Recovery Practitioner

Job overview

To act as a specialist recovery practitioner, providing post‑operative support for patients across services including elective surgery, emergency care, and maternity.

The post holder is accountable for the provision, organisation, and delivery of patient care within their scope of responsibility and assessed competencies. They will contribute to the development and delivery of safe post‑operative care, working across Bedfordshire NHS Foundation Trust Theatres, Maternity, and community services, including the laser unit, OMF, MRI, and supporting acute pain management. The role also includes providing effective mentorship and supervision, and participating in the education and training of nursing staff. The post holder will ensure that safe, efficient, and timely individualised care is delivered in line with local and national standards.

Main duties of the job

Key Duties

• Work as a skilled member of the recovery team, undertaking nursing duties within the recovery area and delivering the highest standard of patient care.
• Develop and maintain the clinical skills and knowledge required to provide holistic, evidence‑based nursing care.
• Participate in monitoring and maintaining standards in line with clinic policies and procedures, including the daily checking and secure management of controlled drugs.
• Communicate effectively and responsibly with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate, legible written and electronic records of care, ensuring patient safety, privacy, and dignity at all times

Skills & Experience

• RGN / ODP‑qualified practitioner with current NMC or HCPC registration.
• Strong understanding of the post‑operative needs of patients and service users.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure and adapt within a team environment.
• Highly motivated, punctual, adaptable, and consistently maintains a professional image

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

Utilising the specialist peri‑operative care plan, the post holder will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care within their scope of responsibility in the Recovery Department and across all peripheral service areas within Bedford Hospital.

• Maintain safe and effective airway management for patients arriving in Recovery, working alongside pain‑management processes to ensure high‑quality post‑operative care.
• Ensure clear, effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, and relatives. This includes giving and receiving complex or sensitive information, recognising individual needs, and addressing any barriers to understanding.
• Competently undertake a wide range of clinical duties in line with professional training and departmental protocols, demonstrating proficiency across Recovery and other relevant areas within Bedford Hospital NHS Trust.
• Contribute to the setting, monitoring, and evaluation of care standards in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
• Work effectively as a team member, supporting colleagues to deliver safe and coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date patient records in accordance with departmental policies, including care plans and systems such as OPERA, ensuring all documentation supports safe, high‑quality care.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

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.