Job summary
Job Overview:
The Band 5 Staff Nurse / Theatre Nurse is a key member of the Planned Care Division, working within the Day Surgery Unit to provide safe, effective and high-quality perioperative care. As part of the multidisciplinary theatre team, the post holder upholds excellent clinical standards, supports colleagues, and ensures compassionate, patient-centred care throughout each surgical pathway.
This full-time role (37.5 hours per week) reports to the Matron and Clinical Nurse Lead. The nurse primarily works in the Day Surgery Unit but may be required to undertake weekend shifts or cross-site duties depending on service needs.
Although positioned at Band 5, the post holder is expected to demonstrate reliability, professionalism and growing clinical autonomy. They contribute to theatre efficiency by supporting the coordination of care, maintaining smooth theatre flow, and communicating effectively with patients, families and the wider clinical team. Trust values must be consistently demonstrated in all aspects of practice.
The role may also involve acting as a deputy to more senior staff, such as a Junior Theatre Sister, taking responsibility for delegated clinical and educational tasks, and supporting team development.
Working both independently and as part of a team, the nurse helps maintain a safe surgical environment through strong infection control practice, safeguarding awareness, and evidence-based clinical care.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties:
The Band 5 Scrub Nurse is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality intraoperative care by maintaining a sterile environment, preparing theatres appropriately, and ensuring all instruments and equipment are ready for each procedure. They scrub for a range of surgeries, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, manage instruments and devices throughout operations, and complete all required surgical counts accurately in line with Trust policy. They are also responsible for the safe disposal and handling of sharps, swabs, and instruments.
The post holder supports efficient theatre flow by assisting with case turnaround, coordinating with the wider multidisciplinary team, and engaging in all required safety processes, including the WHO Surgical Checklist.
Professional practice must align with NMC/HCPC standards, Trust guidelines, infection control requirements, and local policies. The Scrub Nurse maintains high standards of documentation and patient safety, escalating equipment issues, near-misses, and incidents appropriately, and contributing to clinical governance activity.
They play a key role in education by supporting learners and junior staff, demonstrating best practice, and engaging in continuous professional development to maintain and expand their own skills. The role also includes responsibility for equipment checks, safe operation of specialist devices, and supporting stock management to ensure cost-effective and reliable service delivery.
About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role Purpose
The Band 5 Theatre Nurse is responsible for delivering highquality perioperative care while upholding Trust values and professional NMC standards. As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder provides expert support within the intraoperative environment, ensuring safe and effective care throughout the patient journey. The role involves both autonomous practice and close teamwork, with an expectation of developing specialist theatre skills and contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the operating department.
The post holder will also act as a positive role model, supporting colleagues, participating in quality initiatives, and leading delegated clinical or service responsibilities as required.
Main Responsibilities 1. Clinical Responsibilities -
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised patient care using appropriate perioperative frameworks.
-
Prepare operating theatres ensuring all required instruments, equipment, and consumables are available and fit for use.
-
Scrub for a variety of surgical procedures, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and wider team.
-
Maintain sterility and uphold infection prevention measures throughout the procedure.
-
Undertake and document all surgical counts (swabs, needles, instruments) accurately and escalate discrepancies immediately.Note: Scrub nurse is solely responsible for sharps, swabs and instrument management.
-
Safely manage and dispose of sharps and surgical waste following policy.
-
Assist with positioning, prepping, and supporting the patient safely before and during surgery.
-
Support safe transfer of patients between theatre areas, including handovers.
2. Theatre Coordination & Team Support -
Contribute to the smooth running of theatre lists and assist in turnaround between cases.
-
Communicate effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs, nurses, porters, and wider MDT.
-
Participate in WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and escalate concerns appropriately.
-
Support senior staff, acting as deputy when delegated by the Sister / Charge Nurse.
3. Professional Standards & Governance -
Work in accordance with NMC standards, Trust values, local policies, and theatre protocols.
-
Maintain accurate contemporaneous documentation and ensure confidentiality at all times.
-
Report incidents, near misses, and equipment faults, supporting learning and improvement.
-
Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and monitoring of safety metrics.
4. Education, Training & Development -
Support orientation and teaching of learners, junior nurses, and HCAs, helping identify learning needs and providing supervision, demonstration, and feedback.
-
Engage in CPD activities, including competency development, theatre rotations, and specialist training opportunities (e.g., perioperative nursing course, QI projects).
-
Maintain uptodate clinical skills and participate in mandatory training and appraisal (PDR).
5. Equipment & Resource Management -
Check, prepare, and operate specialised theatre equipment safely.
-
Contribute to stock control, procurement, and equipment ordering according to service needs.
-
Ensure appropriate action is taken when equipment issues arise, preventing delays to surgery.
