Job overview
Fixed Term Contract (1 year)
The Day Surgery Unit is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated Ward based Band 5 Staff Nurse/ODP to a fixed term contract. The successful applicant will also be expected to work in the recovery area with full training being provided if required.
Working in Day Surgery will help you maintain a good work life balance, enjoy the structure of elective procedures along with day case trauma and emergency procedures and the support to develop personally and professionally.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Main duties of the job
We are an innovative and busy Day Surgery Unit being part of the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The unit consists of two theatres and attached first stage recovery area in Dorset County Hospital, the Eye Day Case unit (also based in Dorset County Hospital) as well as a satellite unit at Weymouth Community Hospital.
The unit provides for a variety of procedures and strives to provide exceptional levels of patient care in order to meet the expanding needs of the local community. Rotation will be required to work across all sites. You may also be required to support in other theatre areas as required.
Our patient feedback is consistently outstanding which makes us a team you will want to be part of. We currently cater for patients undergoing ENT. General/Breast Surgery, Gynaecology, Colorectal surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Urology, Maxillo- Facial surgery and Special Dentistry in the Day Surgery theatres. We also provide post-operative care to patients that are on the day case pathway having received Ophthalmic surgery, ENT surgery, orthopaedic/trauma surgery, Gynae surgery, General surgery and procedures performed in Interventional Radiology (IR).
We currently provide a service from Monday to Friday, 7am until 8pm.
If you are not sure what we do or if the Day Surgery Unit is for you, please call us to arrange a visit we would love the opportunity to show you around, meet the team and see the great work we do.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant and recent experience as a staff nurse at band 5 in the NHS
- Recent experience of working in the NHS
Desirable
- Understanding of professional nursing issues.
Education, Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Practitioner.
- Evidence of CPD.
Desirable
- Teaching course/ qualification.
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of ability to practice as a proficient practitioner.
- Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality.
Desirable
- Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively.
- Understanding of clinical governance and its requirements.
- Evidence of an area of special interest.
- Evidence of ability to develop leadership skills.
- Knowledge of clinical audit.
- Evidence of critical appraisal skills.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Staff Nurse - Day Surgery Unit with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Nurse (adult and children) role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 Pro Rata Per Annum. The contract type is 12 months (Fixed term). The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (10 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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