Staff Nurse, Day Surgery Ashford

Job overview

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a forward thinking, proactive and highly motivated practitioner to join our Day Surgery Unit (Theatres) at Ashford and St Peters NHS Foundation Trust.

We are looking for candidates with excellent communication skills, a desire to learn and passion to develop and improve.

Previous experience of Theatre practice or from other specialities in nursing is welcome including those just newly qualified with interest in Day Surgery Theatres, and willingness as training will be given.

The DSU consists of an admission area, ward area A and B and 2 Operating Theatres which are used for a range of surgical specialties, including General, Vascular, Urology, Orthopaedic/Trauma, Oral, ENT and Gynaecology. And Pain Management Treatment. The Unit also accommodates for a Recovery Room comprising 6 Trolley spaces.

As a team member, you will have a range of learning opportunities available. Starting with a rotation throughout different areas of the department you will develop your competencies within each area. We provide in house training for our fantastic staff and all team members are given the opportunity to attend conferences and training off site with links with several Universities.

Informal visits to the unit are welcome so you can come and meet us and see the way that care is delivered.

Please contact Ashford DSU Ward manager Thanga Raju Murugesan at [email protected]  or Ashford Matron Tom D’Souza at [email protected]

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work as part of a team to provide a safe, cost effective, efficient care environment for patients, relatives and carers. You will be expected to function clinically within the Day Theatres  and ward from admission through to discharge.

They will participate in the training of junior staff and continue their own personal and professional development by rotating within the perioperative department. Effective communication skills is vital for this role both written and verbal with all levels of staff including the multidisciplinary team, patients and relatives, taking into account impairments, levels of consciousness and language barriers.

You will be required to adhere to local policies, guidelines and SOP’s in order to maintain a high standard of good quality care within the department.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Successful candidates will need to:

• Provide specialist support and knowledge to patients within clinical areas in the Day Surgery Unit (Theatres) and surrounding areas.
• Act as a role model and create an environment that promotes excellence in Theatres and Day ward practice and empowers staff to develop high levels of clinical skills and autonomy.
• Deliver skilled practical care to all patients and lead in the monitoring, planning and delivery of individualised patient care, providing specialist advice to junior staff in areas of practice.
• Be prepared to extend knowledge and skills by rotation to other specialties.
• Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice.
• Report any complaints, accidents, untoward incidents or unusual occurrences to the Clinical Manager and ensure that where possible remedial action is taken to prevent the occurrence/reoccurrence of such incidents. Ensure incident forms are completed with statements where appropriate.
• Demonstrate a personal duty of care in keeping yourself and other staff up to date in the use of new equipment and procedures in the relevant areas of care.
• Actively participate in current research and clinical audit promoting changes in practice as required.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to infection control practices including hand hygiene and universal precautions.