Registered Nurse/Practitioner (Theaters)

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic Band 5 Registered Theatre Practitioner to work flexibly across scrub, anaesthetic and recovery to join our nationally awardwinning South West Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC) at Nightingale Hospital Exeter. The Nightingale Hospital is located in Sowton, a few miles from the centre of Exeter. SWAOC is renowned for excellent patients\' outcomes and a centre for innovation in ambulatory care. SWAOC surgical cases include hip and knee arthroplasty, soft tissue knee surgery, foot and ankle surgery, spinal surgery and soon to start shoulder surgery. SWAOC works closely with clinicians from across the Devon region, developing professional links across a large geographical area. The Nightingale theatre practitioners are an integral part of the wider SWAOC team, working closely with wards and therapies to provide excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details

• Date posted: 08 June 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 185-10199-13183
• Job locations: SWAOC, Nightingale Hospital, Exeter, Devon, EX2 7JG, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

SWAOC is a purely elective cold site providing High Volume, Low Complexity orthopaedic surgery, hosted by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. As a key system asset, Nightingale provides additional capacity and supports the wider One Devon system.

SWAOC has been recognised nationally for its transformational pathways, now established as GIRFT exemplars, and is proud to be a GIRFT accredited Surgical Hub site. The Care Quality Commission recently praised Nightingale for an inclusive and positive culture of continuous learning and improvement, and this ethos underpins everything we do.

SWAOC has 2 theatres, a post -operative recovery unit, 2 wards and a pre -assessment suite.

By joining us, you will be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to delivering safe, compassionate, and highquality care. You will also benefit from opportunities to engage in innovation, staff development, and research, ensuring you are at the forefront of modern healthcare delivery.

We are looking for a qualified Theatre Practitioner, who can use their skills across scrub, anaesthetics and recovery- dependant on their qualification and scope of practice. They would be passionate about patientcentred care, eager to develop across multiple orthopaedic subspecialties, and committed to continuous improvement. In return, we offer professional development, access to training and innovation programmes, and the chance to contribute to a nationally recognised, awardwinning surgical hub that is transforming orthopaedic care across the South West.

Working Patterns aim to meet the operational demands of the service. Currently the SWAOC theatres cover weekday hours from 7:30 am to 17:30 pm over 4 days- one 5pm finish and is anticipated to extend from weekdays to include weekend working subject to service development and need. This post is full time 37.5 hours.

In SWAOC you will work closely with the multidisciplinary team to help you achieve the best for our patients and build on your knowledge and skills. You will have the support of senior colleagues and links to the main site hospital to develop your skills where required. SWAOC has is a small team of friendly and dedicated professionals who work closely together to provide a positive experience for patients and colleagues, based on strong RDUH Trust values.

We are 5 minutes from Junction 29 M5, free shuttle bus from the Park and Ride and current staff free parking opposite the Nightingale Hospital. Sowton. Exeter.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Day shifts 07:30- 17:30 currently 5 day working expected to extend to 7 day per week, subject to service requirements. Usual working pattern over 4 days.

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

For further information please contact: Sarah Lewis, Clinical Matron sarah.lewis84@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.