Job Title:

Trauma & Orthopaedic Scrub Nurse / Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)

Department: Operating Theatres – Trauma & Orthopaedics
Salary: Depending on experience from £40,000pa
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Responsible To: Theatre Manager / Lead Scrub Practitioner

Job Purpose

To provide safe, effective, and high-quality perioperative care as a Scrub Practitioner within the Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) theatre service. The post holder will competently scrub for a wide range of elective and trauma orthopaedic procedures, ensuring patient safety, adherence to infection control standards, and effective support to the surgical and multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Responsibilities
   • Act as Scrub Practitioner for a wide range of trauma and orthopaedic procedures, including:
     • Trauma cases (fractures, fixation, emergency surgery)
     • Elective orthopaedic surgery (e.g. joint replacements, arthroscopy)
     • Upper and lower limb procedures
   • Prepare operating theatres, instruments, implants, and equipment according to specialty requirements.
   • Maintain a sterile field and adhere strictly to aseptic technique and infection prevention standards.
   • Anticipate the needs of surgeons and respond promptly during procedures.
   • Perform accurate instrument, swab, and needle counts in line with policy.
   • Safely handle orthopaedic instrumentation, power tools, and implants
   • Support safe patient positioning, pressure area care, and skin preparation.
   • Participate in the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and other patient safety initiatives.
2. Patient Care
   • Deliver patient-centred care, maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect at all times.
   • Act as a patient advocate throughout the perioperative journey.
   • Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and the multidisciplinary team.
3. Professional Practice
   • Practice in accordance with the NMC Code (Scrub Nurse) or HCPC standards (ODP).
   • Maintain professional registration and complete mandatory and role-specific training.
   • Contribute to service development, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.
   • Support and mentor students, junior staff, and new starters where appropriate.
4. Governance & Safety
   • Adhere to all Trust/organisation policies, procedures, and clinical governance frameworks.
   • Report incidents, near misses, and equipment faults in line with governance procedures.
   • Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) with NMC registration or ODP with HCPC registration.
• Proven experience as a Scrub Practitioner in Trauma & Orthopaedics.
• Competence in scrubbing for trauma and elective orthopaedic procedures.
• Knowledge of orthopaedic instrumentation, implants, and power tools.
• Strong understanding of infection control and perioperative safety standards
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication and organisational skills

Desirable

• Experience across a broad range of orthopaedic subspecialties.
• Experience in trauma lists and emergency orthopaedic surgery.
• Mentorship or practice assessor qualification.
• Experience in private healthcare or high-volume elective orthopaedic services.

Working Conditions

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