Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Recovery Nurse to join our weekend theatre team at James Paget NHS Trust. This role offers the opportunity to work within a high-quality surgical service, supporting patients across specialties including general surgery, ENT, and gynaecology.

As a Recovery Nurse, you will play a vital role in delivering safe and effective post-operative care, ensuring patients are closely monitored and supported during their immediate recovery phase. You will be responsible for assessing patients, managing airway and pain control, and responding promptly to any changes in clinical condition, maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary theatre team, you will contribute to smooth patient flow and efficient service delivery within a structured weekend operating schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive clinical environment and play a key role in enhancing patient outcomes and overall theatre performance

Main duties of the job

• Monitor and assess patients recovering from anaesthesia following gynaecology, ENT, and general surgery procedures
• Observe vital signs and identify early signs of deterioration or post-operative complications
• Maintain airway patency and provide oxygen therapy or airway support as required (especially important in ENT cases)
• Manage pain, nausea, and discomfort using prescribed medications
• Provide specialised post-op care depending on procedure (e.g. bleeding checks in gynae, airway/swallowing in ENT, wound monitoring in general surgery)
• Respond promptly to emergencies such as respiratory compromise, haemorrhage, or adverse reactions
• Deliver compassionate reassurance and support as patients regain consciousness
• Communicate effectively with anaesthetists, surgeons, and theatre staff regarding patient condition
• Ensure safe and structured handover to ward staff once discharge criteria from recovery are met
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to infection control and recovery protocols

About us
Xyla are a leading provider of clinical and community healthcare services across the UK, recognised for their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Working in close collaboration with NHS trusts, Integrated Care Systems (ICS), and local authorities, Xyla supports the delivery of essential services that help improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on frontline healthcare providers.

Their service offering spans a wide range of areas, including diagnostic services, specialist outpatient pathways, waiting list management, mental health support, and community-based care. By leveraging experienced clinical teams alongside innovative service models, Xyla is able to deliver flexible and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of each healthcare partner.

A key strength of Xyla lies in their ability to enhance patient access to care, particularly in addressing NHS backlogs and improving pathway efficiency. Their focus on early intervention, preventative care, and timely diagnosis supports better long-term health outcomes while helping to optimise system capacity.

Underpinned by robust clinical governance frameworks and a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and compliance, Xyla maintains high standards of care across all services. This, combined with a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of NHS priorities, positions them as a trusted partner in supporting the ongoing transformation and sustainability of healthcare services across the UK.

Job responsibilities

• Provide safe and effective care to patients in the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU).
• Monitor patients vital signs, airway, breathing, and circulation during recovery from anaesthesia.
• Identify and respond promptly to any post-operative complications or deterioration.
• Manage pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms in line with clinical guidelines.
• Ensure a smooth and safe transition of patients from theatre to recovery and onward to ward care or discharge.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records.
• Work collaboratively with anaesthetists, surgeons, ODPs, and theatre colleagues.
• Follow infection prevention, control policies, and theatre protocols at all times.
• Contribute to maintaining a calm, safe, and efficient recovery environment.
• Uphold high standards of patient care, dignity, and confidentiality.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Registered Nurse
• NMC reg

Experience

• Recent experience in a recovery/PACU setting
• Competence in airway management and patient monitoring
• Strong knowledge of post-operative care and recovery protocols
• Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Experience in 1 or more of the following: Gynaecology, ENT, General surgery

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.