Job summary
As a Surgical First Assistant (SFA) you will be a highly qualified NMC registered nurse/AHP registered Operating Department Practitioner. You will, in addition have completed a nationally recognised Surgical First Assistant University accredited programme or an in-house training package supported by the AfPP competency handbook. You will be able to demonstrate that you are an accountable practitioner with competence in enhanced surgical practice within the SFA role limits.
You will work closely alongside the Breast Surgery team within the operating theatre providing continuous competent assistance to the operating surgeon during breast surgical procedures under their direct supervision, without performing any surgical intervention yourself.
You will also work under the direction of the Breast Nursing Leadership team.
Main duties of the job
Provide skilled assistance under the direct supervision of the surgeon inbreast surgery
Act as a theatre practitioner undertaking an advanced role within the theatre setting
Act as surgical assistant to the breast surgical team :
Enhance the communication link between theatre,patient and ward
Involved in the team completion of the WHO surgical safety checklist
Position the patient, including tissue viability assessment
Skin prep/ draping
skin and tissue retraction with cutting of superficial sutures
Handling of tissues for exposure of access
Nerve and deep tissue retraction
Cutting deep sutures and ligatures under direct supervision
Assistwith haemostasis, maintain a clear operating field
Use of suction guided by the operating surgeon
Effective checking and ordering ofequipment eg. breast implants
Lead in the planning and completion of patients discharge from the hospital
Minimise the risk of infection to patients and staff in accordance with national and Trust Policy
Manage own and the teams time effectively and ensuring high standards of care are achieved and maintained
About us
**Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications**
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHSTrust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be a registered nurse or Allied Health Professional registered Operating Department Practitioner holding a nationally recognised programme of study as a Surgical First Assistant (SFA). Enabling you to perform as a Surgical First Assistant in Breast Surgery under the supervision of the breast surgeon.
You will assist with both elective and emergency surgery
You will perform and assist with wound closure, suturing, haemostasis, retraction of tissues, cutting of sutures and asepsis.
You will assist with preparation of patients for surgery, eg, catheterisation, positioning of patients, prepping and draping
You will attend ward rounds with the breast team and coordinate intraoperative treatment plans for patients
You will ensure all members of the wider health care team are kept informed of the changing needs of individual patients
You will request and follow-up appropriate patient investigations.
Work closely with the theatre team and operator in relation to theatre scheduling, providing assurance that the correct kits and consumables are prepared and ordered.
Work with the clinical and management team to support improvements in theatre utilisation.
Analyse, interpret and compare the data of varying levels of complexity and use this to inform decision making.
Plan and complete electronic documentation regarding the discharge of patients post operatively from the hospital setting
Validate the quality of data and information obtained using appropriate methods and provide feedback of the results to those responsible for the data and information.
Communicate complex and sensitive information in an appropriate manner to patients and all levels of the multidisciplinary team following trust policies and procedures.
Keep accurate and complete records of activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Conduct all procedures in line with standard protocols and within own scope of practice and maintain patient safety at all times.
Take appropriate action to address any issues or risks that may arise from assessment of the patient, ensuring that wider discussion is undertaken with other team members and senior clinician where any doubt exists.
Identify and manage actual and potential risks associated with surgical procedures, according to level of experience.
Develop and contribute to the updating and revision of appropriate policies and guidelines
Participate in formal and informal teaching to all levels of staff
Value and take responsibility for your own professional development and that of others
Identify and participate in appropriate research and audit to help develop the First Assistant/breast service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be a registered nurse or Allied Health Professional registered Operating Department Practitioner holding a nationally recognised programme of study as a Surgical First Assistant (SFA). Enabling you to perform as a Surgical First Assistant in Breast Surgery under the supervision of the breast surgeon.
You will assist with both elective and emergency surgery
You will perform and assist with wound closure, suturing, haemostasis, retraction of tissues, cutting of sutures and asepsis.
You will assist with preparation of patients for surgery, eg, catheterisation, positioning of patients, prepping and draping
You will attend ward rounds with the breast team and coordinate intraoperative treatment plans for patients
You will ensure all members of the wider health care team are kept informed of the changing needs of individual patients
You will request and follow-up appropriate patient investigations.
Work closely with the theatre team and operator in relation to theatre scheduling, providing assurance that the correct kits and consumables are prepared and ordered.
Work with the clinical and management team to support improvements in theatre utilisation.
Analyse, interpret and compare the data of varying levels of complexity and use this to inform decision making.
Plan and complete electronic documentation regarding the discharge of patients post operatively from the hospital setting
Validate the quality of data and information obtained using appropriate methods and provide feedback of the results to those responsible for the data and information.
Communicate complex and sensitive information in an appropriate manner to patients and all levels of the multidisciplinary team following trust policies and procedures.
Keep accurate and complete records of activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Conduct all procedures in line with standard protocols and within own scope of practice and maintain patient safety at all times.
Take appropriate action to address any issues or risks that may arise from assessment of the patient, ensuring that wider discussion is undertaken with other team members and senior clinician where any doubt exists.
Identify and manage actual and potential risks associated with surgical procedures, according to level of experience.
Develop and contribute to the updating and revision of appropriate policies and guidelines
Participate in formal and informal teaching to all levels of staff
Value and take responsibility for your own professional development and that of others
Identify and participate in appropriate research and audit to help develop the First Assistant/breast service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC registered nurse or AHP registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
- Have completed a nationally recognised programme of study as a Surgical First Assistant, such as a university accredited programme or an in-house training package supported by the AfPP competency toolkit
- Enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD)
Desirable
- Hold or be willing to undertake a mentorship/teaching qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- At least 2 years experience as a theatre practitioner
- Awareness and understanding of current issues within nursing and the wider NHS specifically in theatre and breast care as a speciality
- The ability to identify and manage risk
- Able to assess, identify and address patient needs throughout their perioperative phase of care
Desirable
- Show evidence of the use of audit research to aid service improvement
Skills
Essential
- Demonstrate Key Leadership skills
- Shows excellent organisation and time management skills
- The ability to allocate and delegate workload responsibly and mentor the work of others, providing clinical supervision to junior staff
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and communication skills. With the ability to communicate with patients and their families/carers during a highly stressful time, being able to alter communication strategies dependent on the situation and the patients status
- Demonstrates a high level of IT competence
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC registered nurse or AHP registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
- Have completed a nationally recognised programme of study as a Surgical First Assistant, such as a university accredited programme or an in-house training package supported by the AfPP competency toolkit
- Enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD)
Desirable
- Hold or be willing to undertake a mentorship/teaching qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- At least 2 years experience as a theatre practitioner
- Awareness and understanding of current issues within nursing and the wider NHS specifically in theatre and breast care as a speciality
- The ability to identify and manage risk
- Able to assess, identify and address patient needs throughout their perioperative phase of care
Desirable
- Show evidence of the use of audit research to aid service improvement
Skills
Essential
- Demonstrate Key Leadership skills
- Shows excellent organisation and time management skills
- The ability to allocate and delegate workload responsibly and mentor the work of others, providing clinical supervision to junior staff
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and communication skills. With the ability to communicate with patients and their families/carers during a highly stressful time, being able to alter communication strategies dependent on the situation and the patients status
- Demonstrates a high level of IT competence
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).
