Surgical First Assistant/ Senior Theatre Practitioner

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical

Delivery of peri-operative patient care needs and planning of care delivery according to changing health care needs / technology and varying levels of complexity. Maintain accurate patient records and theatre documentation. Work collaboratively with other professionals and departments to ensure patient care needs are met. When undertaking the SFA role, a current Patient/Procedure Logbook must be maintained.

SFA skills: The practitioner will provide competent assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon, without clinical intervention. The scope of practice of the SFA is based upon the roles and responsibilities of the SFA as stipulated within Perioperative Care Collaborative Position statement 2018 (or subsequent amended versions). Which includes: Assisting with patient positioning, including tissue viability assessment Skin preparation and draping prior to surgery. Superficial skin and tissue retraction with cutting of superficial sutures. Handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for exposure or access Nerve and deep tissue retraction (The SFA can only move or place retractors under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon) Cutting of deep sutures and ligatures under direct supervision of the operating surgeon Assisting with haemostasis to secure and maintain a clear operating field including indirect application of surgical diathermy by the surgeon. Use of suction as guided by the operating surgeon. Camera manipulation for minimal invasive access surgery Application of dressings as required. Possessing knowledge and understanding of stages of operative procedures, and of anatomy and physiology, to provide skilled anticipatory assistance to the Surgeon. The SFA is required to maintain focused, calm, competent assistance during surgical procedures, inclusive of complex procedures/ environmental stresses whereby there is increased risk of stress or mental tiredness.

SFA extended scope of practice The following extended scope of practice will only apply to the practitioner who has undertaken further formal academic training as stipulated within the Perioperative Care Collaborative position statement (2018). A credit bearing course or attendance to an approved surgical skills course. Skills include: Administration of prescribed local anaesthesia in superficial layers Suturing of skin layers Suturing and securing wound drains Superficial haemostasis including surgical diathermy.

Robotic Skills The following scope of practice will only apply to the practitioner who has undertaken completion of local Robotic in-house training. Under the direct supervision of a consultant surgeon the SFA will participate in the following duties:o To assist with the insertion of secondary ports, and to be able to safely extract ports when requested.o Maintain vision of the surgical site, including insertion and handling of endoscopic camerao To assist in the process of docking/undocking the Robot and positioning of the Da Vinci Robotic arms.o Insertion and removal of the Da Vinci instruments under vision and supervision of the operating surgeon.o Endoscopic retraction of tissues.o Insertion, cutting and removal of sutures from the pneumoperitoneal cavity.o Insertion and removal of swabs from the pneumoperitoneal cavity and application of haemostatic agents where required to support haemostasis.o Within robotic surgery under direct supervision of the operating surgeon, apply endoclips /hem-o-loks as appropriate.o Insert and retrieve specimen bags into pneumoperitoneum when requested.o Where uterine manipulation is required, the assistant must provide competent assistance in manipulation, including safe extraction of device and vaginal extraction of specimen.o When required handle and insert appropriate drain via robotic port, secure in place by suturing.

2 Leadership / Management

Support the perioperative team, in the organisation associated with the daily workload of an operating list. Assist the Senior Theatre Sister in ensuring the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources, new practices/developments within theatres. Promote the development of services within the speciality area and support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager to implement change. Undertake PDR review and support development of staff within the theatre suite under the direction of their line manager.

3. Education and Development

Develop own expert clinical knowledge, participating in continuous professional development, supporting evidence-based practice. Ensure own compliance with regards to mandatory training and professional development requirements. Support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager in facilitating an environment that provides staff with a range of education / training and development and opportunities. Act as a mentor / assessor/ preceptor to theatre learners. Support external educational events in association with role, where required.

4. Clinical Governance

Participate as required in departmental audits. Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and clinical guidelines. Support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager to monitor standards of care. Support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager with implementation of service improvements within the theatre. Act in a prompt & timely manner of incident reporting, investigation & provision of information to senior theatre team. Promote peoples equality, diversity, and inclusion. To be aware of duties and responsibilities in relation to risk management.5. Infection Control

Comply with infection control policies and procedures ensuring auditable standards are always met. Compliance with Standard Operating Procedures.6. Research

To support the introduction and application of research findings to operating theatre practice. Participate in local research and clinical trials as directed by senior members of the team. To be aware of all current medical research relating to the operating department.

Responsibilities of Registered Theatre Nurses / Operating Department Practitioners:

Maintain Active Status on the NMC / HCPC. Act always in accordance with NMC/ HCPC Code of Conduct and Perioperative Care Collaborative position statement. Adhere to Trust Policy and Procedures. Maintain up to date skills and knowledge and maintain awareness of professional issues. Maintain a professional portfolio. Participate in service on call rota. Work within all specialties as required, dependent on service needs/ demands. Maintain recent evidence of relevant competencies for use of all equipment used.

OTHER;

At The Christie Theatres we see staff health and wellbeing and career development as our underpinning drive in delivering excellent patient care. We place a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, with opportunities to undertake further courses in support of your on-going professional development and career progression. In addition, we have an in-house Practice Based Educator to support your learning and training needs. Furthermore, a team of experienced surgical first assistants who can provide peer support.

In return we are seeking professional, flexible, motivated, and committed team members, capable of delivering high quality, patient focused care.

N.B - A funded training post will be considered for a candidate who has significant proven experience and demonstrates quality leadership skills. The candidate will be required to complete Surgical First Assistance in Operative Procedures (previously known as Part 1) at the earliest availability.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse/ Operating Department Practitioner.
• Degree level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Surgical First Assistance Part 1 or Local Training programme.

Desirable

• Diploma level education in relevant subject.
• Management/ leadership qualification.
• SFA Part 2/ Enhanced skills module/ or attendance to Basic Surgical Skills course.
• Mentorship/ coaching or teaching qualification.

Experience

Essential

• Able to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience of perioperative practice - Minimum two years' experience as a scrub practitioner.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Desirable

• Experience working in Surgical First Assistant role.
• Experience working in Oncological Care.
• Experience working with Robotic surgical technology.
• Experience of undertaking clinical audit.

Skills

Essential

• High level of physical skills and ergonomics, including dexterity and accuracy with medical devices
• High level of focus and concentration.
• Organisational skills.
• Verbal, written and communication skills.
• Ability to problem solve technical issues.

Knowledge

Essential

• Specialist knowledge of Surgical theatre practice.
• Specialist knowledge of Assistant Surgical practice.
• Knowledge of current nursing issues.

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

• Flexible and be able to adapt to the changing needs of the role.
• Motivated to personal and professional development of self and other junior colleagues.
• Treats colleagues and patients with dignity and respect.
• Capacity to work with colleagues at all levels.
• High personal standards of conduct and behaviour.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).