Job Title

Scrub Nurse / Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)

Department

Theatres / Operating Theatres

Responsible to

Theatre Manager / Lead Scrub Practitioner

Salary: depending on experience from £40,000 per annum

Job Purpose

To deliver safe, effective, and high-quality perioperative care as a Scrub Practitioner, supporting surgeons and the wider multidisciplinary team during surgical procedures. The post holder will competently scrub for general surgery, including laparoscopic and laparotomy procedures, as well as gynaecology and urology cases, ensuring patient safety and adherence to infection prevention and clinical governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Act as Scrub Practitioner for a range of procedures in general surgery, gynaecology, and urology, including laparoscopic and open (laparotomy) cases
• Prepare operating theatres, instrumentation, equipment, and sterile fields in line with procedures and policies
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team during procedures
• Maintain sterile and aseptic techniques and comply with infection prevention and control standards at all times
• Ensure correct counting of instruments, swabs, needles, and equipment before, during, and after procedures
• Safely handle and care for surgical instruments and equipment, reporting faults as required
• Support safe patient positioning and skin preparation
• Participate in the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and other safety processes

Patient Care

• Deliver patient-centred care, maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect
• Act as a patient advocate within the perioperative environment
• Contribute to effective communication with patients, relatives, and the multidisciplinary team

Professional Practice

• Practice in accordance with the NMC Code (for nurses) or HCPC standards (for ODPs)
• Maintain professional registration and undertake mandatory and role-specific training
• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development
• Support and mentor junior staff, students, and new starters where appropriate

Governance and Safety

• Adhere to all Trust/organisation policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines
• Report incidents, near misses, and concerns in line with governance procedures
• Maintain accurate documentation and records

Person Specification

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) with NMC registration or ODP with HCPC registration
• Proven experience as a Scrub Practitioner
• Competence in scrubbing for:
  • General surgery
  • Laparoscopic procedures
  • Laparotomy procedures
  • Gynaecology
  • Urology
• Strong understanding of infection control and perioperative safety standards
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Good communication and organisational skills

Desirable

• Experience across multiple surgical specialties
• Surgical First Assistant course
• Experience in private healthcare or elective surgery settings
• Mentorship or teaching qualification
• Flexibility to work across theatre lists and specialties

Working Conditions

• Theatre-based role requiring prolonged standing and manual handling
• Participation in on-call, weekend, or extended hours rota as required