Job summary
An exciting opportunity has occurred in our Theatre department working in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). The successful candidate will work as part of the PACU team covering a 24 hour emergency service as well as elective surgery, working a variety of shift patterns to include day, night and weekend work. The current service covers surgery that includes, ENT, Maxillofacial, general, Gynae, Trauma orthopaedics, paediatrics and emergency surgery. The transformation of services within UHD will provide future development opportunities within other specialities.
Cross site working is expected to support the service when needed.
This role requires an active UKNMC registered Nurse (Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing) or HCPC registered ODP (Dip (HE) Operating Department Practice)
Base Location: Poole
Interview Date: 14th November 2025
Main duties of the job
To deliver safe quality care for patients during their perioperative phase of care. To support and assist in the management and organisation of care provision within the Operating Theatre Department. Promote good working relationships and collaborative working with the multi-disciplinary team, both within the department and the rest of the Trust. To apply and promote best evidence based practice within own scope of practice. Act as an effective role model by developing and demonstrating effective organisational and leadership skills. To contribute to service improvements. To act in a manner in keeping with the relevant code of conduct. To uphold and enhance the good standard and reputation of the trust.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Demonstrate a good understanding of a wide range of surgical procedures and PACUprocedure.
Responsible for participation in the co-ordination of PACU area
Ability to perform a range of duties including; treating patients with dignity, respect and preparation in all aspects of care.
Awareness of the needs of team, support other practitioners working in peri-operative care,cleaning of the department and safe handling of equipment.
Contribute to quality improvement and audit.
Contribute to the effective management of resources.
Demonstrate competence with current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theoryand practice.
Ensure that the correct cleaning and storage of equipment is undertaken
Job description
Job responsibilities
Demonstrate a good understanding of a wide range of surgical procedures and PACUprocedure.
Responsible for participation in the co-ordination of PACU area
Ability to perform a range of duties including; treating patients with dignity, respect and preparation in all aspects of care.
Awareness of the needs of team, support other practitioners working in peri-operative care,cleaning of the department and safe handling of equipment.
Contribute to quality improvement and audit.
Contribute to the effective management of resources.
Demonstrate competence with current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theoryand practice.
Ensure that the correct cleaning and storage of equipment is undertaken
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC registered Nurse (Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing) or HCPC registered ODP (Dip (HE) Operating Department Practice)
Desirable
- Learning and Assessing in Practice (or equivalent teaching/mentoring qualification)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within UK guidance, regulations and procedures.
- Experience of caring for patients with acute and long term conditions
Desirable
- Leadership abilities to work in Anaesthetics, Scrub, Recovery
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
- Ability to recognise the deteriorating patient
- Able to work unsupervised and on own initiative
Desirable
- IV administration and administration of blood products
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the surgical patient pathway through the hospital
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Flexible working pattern to meet demands of the service
- Highly motivated
- Patient focused
Desirable
- Situational awareness and management of self and others (Human Factors)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC registered Nurse (Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing) or HCPC registered ODP (Dip (HE) Operating Department Practice)
Desirable
- Learning and Assessing in Practice (or equivalent teaching/mentoring qualification)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within UK guidance, regulations and procedures.
- Experience of caring for patients with acute and long term conditions
Desirable
- Leadership abilities to work in Anaesthetics, Scrub, Recovery
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
- Ability to recognise the deteriorating patient
- Able to work unsupervised and on own initiative
Desirable
- IV administration and administration of blood products
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the surgical patient pathway through the hospital
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Flexible working pattern to meet demands of the service
- Highly motivated
- Patient focused
Desirable
- Situational awareness and management of self and others (Human Factors)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
