Job summary
- Main area
- Cardiac Surgery
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 358-7392094-RRC
- Employer
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Glenfield Hospital
- Town
- Leicester
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 Per Annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 11/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Student Surgical Care Practitioner
NHS AfC: Band 6
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Job overview
The successful candidate will join a team of surgical care practitioners at one of the UK's busiest teaching hospitals.
During a three year academic course you will attain qualification to MSc standard while learning all of the necessary clinical skills in order to assist the consultant surgeon during cardiac surgical procedures.
You will require the ability to concentrate for long duration's, take instruction, have good communicational skills.
Applicants from a qualified nursing/ODP and Perfusion background are welcomed.
Main duties of the job
Working alongside the qualified Surgical Care Practitioner team, the Student Surgical Care Practitioner will learn and participate in operative procedures as well as all aspects of pre and post-operative care.
The Student Surgical Care Practitioner will learn to perform these roles with a high degree of clinical skill and specialist knowledge gained while training. They will develop during their training, substantial experience of a wide range of cardiac surgical procedures and techniques.
Working for our organisation
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
-
To be taught how to act as first or second assistant under the direction of a Consultant Surgeon and Senior Surgical Care Practitioner in adult and Paediatric Cardiac procedures.
-
To be taught how to undertake the surgical procedure of conduit harvesting (specifically the Long Saphenous Vein, Short Saphenous Vein and Radial Artery). Ensure the conduit is suitable for grafting and appropriate closure of the wound.
-
Assist in the education and training of new scrub nurses to cardiac surgery.
-
To be taught how to remove Intra- Aortic Balloon Pumps on the CICU following appropriate policies and procedures.
-
Following training and under direct supervision of the Consultant Surgeon and Senior Surgical Care Practitioner, the Student will help with the insertion of Intra-Operative Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps.
-
To be taught how to inset Foley catheters following appropriate policies and procedures.
please see job description/person specification for further details on the role
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- RGN, Operating Department Practitioner degree qualification
- MSc in Perfusion
- Mentorship Qualification
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential criteria
- Evidence of the ability to work towards developing a clinical knowledge relating to the Cardiac Surgery and Paediatric Specialities.
- Precise and skilled manual dexterity. Precision eye/hand coordination. Evidence of ability to work within clinical protocols and policies with minimal supervision.
- Evidence to demonstrate an understanding of continuing professional development needs.
- Evidence of an understanding of issues affecting the NHS today, including government strategies.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential criteria
- Ability to meet Occupational Health screening criteria.
- Daily and prolonged exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Daily and prolonged exposure to needles and sharp instruments.
- Occasional exposure to known infectious diseases.
- Occasional exposure to anaesthetic gases and radiation. Frequent and prolonged exposure to surgical diathermy smoke fumes.
- Required daily to stand or bend for extended and uninterrupted periods of time.
- Occasional highly distressing circumstances
Experience
Essential criteria
- Previous experience as a Registered Nurse, Theatre Practitioner or Clinical Perfusionist
- Previous teaching experience in a formal or informal environment.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of the Operating Department or Intensive Care Unit setting
Communication and relationship skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication skills at all levels including verbal, non-verbal and written.
- Ability to communicate and Application and Interview Person Specification Job Title: Date Finalised: Page 9 contribute effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to demonstrate good communication skills to all levels of staff within and outside the trust.
- Ability to work within a team environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to teach on a formal and informal basis.
- Ability to undertake preceptor/mentor role.
- Communicates effectively with Patients and Relatives.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Dr Gavin Majithia-Beet
- Job title
- Principal Perfusionist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0116 2563069
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