and forms
To measure values for
Glucose
Haemoglobin
Blood gases
Biochemistry/ haematology/ transfusion sample
collection
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Bronchoscopy sample collection system
Resuscitation equipment including:
Ambu bag and pocket masks
Oxygen flowmeters and cylinder / pipelines
Tubing and connectors
Face masks and airways
Defibrillator and attachments
Emergency drugs/ minijet syringes
7A: EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY:
Equipment
Airway equipment:
Guedel oral and nasal airways
Face masks – all sizes and types
Laryngeal mask airways (LMAs)
Endotracheal tubes
Laryngoscopes
Catheter mounts
Syringes for cuff inflation
Magill forceps and scissors
Equipment for difficult airway management:
Manujet
Intubating LMA
Fiberoptic Laryngoscope and monitor equipment
Various different laryngoscopes
Tube exchangers
Tracheostomy tubes
Bougies and Stilette introducers
Gags and forceps
Fiberoptic bronchoscope, and equipment
Oxygen related equipment:
Flowmeters
Pipeline supplies and cylinders
Tubing
Masks and airways
Nebulisers
Patient warming equipment:
Blood warmer coils
Sputum samples from bronchoscopy
To resuscitate patients (or staff) following respiratory
or cardiac arrest
To provide respiratory or cardiac support
Use
To provide a safe airway for patients.
To assist with establishing a safe airway, in patients
with problematic airways.
To view the patient’s airway into the bronchi and
provide suction and /or washout. May be emergency
or planned.
To deliver oxygen or nebulised drugs to the patient in
a measurable, safe and controlled way
To minimise risks of peri-operative hypothermia.
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Level 1 Rapid Infuser
Forced air warmers and blankets
Warmed fluids and blankets/ padding
Equipment for administering drugs:
Syringes, needles and drug labels
Alcohol wipes and skin dressings and tapes
Intravenous(IV) and subcutaneous(SC) catheters
Fluid giving sets, extensions and lines
Fluid and blood product bags and containers
Ampoules, minijets, vials, packets, suppositories
Sharps bins and traysins
Signature Infusion Pumps
Syringe Drivers
PCA (Analgesia) Pumps
Epidural pumps
‘Diprifusor’ Anaesthetic pump
Drip stands
Pressure bags for IV fluids
Drugs are reconstituted using aseptic technique.
Drugs in theatre are usually made up in advance of
induction of anaesthesia if possible, labelled and
often titrated in, according to response.
Pumps and syringe drivers deliver measureable doses
of a drug at a rate set by the clinician
Pressure bags are used to apply pressure to a bag of
IV fluids to speed up delivery to the patient
Extension leads and sockets for electrical
equipment
7A: EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY:
Equipment
Patient trolleys, beds and tables:
Wheeled chair
Standard theatre trolley
Stryker theatre trolley (ophthalmology)
A&E trolley
Patient bed – traction frame
Patient bed – non-electric – various models
Patient bed – electric – various models
Pressure mattresses – various models
Theatre tables – various configurations
Theatre table supports – various
Pressure relieving gels and supports
Uses
Decision on whether patient comes to theatre on bed
or trolley is made by nursing staff dependant on the
patient’s condition , patient’s ward, and type of
operation.
The theatre operating tables have dozens of
attachments to adapt them to specific procedures.
Patient movement aids:
Patslide
Slidesheets
‘monkey poles’
We do not use hoists in theatre. Patslides are used to
move patients from trolley to trolley/bed. ‘Glide &
lock’ slidesheets are used to help position patients.
Drains:
Nasogastric tubes
To drain gastric contents
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Wound drains – suction or non-suction
Stoma bags
Urinary Catheters – urethral/ suprapubic/stoma
Chest drains
Endoscopes, Camera stacks and equipment:
Laryngoscopes
Fiberoptic Laryngoscope
Fiberoptic Bronchoscope
Gastroscopes
Colonoscopes/ Sigmoidoscopes
Choledochoscopes
Cystoscopes
Camera stacks and headlights
Camera stacks for Endoscopy
To drain wounds
To drain fluids from bowel/ ileum
To drain fluids from urinary tract
To drain fluids/air from thoracic cavity
For internal examination or procedures
Electro-surgical diathermy
Monopolar & Bipolar
Hand or foot switched
To cauterise or cut patient tissue during surgery
Dental drill equipment
To supply power and irrigation to dental drill
Surgical Instruments (all specialities)
Surgical Instrument sets
Supplementary surgical instruments
Packaged & stored to maintain sterility
Used to clean, cut, hold, retract, clamp or suture
human tissue/ carry out surgical procedures.
Computers/ Printers
Intranet and hospital information (train-e etc)
Internet access and e-mail
Theatre system
PECOS
Budgetscan
Fax machine and telephones
To produce documents/ store information
Hospital information, news, policies etc
To communicate out with the hospital
To log patient/ procedure/ list details
To order stock
Record of staff time worked
Chute system
To send documents/ samples/ blood products/ small
items around the hospital
7b. SYSTEMS
1. Ongoing responsibility to maintain patient records/documentation; i.e. care plan, fluid balance charts,