6. Patient Care & Advocacy -
Provide reassurance and support to patients throughout their perioperative journey.
-
Act as a patient advocate, ensuring dignity, privacy, and comfort are maintained.
-
Challenge unsafe practice and raise concerns in line with speakingup policy.
7. Leadership & Team Culture -
Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and Trust values in all interactions.
-
Support colleagues, contribute to a positive working environment, and promote effective teamwork.
-
Take responsibility for delegated tasks and lead small projects as assigned by senior nursing staff.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role Purpose
The Band 5 Theatre Nurse is responsible for delivering highquality perioperative care while upholding Trust values and professional NMC standards. As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder provides expert support within the intraoperative environment, ensuring safe and effective care throughout the patient journey. The role involves both autonomous practice and close teamwork, with an expectation of developing specialist theatre skills and contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the operating department.
The post holder will also act as a positive role model, supporting colleagues, participating in quality initiatives, and leading delegated clinical or service responsibilities as required.
Main Responsibilities 1. Clinical Responsibilities -
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised patient care using appropriate perioperative frameworks.
-
Prepare operating theatres ensuring all required instruments, equipment, and consumables are available and fit for use.
-
Scrub for a variety of surgical procedures, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and wider team.
-
Maintain sterility and uphold infection prevention measures throughout the procedure.
-
Undertake and document all surgical counts (swabs, needles, instruments) accurately and escalate discrepancies immediately.Note: Scrub nurse is solely responsible for sharps, swabs and instrument management.
-
Safely manage and dispose of sharps and surgical waste following policy.
-
Assist with positioning, prepping, and supporting the patient safely before and during surgery.
-
Support safe transfer of patients between theatre areas, including handovers.
2. Theatre Coordination & Team Support -
Contribute to the smooth running of theatre lists and assist in turnaround between cases.
-
Communicate effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs, nurses, porters, and wider MDT.
-
Participate in WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and escalate concerns appropriately.
-
Support senior staff, acting as deputy when delegated by the Sister / Charge Nurse.
3. Professional Standards & Governance -
Work in accordance with NMC standards, Trust values, local policies, and theatre protocols.
-
Maintain accurate contemporaneous documentation and ensure confidentiality at all times.
-
Report incidents, near misses, and equipment faults, supporting learning and improvement.
-
Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and monitoring of safety metrics.
4. Education, Training & Development -
Support orientation and teaching of learners, junior nurses, and HCAs, helping identify learning needs and providing supervision, demonstration, and feedback.
-
Engage in CPD activities, including competency development, theatre rotations, and specialist training opportunities (e.g., perioperative nursing course, QI projects).
-
Maintain uptodate clinical skills and participate in mandatory training and appraisal (PDR).
5. Equipment & Resource Management -
Check, prepare, and operate specialised theatre equipment safely.
-
Contribute to stock control, procurement, and equipment ordering according to service needs.
-
Ensure appropriate action is taken when equipment issues arise, preventing delays to surgery.
6. Patient Care & Advocacy -
Provide reassurance and support to patients throughout their perioperative journey.
-
Act as a patient advocate, ensuring dignity, privacy, and comfort are maintained.
-
Challenge unsafe practice and raise concerns in line with speakingup policy.
7. Leadership & Team Culture -
Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and Trust values in all interactions.
-
Support colleagues, contribute to a positive working environment, and promote effective teamwork.
-
Take responsibility for delegated tasks and lead small projects as assigned by senior nursing staff.
Person Specification
Interview - face-to-face
Essential
- NMC/HPC REGISTRATION
- MENTORSHIP/PRACTICE ASSESSOR
- Personal qualities: Being an effective role model, Highly enthusiastic and self-motivated, Ability to work under pressure and demonstrate adaptability, Being approachable, supportive, and assertive.
- Excellent communication skills with patients, relatives, staff, and external teams
Desirable
- Over 6 months - UK theatre Experience in multiple specialties, e.g.: Orthopaedics HMU Gynae/Urology General Surgery
- CERNER IT trained - electronic documentation
- Theatre course
- Proven management experience (marked essential but commonly seen as desirable for more advanced Band 5s)
Person Specification
Interview - face-to-face
Essential
- NMC/HPC REGISTRATION
- MENTORSHIP/PRACTICE ASSESSOR
- Personal qualities: Being an effective role model, Highly enthusiastic and self-motivated, Ability to work under pressure and demonstrate adaptability, Being approachable, supportive, and assertive.
- Excellent communication skills with patients, relatives, staff, and external teams
Desirable
- Over 6 months - UK theatre Experience in multiple specialties, e.g.: Orthopaedics HMU Gynae/Urology General Surgery
- CERNER IT trained - electronic documentation
- Theatre course
- Proven management experience (marked essential but commonly seen as desirable for more advanced Band 5s)
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).