Pre-Operative Assessment Practitioner

Job overview

Full or part time hours

This post is a 12-month fixed term contract that will commence on the successful applicant’s start date in the role. we have been granted funding by the Peninsula Cancer Alliance to enable same day pre-op for cancer patients.

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, sister, Pre assessment. [email protected] or phone 01752 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 are 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.

Detailed job description and main 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.

For further details please see attached JD&PS