pump monitoring charts, etc. Clinical operation-coding in accordance with NMC/HPC Guidelines and
NHS Highland standards.
2. On a daily basis ensures correct use of computerised systems i.e. Theatreman.
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3. Completes staff duty rota as required. Occasional need to re-organises rota for unexpected/unplanned
staff sickness/absence, change in workload, training etc.
4. Assist in completion of Training Needs Analysis and Personal Development Plans as required.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
1. The post holder will be responsible to the Team Leader for clinical guidance & professional
management, work review and formal appraisal.
2. Workload will be dictated by the needs of the patient, operating list and department. The post holder
will be expected to anticipate problems/needs and take steps to resolve them in absence of (or in
conjunction with) Teamleader/Assistant Teamleader, involving appropriate colleagues such as
Operational Manager, Nurse Manager, General Manager, etc. Support is available from all members
of the multidisciplinary team as required.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
1. Occasionally required to make decisions on all aspects of team management in the absence of the
Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader using comprehensive knowledge, skills and experience of the
service taking into account the guidance of the NMC/HPC and National, NHS Highland and local
policies, procedures and protocols.
2. In conjunction with (or in the absence of) the Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader make autonomous
decisions in planning and prioritising theatre list and delegation to team members.
3. Recognises own limitations in the provision of clinical care and urgency of patients needs referring to
other health care professionals accordingly.
4. Through the Training Needs Analysis, identifies staff training requirements and ensures staff
compliance.
5. Responds to suggestions from staff and colleagues and helps to drive and implement changes that will
lead to improved patient care and staff satisfaction.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
1. Managing the service and practice while responding to and satisfying the varying needs of patients
and the multidisciplinary team.
2. Fulfilling role under alternating elective or emergency/isolated conditions.
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3. Shift work: ‘on-call’ requirement at least once a week.
4. Sole anaesthetic assistant responsibility during night shift.
5. Monitoring standards of patient care by all members of multi-disciplinary team and taking appropriate
action to manage areas of poor practice
6. Maintaining up to date clinical skills and knowledge in a wide variety of clinical specialities.
7.
Mentoring, training and assessing students in a busy department.
8. The expectation to provide occasional restraint with patients (children and adults) to avoid them
harming themselves and others, as per Violence and Aggression Training.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
1. Daily establishment and maintenance of professional relationships with patients, nursing colleagues,
theatre practitioners, medical colleagues and other health care professionals to provide a planned, coordinated seamless service for patients. Identifies potential and existing challenges in care options for
patients, carers and staff, using negotiation and counselling skills to achieve reconciliation and the
best outcomes for patients.
2. Provide and receive sensitive and complex information concerning patients results and or history.
3. Provide patients with special needs/learning disabilities reassurance, empathy and
encouragement/persuasion.
4. In conjunction with the Team leader/Assistant Team leader ensures good communication systems
within the Department to ensure the team have access to relevant documented minutes/information,
and are involved with and informed of all agreed decisions. This is a challenge because of varying
shift patterns across the 24-hour period.
3. All Post holders are encouraged and supported to carry out role of link person and / or trainer for
specialist areas of interest e.g. Infection control, Blood transfusion service, etc. Discussing Policy
issues, amending, updating, implementing and evaluating them
5. Participate in meetings when required with colleagues, Head of Service, Operational Manager, Nurse
Manager, for the purpose of –
 Planning, managing and developing theatre services and improving patient care.
 Discussing Policy issues, amending, updating, implementing and evaluating them.
 Discussing and problem solving challenges in clinical care and team development.
 Analysing expenditure and discuss changes affecting ability to remain within budget.
6. Contributes to developing the team, manage conflicting views, disseminate information, consult and
listen to staff in order to effect change.
7. Daily communications with other departments e.g. Estates, Health & Safety, Medical physics, etc.
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may be face to face, telephone, email or written.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical
