Job Vacancies

Pre Operative Assessment Nurse

NHS AfC: Band 5

• Surgical Pre Assessment
• NHS AfC: Band 5
• Permanent: none
• Full time - 37.5 hours per week
• 418-NUR0776-MR

• Bedford Hospital South Wing
• Bedford
• £31,049 - £37,796 per annum pro rata
• Yearly
• 24/09/2025 23:59

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Registered Nurse to join our expanding team in the Surgical Pre Assessment Unit. You will need to have excellent communication and organisational skills. You must be a flexible and committed team player to facilitate a patient centred approach to pre- operative assessment for elective surgical patients.

You will be supported to develop both your clinical and managerial skills and to continue your own professional development.

The Unit is currently open Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 18:00 and Friday 08:00 – 17:30 – job share and part time hours will be considered.

If you feel that you would like to join our pro – active team promoting excellent patient care we would be happy to hear from you and visits to the department are available on request.

For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact Lynne Newton – Pre Assessment Manager on 01234 795903

Main duties of the job

The post holder will ensure that high standards of care are consistently delivered to the patient arriving for pre- assessment.

The post holder will deliver nurse led pre-assessment clinics for patients undergoing elective surgical procedures.

To work closely with the department/Lead Nurse and multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining policies, standards of nursing care, staff and service development within the department/clinic environment.

To act as a role model for other members of the team.

To act as a patient advocate, ensuring a positive patient experience.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To be able to work as an autonomous practitioner with skills in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care within protocols.

• Carry a caseload and organise own workload

• To act as a named nurse for patients within the pre-assessment department.

• To undertake a nursing assessment, obtaining a detailed past medical history, maintaining an accurate patient record and completion of all documentation which will ensure seamless multidisciplinary communication.

• To undertake a risk assessment for the patient undergoing anaesthesia and surgery.

• Ordering of appropriate clinical investigations, blood tests and ECG’s, MRSA screening and then be able to implement appropriate intervention based on the results of these investigations, cancelling patients if surgery is inappropriate or referring for further advice.

• To communicate effectively and liaise with all members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.

• Identify cultural requirements, communication and other special needs.

• Adhere to all Trust policies to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety.

• Undertake a role in health promotion giving advice/referring for support on weight loss and smoking cessation.

• Advise patients on their pre-operative medication requirements.

• To participate in monthly team meetings and contribute ideas and suggestions for the improvement and development of the service.

• To work flexibly with colleagues, assisting them to manage and resolve problems to ensure smooth running of the service on a day to day basis.

• To assist the lead nurse to manage and maintain a safe clinical environment.

• To liaise with waiting list staff regarding patients with health issues affecting their admission date.

• To ensure that all equipment and supplies used in the department are effectively and resourcefully stocked and maintained.

• Participate in clinical training including teaching and supervision of new staff, unqualified staff and student nurses in the clinic environment.

• Undertake a minimum of once yearly appraisal with the lead nurse for development planning.

• Advise patients and relatives/visitors to the department with regard to control of infection.

• Advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness.

• To manage the maintenance of an acceptable environment for patients, reporting and taking appropriate action on hazards and faulty equipment.

• To report incidents using the Trust electronic incident reporting system.

• Report to and request advice from the nurse in charge of the department in regard to patient care when appropriate.

• Ensure that communication is used effectively, both written and verbal, in the interest of patient care and with the multidisciplinary team.

• Ensure adherence to requirements for external bodies such as PROMS and the National Joint Registry.

• Ensure that the department is well maintained, clean and safe. Report hazards to the nurse in charge acting to prevent further danger to staff and patients

• To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users of the Trust.

• To take charge as required in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility for the department.

• To be conversant with policies and procedures relating to Fire and Health and Safety.

• To report all accidents and complaints in accordance with agreed policies and assist in investigations of complaints and accidents as required.

• Maintain professional portfolio.

• Maintain clinical study to fulfil professional registration and show evidence of continuing professional development.

• To uphold the principles of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.

• To be conversant with all Nursing Policies and Procedures.

The post holder must be able to actively demonstrate and pro-actively deliver effective and personal care, which is safe for the patients, in a calm and compassionate manner to every patient, every time. This should be at the core of all planning which actively involves the patient and where appropriate their relatives/carers. The ability to escalate areas of inter-professional and multiagency care concerns to the Lead Nurse or Matron in a timely manner.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• RGN Level 1

Desirable criteria

• ENB 998, Mentorship & Support for Professional Practice or equivalent
• Recognised course in surgical nursing

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience in an acute surgical environment
• Experience and working knowledge of elective surgery

Desirable criteria

• Experience of Pre-Operative Assessment

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Working knowledge of elective surgery and pre assessment processes
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to work effectively as team member

Desirable criteria

• Teaching ability
• Experience of audit

Personal Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to acknowledge own clinical limitations

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

• Name
• Lynne Newton
• Job title
• Surgical Pre Assessment Manager
• Email address
• Lynne.Newton@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
• Telephone number
• 01234 795903

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