Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities

Under supervision:

• Assess patients in theatres and associated areas, exercising professional judgement to establish patient centred goals and to accept, plan, initiate, modify, refer or cease treatment within prescribed limits

• Recognise disease and trauma processes relevant to perioperative care

• Change practice to account for new developments or changing contexts in what constitutes best practice in perioperative care, through effective change management

Respond appropriately to emergency situations

• Conduct appropriate diagnostic, monitoring, treatment and therapy procedures safely and effectively

• Undertake anaesthetic, surgical and post-anaesthesia care interventions including managing airways

• Cannulation, catheterisation and manual handling/positioning of patients

• Select appropriate techniques and equipment; undertake and record thorough assessments and investigations

• Maintain Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Life Support qualifications where appropriate

• Provide individualized care for patients prior to and throughout surgery or other procedures including reassurance and support

• Use a wide range of clinical skills to provide a safe environment during the administration and maintenance of anaesthesia

• Assist anaesthesia with the use of medical devices, equipment and medications. Assist with the securing and maintenance of the patient’s airway and stability during anaesthesia

• Prepare of a wide range of specialist equipment and devices

• Position the patient to optimize surgical access, maintaining patient safety and dignity

• Maintain a sterile working area; safely and effectively perform aseptic techniques (including scrubbing, gloving and gowning)

• Perform scrub skills according in accordance with Perioperative Care Collaborative statement

• Select, prepare and provide the correct sterile surgical equipment to the surgeon and be accountable for all surgical instruments, equipment and swabs throughout the procedure

• Anticipate the requirements of the surgical team, responding appropriately and effectively

• Ensure the correct management of clinical specimens

• Observe and monitor the patient’s vital signs. Monitor airway, breathing and circulation

• Maintain the patient’s airway, identifying and responding to changes in their condition

• Monitor and record fluids balance and administer prescribed fluids appropriately

• Monitor the effects of drugs and take appropriate action in response to significant change

• Accurately calculate and record prescribed drug dose

• Assess and monitor individual’s pain status and administer prescribed pain relief appropriately

•Communicate effectively the handover of the care of the patient

Professional Development, Education and Training

• Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and BSc (Hons) Level 6 qualification within agreed timeframes

• Seek support/guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered

• Participate in tri-partite meetings with the Trust and University

Management and Leadership 

• Effectively lead manages and delegate to colleagues, working as part of the surgical team

• Work collaboratively throughout the patient’s perioperative journey with the surgical team and others

• Use the evidence base to promote innovation and improvement in operating department practice

• Actively participate in audit, training and review activities

• Manage yourself in emergency and stressful situations

• Demonstrate self-awareness and impact on others

• Reflect on own practice and challenge self and others

• Provide effective communication and information

• Safeguard confidential information, relating to patients at all times, consistently applying data protection principles

• Apply a range of communication strategies and skills within the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and dignity

• Use effective communication skills to support the patient at different stages of their care

• Identify barriers to communication, their potential impact and strategies for management

• Ensure your own behaviour supports others to work in ways that are consistent with individuals' beliefs and preferences, that regard diversity positively and that support anti-discriminatory practice

• Maintain care records that are fit for purpose and process them according to legislation

•Formulate care plans including setting of timescales

• Analyse and critically evaluate information collected and appropriately act upon it

Planning and Organisation

• Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities

• Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals

• Deliver effective care in accordance with the perioperative care pathway overseen by a Registered Operating Department Practitioner or Registered Nurse

  Communications and Working Relationships

• Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services

• Using a range of communication tools, interpret and present clinical information to patients and their families/carers in ways that can be clearly understood, recognising individual needs and overcoming any barriers to communication

• Provide good counselling and advocacy skills to support staff, patients and carers

• Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters or difficult situations

• Provide accurate, timely and relevant patient progress and handover information using both written and electronic systems

• Demonstrate inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust

• Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively

• Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding

• Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team where necessary

• Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times

• Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy

• Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance

• Ensure ability to manage electronic records system understanding the need to protect access (ID, passwords, and swipe cards)

• Attend and actively participate in department meetings

• Maintain confidentiality at all times, as required by legislation and Trust policy

• Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrongdoing by following the Trust Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes

Professional Standards and Behaviours

·       Adhere to the policies and procedures required as an employee of GHNHSFT

·        Ensure activities are in accordance with the Association for Perioperative Practice (2022) Standards and Recommendations for Perioperative Practice

·       Practice within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners 

·       Practice in a manner that uphold the Trust’s values at all times

·       Demonstrate care, compassion, confidence, courage, communication and commitment for patients at their most vulnerable

·       Recognise and take account of the needs and diversity of individuals

·       Shape or structure practice according to evidence-based practice

·       Practice in a manner ensuring equality and act as an advocate for patients

·        Maintain the patient’s dignity at all times

·        Demonstrate an open, honest and courteous approach to patients, carers, relatives and colleagues

    Equality and Diversity

• Must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families

• No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc

Working Conditions/Effort

• Communication with all levels of staff throughout the Trust on a daily basis

• Communication with staff from other NHS Trusts, private organisations and medical companies etc.

• Participation in manual handling activities and working with chemicals regulated by COSHH

• May be required to work in all theatre areas/surgical specialities as designated

• Required to stand for extended periods within normal working conditions

• Required to fulfil all shift patterns

• Workload unpredictable - frequent exposure to emergency situations

• Required to handle unpleasant materials (with appropriate infection control procedures) including blood and body fluids etc.

• Act as advocate for patients and seek advice from Team Leader when necessary