Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care given to patients during the perioperative period.
Support patients through invasive procedures, developing and adapting care plans in response to continual assessment of the patient’s condition.
Participate in the safe transfer and positioning of patients as required throughout the perioperative period.
Liaise with ward staff and other professional groups to co-ordinate the safe transfer of patients to and from theatre in a timely manner, escorting patients between theatres and other departments as required. Liaise with theatre staff also if working in the PAD
Liaise with the wider multidisciplinary team to coordinate appropriate on-going care for the post-operative patient.
Undertake the role of scrub/aesthetic practitioner as a member of the multidisciplinary surgical team.
Take responsibility for safety checks of instruments and other items within the surgical field.
Anticipate the need for and safely receive surgical items onto the sterile field.
Participate as a circulating practitioner for surgical procedures including taking responsibility for safety checks in conjunction with the scrub practitioner.
Prepare surgical equipment before use and ensure the safe transfer of items onto the sterile field
Ensure the correct labelling and dispatch of clinical specimens in accordance with Trust and local policies and procedures.
Evaluate patient care on completion of the anaesthetic or surgical procedure.
Provide post-operative care as a member of the recovery room team. Proactively change and adapt care plans in response to the patient’s conditions, seeking advice from senior staff and the medical team when required.
Participate in the replacement of stock to agreed levels, ensuring the correct rotation of stock in use.
Report any shortages to the team leader or materials management team as appropriate.
Identify areas of improvement and discuss with team leader and other members of the multidisciplinary team as required.
Prepare and undertake the safe use of complex equipment and medical devices, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, including carrying out routine safety checks.
Be aware of personal duty of care relating to the safe use of such equipment and actively seek out further support and training when required, keeping up to date with advances in techniques and equipment.
Report any faults or concerns with equipment, withdrawing from use if necessary
Undertake the safe cleaning and decontamination of equipment when required in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
Exercise due care for self and others when exposed to and handling blood and other hazardous body fluids, adhering to departmental policies, including the safe disposal of sharps.
Ensure the correct labelling and dispatch of clinical specimens in accordance with Trust and local policies and procedures.
Be aware of personal responsibility for accuracy in record keeping. Ensure written records are accurate, complete and legible and that computerised data is complete, accurate and timely.
Contribute to the delivery of a cost effective service, practicing with due regard for the cost consequences of own actions.
Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care and make changes as necessary.
Identifies deteriorating patients and takes appropriate action.
Ensures documentation is accurate and up to date
Demonstrates an enquiring approach to patient care.
Develop skills in accordance with the expanded role relevant to the post holder’s clinical area such as cannulation and phlebotomy and patient health promotion/education.
Identifies and helps patients, relatives and staff to reduce any risks associated with health and wellbeing.
Ensures patients’ views are taken into account in the decision making process.
Skilled in communicating with a range of people on a daily basis some of who may have communication barriers.
A key responsibility will be to utilise a variety of strategies to communicate effectively with patients and those involved in their care.
Keeps accurate and complete records of activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Monitors the quality of work on own area and alerts others to quality issues.
The post holder must at all times carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to the Trust’s Equal Opportunity policy.
1.24. Identifies and takes action when own or others’ behaviour undermines equality and diversity.
1.25. Take account of own behaviour and its effect on others.
Educational
Evaluate personal performance and development, ensuring clinical and technical skills and knowledge are updated and enhanced.
Actively participate in annual appraisal and PDP in accordance with Trust policy.
Undertake mandatory training in accordance with Trust and departmental requirements
Assist with the department's training needs by teaching students and junior staff in accordance with departmental and service training philosophy
Act as an effective role model at all times.
Act as a supervisor/assessor for individual students and learners, undertaking appropriate qualifications to support this role.
Managerial
Work closely with all members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure that effective high quality care is given to meet patient’s needs.
Undertake the management of a defined clinical area when required in accordance with personal competencies and level of experience, including allocation of staff and resources to ensure high standards of patient care.
Plan and evaluate care given by junior staff, providing support and assistance when required to ensure that the development needs of all staff are met.
Ensure that effective communication is maintained with other members of the multidisciplinary team, patients and their carers, exchanging information to aid problem solving and decision making.
Participate in clinical audit as required to support the improvement of patient care within the perioperative period.
Maintain and enhance effective working relationships
Contribute to development within the department including participation in team meetings, audits, new ways of working and initiatives to improve the delivery of the service.
Undertake additional roles to support the team and promote self-development, commensurate with knowledge and skills. e.g. Risk officer, mandatory trainer, infection control link role.
Practice with full regard to Trust and Departmental Policies and Procedures.
To work at all times within the framework of the NMC/HCPC Codes of Professional conduct.