Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an employer led Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) apprenticeship within Cardiothoracic theatres, in partnership with Northumbria University, for those who are currently working in a peri-operative environment.   Operating Department Practitioners work alongside other professionals and take a lead role in ensuring patient safety during their journey through the operating department. By completing this Level 6 apprenticeship, you will gain a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice which has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and you will be eligible to apply to the HCPC for registration. Apprentices will be employed full time in Cardiothoracic Theatres and supported to attend both academic learning and practice learning experiences in alternative operating departments and settings. Experience working within Cardiothoracic Theatres is desirable.

The recruitment process will consist of one interview held jointly by the Trust and Northumbria University.

• Interview Date Monday 09 June 2025
• 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy.  Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Main duties of the job

• Contributes to the work of the department, through the provision of high quality nursing care by working under indirect supervision of Registered Nurses/Operating Department Practitioners
• Have an awareness of normal parameters concerning patient / client wellbeing and take appropriate action to pre agreed protocols, report that which is out with normal parameters to the registered professional
• Will carry out routine elements of assessment to enhance the patient / client journey, as locally agreed by a Registered nurse/Operating Department Practitioner
• This is a post suitable for an individual who wishes to develop and extend specialised skills and knowledge in the chosen field
• Work with Health and Care Professions Council standards of conduct, performance and ethics

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Band 3 Applicants should have already successfully completed a level 3 perioperative course, plus have significant recent experience within the peri-operative environment.

Band 4 Applicants can join the program in Year 2 providing they have already successfully completed the Trust’s Assistant Practitioner (Nursing) program / Nursing Associate Program, plus have significant recent experience as a qualified Assistant Practitioner (Nursing) / Nursing Associate in a peri-operative environment. To join the program at year 2, successful candidates will be expected to work towards the completion of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) document prior to starting the course, which enables candidates to enter at Year 2 of the 3 year apprenticeship.

• Throughout the apprenticeship, the post holder will gain experience working as an Apprentice ODP in the Trust
• The successful candidate will develop the required skills to work as an ODP, ensuring the delivery of a consistently high-quality care and service to the Trust
• The successful candidate will complete the Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship
• Under indirect supervision, will be accountable for assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating high quality patient care in the Peri-Operative environment
• Provide effective support to both patient and carers throughout their care pathway
• To abide by Trust policies and procedures
• Act as patient advocate in accordance with Health and Care Professions Council standards of conduct, performance, and ethics
• Work collaboratively as an effective member of MDT

Apprenticeship Posts "You will need to be able to meet all the eligibility requirements as prescribed by the apprenticeship criteria to undertake the role”.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship you must:

• Be aged 18 or over (due to the nature of the shifts and role)
• Have the right to work and remain in the UK.
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
• Provide original evidence of required English and maths qualifications.

Further information:

• You will not be considered if you have an equivalent or higher qualification in the same or a very similar subject.
• You must not be engaged in any other funded training or education programme.
• We cannot sponsor applicants during or on successful completion of the apprenticeship so please ensure you meet visa status eligibility.
• We cannot accept applications from student visa applicants.

Please be advised if you are a 'Non-UK National' applicant you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil the settlement requirements of the apprenticeship course funding. Your settlement status will need to be verified as eligible for funding, by the relevant apprenticeship provider, for you to formally enrol on the course.

Further details can be found on the UK Government website.