Job summary
Our Friendly Pre-Assessment unit is looking for registered Nurses/ODPs to be able to support the peri-operative (Pre-op) assessment of patients prior to their date of surgery. We are currently involved in an exciting project to improve our Pre-operative assessment process including gaining additional skills and knowledge regarding assessment of Blood results and ECG interpretation. The Pre-op team covers Derriford Hospital providing a One-Stop Shop facility (alongside our waiting list pool) providing support and advice for all complex and non-complex surgery.

We look to ensure a quality focused and safe assessment service for all patients. You would be providing nurse led complex and non-complex peri-operative risk assessment, undertaking a variety of skills and on-going competencies to assist in the smooth running and delivery of the service.

For informal chats about this opportunity please contact Grace Bush, Band 7 Pre assessment. g.bush@nhs.net or phone 01752 432407 or 439021

Interview date: To be confirmed

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for implementing, co-ordinating and delivering effective, high-quality care for the pre-operative patient, following a client-centred model of practice and ensuring the area of work runs smoothly and efficiently.To make appropriate verbal and written assessment to gain information relating to a patient's surgery.To act on such assessments in preparing and supporting the patient's pathway, referring to outside specialist help if required.

As part of the wider hospital team, you'll interact with practitioners from other areas because you understand that continuity in patient care is key.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

• Responsible for assessment of pre-operative patients to ensure any potential problems for delaying surgery are identified and relayed to the relevant person, ensuring all professional protocols are adhered to. Identify potential risks during surgery.
• Responsible for the review of ECGs and blood tests and organisation of care needs dependant on the results or review by Clinical lead or a member of the Anaesthetic team.
• Perform comprehensive and holistic assessment of patients undertaking a targeted history, ensuring that they are fully prepared, physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially for surgery.
• Advise patients on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
• To ensure accurate patient records are maintained having due regard for legal requirements, confidentiality and management of information.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and play an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care.
• To engage and interact with patients and their carers, explaining procedures and treatments to gain co-operation, understanding and allay apprehension.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with both internal and external agencies to ensure an efficiently run service especially with medical staff, anaesthetists and ward/theatre staff. Referral to others as appropriate i.e. Anaesthetic clinic.
• Assist in monitoring in-patient and day case activity and work with the clinicians to maximise theatre utilisation.
• To carry out duties within the guidelines of the post-holders professional code of conduct i.e. NMC HCPC.
• Responsible for the supervision of junior staff. Provide leadership and act as a role model for junior colleagues and staff in training.
• Participate in research and implementation of new procedures and working practices as required to ensure the continuous development of the service.
• Undertake any duties required to fulfil the needs of the service.
• To have knowledge of and be able to implement trust policies and procedures including Health & Safety.
• Actively participate in on going department training.
• Keep up to date with current issues and their relevance
• To develop and achieve objectives within annual performance review.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet changing demands of the job, participate and initiate appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
• Maintain and continuously improve in-depth specialist knowledge relevant to the clinical area, which significantly contributes to the Trusts stated aims and objectives.
• To attend relevant meetings with staff and other pre-operative assessment users and deliver feedback to ensure good communication throughout the department.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Proven demonstrable ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate clinical care and act accordingly.
• Proven evidence of recent CPD
• Proven knowledge of and ability to apply evidence -based practice

Desirable

• Proven ability to demonstrate managerial or leadership potential
• Proven demonstrable appraisal skills
• Relevant extended roles - Health & Safety COSHH

Abilities & Apititude
Essential

• Effective verbal & non-verbal communication skills, effective influencing skills.
• Organisational skills, able to work as team leader. Ability to prioritise workload, instruct and direct others

Desirable

• Demonstrate awareness of financial constraints.
• Methodical and organised Enthusiasm for introducing and Facilitating change.

Qualifications
Essential

• Proven Registered Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner with the NMC/HCPC registration

Desirable

• Proven knowledge of surgical specialties
• Proven education to Diploma or Degree level or equivalent
• Proven NVQ Trainer/assessor/educator or relevant educational course e.g. Cert Ed or ENB 998/C&G 730 or equivalent

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).