Job overview
Fixed Term - 12 months
Theatres are looking to recruit enthusiastic Band 5 Staff Nurses or Operating Department Practitioners to support this busy Department. We are looking for all round trained Theatre Practitioners. Experience in Orthopaedics is desirable.
The Theatres Complex at Dorset County Hospital includes: Main Theatres (8 Theatres), Day Surgery Unit (2 Theatres), Weymouth Community Hospital (1 Theatre) and the Procedure Suite at South Walks House. This role will be predominately in Main Theatres but all staff are expected to work across all sites, depending on the needs of the service.
We currently have both permanent and fixed term contracts (full time and part time) for committed and enthusiastic individuals to complement the established team in delivering high quality care that is rapidly adapting to meet the needs of a diverse local population.
We can offer superb career and professional development opportunities with a structured orientation programme whilst the unit provides a challenging work environment.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under-represented in our organisation.
Main duties of the job
You will:
- Be required to work as part of a motivated team as well as being able to work on your own initiative.
- Be expected to work shifts to cover the needs of the service which is 24 hour a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
You have:
- Good communication skills
- Current NMC/HCPC registration
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
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
- Recent and significant experience at Band 5 in surgery or theatres
Desirable
- Understanding of professional nursing issues
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of ability to practice as competent 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 ability to develop leadership skills
- Evidence of an area of special interest
- Knowledge of clinical audit
- Evidence of critical appraisal skills
Education and Training
Essential
- Registered Nurse/ ODP
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Teaching course/qualification
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 5 Allied Health roles in Dorchester
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Staff Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner - Theatres with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Operating department practitioner 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 (09 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.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.