1.
Daily involvement with moving & handling of patients – from beds onto trolleys, from bed to
operating table, moving and positioning patient on the operating table, etc. For some patient
positions ‘moving aids’ may be unavailable.
2. Provides occasional restraint of patients (children and adults) to avoid them harming themselves
and others. Twice to three times a week.
3. Walks or stands for the majority of the shift when providing patient care, or acting as anaesthetic
assistant or scrub/ circulating practitioner. (50- 70% of total work time – 90% on clinical days).
4. Monitors patients and equipment (frequency: several times per hour to sometimes continual
monitoring).
5. Uses fine motor skills and dexterity with accuracy in hand-eye co-ordination, using skills
developed through formal training (assessed) and considerable practice: e.g. preparing
instruments or intubation equipment; preparation and administration of Intravenous drugs, Intra
muscular or subcutaneous injections and rectal suppositories; assembling equipment such as
infusions, anaesthetic circuits, checking anaesthetic machines; patient invasive interventions
including catheterisation, airway management and insertion of artificial airways, assisting the
surgeon and anaesthetist.; aseptically prepare equipment; programme infusion pumps. (Several
times per operation).
6. Occasional requirement to change position or to manoeuvre expeditiously e.g. to protect patient
airway from aspiration.
7. Carries out risk assessment, creating as safe an environment as is possible for staff and for
patients. There is a requirement to wear any of the following protective clothing for some or all of
the duration of a shift: heavy lead coats, protective eye wear, masks, gloves, aprons, gowns, clogs.
8. Able to correctly identify type, action and location of various drugs. In emergency situation
requires this knowledge immediately to hand for example to assist with resuscitation.
9. Frequent need to stand for long periods and walk (push and pull trolleys/ beds) during shift.
Mental
1. Daily concentration required for decision making, problem solving and organisational skills to cope
with competing demand (clinical workload, dynamic changes in patients condition, personnel issues,
sudden staff shortages, unpredictable emergency cases, etc.)
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.
2. Frequent requirement to respond quickly and effectively in a variety of emergency situations within or
outside the theatre environment
3. Daily risk assessment of theatre creating a safe working environment for all staff whilst being
sensitive to patients needs
4. Occasional needs to assess the risk of violent, aggressive or challenging behaviour of patients/carers
and deal with it appropriately
5. Daily requirement to co-ordinate the smooth running of the operating list with other colleagues and in
different areas; i.e. reception, recovery, x-ray, etc.
6. Prolonged concentration required every day during operating lists.
7. Ability to handle frequent unplanned interruptions such as the answering of pagers (for surgeons
unable to come to telephone) telephoned laboratory results, and ward enquiries.
Emotional
1. Daily communication with distressed, anxious and worried patients, relatives or carers.
2. Regularly dealing with the emotional effects of caring for critically ill patients, patient deaths.
3. Anxieties arising from dealing with life threatening or crisis situations on a regular basis often with
little/no notice e.g. Emergency caesarean sections or ruptured abdominal aneurysms.
Environmental
1. Ongoing noise and stress associated with usage of sophisticated surgical/monitoring equipment
2. Frequent exposure to various infections for example MRSA, HIV and Hepatitis A,B,C.
3. Several times a day, and unpredictably, there is close contact with body fluids, foul linen, clinical &
domestic waste, dust, latex, fumes including carcinogenic fumes e.g. bone cement or Soda Lime.,
Electro-magnetic fields, radiation and chemicals (anaesthetic agents, diathermy plume,
formaldehyde).
4. Constant exposure to hospital environment i.e. unnatural light, ventilation noises, high temperature in
paediatric theatres, x-ray etc.
5. Daily wearing of a mask and/or heavy x-ray lead apron for lengthy periods.
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13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Operating Department Practitioner/Operating Department Assistant.

With Diploma in Theatre Practice, ODP Level 3, City&Guilds 752

Registered Nurse

RN with post registration qualification e.g. ENB 182 Critical Care/ODP Level III

A significant amount of in-depth knowledge, experience and skills in theatre practice.

Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Desirable – SVQ Work Based Assessors Award D31, 32.

Desirable – Mentorship qualification.

14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

I agree that the above Job Description is an accurate reflection of my duties
and responsibilities at the date of signing.

Job Holder’s Signature:

Date:

Manager’s Signature:

Date:
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