University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Operating Department Practitioner Apprentice

The closing date is 25 May 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as an Apprentice Operating Department practitioner (ODP). We are looking for someone who is passionate about delivering high quality, patient-centred care to patients on their perioperative journey.

As an apprentice you will be learning while you earn and employed in a three year programme on a fixed term contract and undertake studies towards a BSc ODP via University of Derby.

Learners will work in the perioperative environment and required to learn skills, knowledge and behaviours required of the ODP through exposure to appropriate on the job learning opportunities. Standards are defined by the Health Care Professions Council and Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Students will work through 17 modules of academic study over 3 years, undertake an end of module assessment. They must pass all modules at 40% or above to achieve a BSc (Hons) Operating practice. In addition, students are required to achieve clinical competencies, pass an end point assessment at the end of year 3 in order to meet apprenticeship requirements.

Apprentices will be required to attend a scheduled annual residency (1 week) each year and accommodation will be provided by our academic provider. The recruitment process will be joint with UHP and University of Derby. The shortlisted applicants will be contacted with interview information in due course.

Main duties of the job

The apprentice will:

Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered practitioner.
Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS Values
Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the direct needs of the individual.
Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks and responsibilities to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a registered practitioner

Work with a supervisor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while on placements and through attending the ODP degree apprenticeship

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted

Date posted

09 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 to £25,674 a year Per Annum

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-SF-S7122245

Job locations

UHP, including satellite theatres

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) Apprentice Operating Department Practitioners will be based at UHP as a paid employee in Theatre Central. During the Apprenticeship they will be allocated to their current employer as a HCSW for 40% of the contracted hours, with 20% of their time spent on study for theory. The 40% practice hours will either be in practice placements or, during theory modules they will remain in their current employment, undertaking the continued duties of this role. They will also gain experience working in placements across the Trust, and alternative settings.

They will work collaboratively to maintain patient safety and provide high standards of skilled care and support during each stage of the patients perioperative pathway.

The Apprentice ODP will ensure their activities are in accordance with the Association for Perioperative Practice (2021) Standards and Recommendations for Perioperative Practice

On completion of the apprenticeship programme, the Apprentice ODP will demonstrate that they meet the Health & Care Professions Council HCPC (2023) Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners and are therefore eligible to apply for HCPC registration.

The Apprentice ODP will be required to achieve the education and practice standards as set out by the HCPC, HEI and the Institute of Apprenticeships and undertake an integrated end point assessment, as well as completion of the three year degree programme. Failure to progress will mean removal from the programme.

Commitment to self-directed study and successful completion of the programme within the contract period is required.

The Apprentice ODP will be supported by experienced Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors in assessed clinical placements.

At the end of the programme the ODP will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as an ODP and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.

ODPs will have an apprenticeship agreement approved by both UHP and Higher Education Institution (HEI) and will be required to achieve the standards as set out by the HCPC, HEI and the Institute of Apprenticeships. On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, the apprentice will be eligible to apply to join the HCPC Register as a Registered ODP. Failure to progress will mean removal from the programme.

Practice (under supervision), assessing patients in theatres & associated areas, exercising professional judgement to establish patient centred goals & to accept, plan, initiate, modify, refer or cease treatment within prescribed limits.

Recognise disease & trauma processes relevant to perioperative care.

Change practice to account for new developments or changing contexts in what constitutes best practice in perioperative care, through effective change management.

Respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Conduct appropriate diagnostic, monitoring, treatment & therapy procedures safely & effectively.

Undertake anaesthetic, surgical & post-anaesthesia care interventions including managing airways,

cannulation, catheterisation & manual handling /positioning of patients

Select appropriate techniques & equipment; undertake & record thorough assessments & investigations.

Maintain Basic or Intermediate Life Support qualifications where appropriate.

Provide individualized care for patients prior to and throughout surgery or other procedures including reassurance and support.

Use a wide range of clinical skills to provide a safe environment during the administration and maintenance of anaesthesia.

Assist anaesthesia with the use of medical devices & pharmacological (drugs) means. Safely secure and maintain the patients airway and stability during anaesthesia.

Preparation of a wide range of specialist equipment and devices.

Position the patient to optimize surgical access, maintaining patient safety and dignity.

Maintain a sterile working area & safely & effectively perform aseptic technique (including scrubbing, gloving & gowning)

Perform scrub skills according in accordance with Perioperative Care Collaborative statement.

Selection, preparation and provision of the correct sterile surgical equipment to the surgeon and be accountable for all surgical instruments, equipment and swabs throughout the procedure.

For further details please see attached Job Description and Person Specification.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

2 years paid at Band 2 salary and final year at Band 3 salary, Includes late shifts and weekends