Surgical Nurse
- Contract
- United Kingdom View on Map
- posted 2 months ago
- Posted : 29th November 2024 -Accepting applications
- View(s) 191
Job Detail
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Job ID 3856
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Job Location On-Site
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Experience No specific experience required
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Gender Any
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Industry General Healthcare
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Qualifications Degree Bachelor
Job Description
Surgical Nurse
A Surgical Nurse in the UK plays a crucial role in the care of patients undergoing surgery, providing support both preoperatively, during surgery, and postoperatively. Surgical nurses work in a variety of settings, including operating theatres, day surgery units, preoperative clinics, and recovery wards. They collaborate with surgeons, anaesthetists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive high-quality care throughout their surgical journey.
Surgical nursing can be highly specialized, depending on the type of surgery being performed (e.g., orthopaedic, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, general surgery, etc.), and nurses are trained to handle the specific needs of patients undergoing these procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preoperative Care:
- Patient Assessment: Conduct initial assessments of patients scheduled for surgery, which include reviewing medical histories, current medications, allergies, and any pre-existing conditions.
- Patient Education: Provide patients with information regarding the procedure, anaesthesia options, what to expect during surgery, and postoperative care. Address any concerns or questions to reduce anxiety and ensure informed consent.
- Preparation: Ensure that the patient is properly prepared for surgery, which includes preoperative fasting, performing required tests (e.g., blood tests, ECGs), and preparing the patient physically (e.g., hygiene, shaving, positioning).
- Preoperative Documentation: Complete all necessary documentation, including consent forms, patient history forms, and any additional required assessments. Ensure accurate and up-to-date records are maintained.
- Intraoperative Care (During Surgery):
- Assisting in the Operating Room: Work alongside the surgical team, providing support during surgery. Depending on the role, this may involve assisting with sterile techniques, passing instruments to the surgeon, or operating specialized equipment.
- Maintaining Sterility: Ensure that the sterile field is maintained throughout the surgical procedure. This includes assisting with sterile draping, managing surgical instruments, and maintaining a clean environment.
- Monitoring Patients: Monitor the patient’s vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels), ensuring the patient remains stable during the procedure.
- Patient Positioning: Ensure proper positioning of the patient on the operating table to allow the surgeon optimal access and minimize the risk of complications (e.g., nerve damage, pressure ulcers).
- Postoperative Care:
- Recovery Room Care: Oversee the recovery of patients from anaesthesia in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery room, monitoring vital signs and ensuring a smooth transition from the surgical procedure to recovery.
- Pain Management: Administer pain relief, either through oral medication, IV medication, or other methods, and monitor the patient’s response to pain management strategies.
- Monitoring and Observation: Continuously assess patients for any postoperative complications such as bleeding, infection, or issues with vital signs. Provide immediate intervention if required.
- Patient Education: Provide education and guidance to patients regarding postoperative care, including wound care, mobility exercises, and recognising signs of complications (e.g., infection, deep vein thrombosis).
- Wound Care and Infection Prevention:
- Wound Assessment: Monitor surgical wounds for signs of infection, dehiscence (wound opening), or poor healing. Change dressings as needed and ensure proper wound care.
- Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection control protocols to reduce the risk of postoperative infections. This includes proper hand hygiene, use of sterile equipment, and aseptic techniques.
- Drain Management: If drains or catheters are used, monitor their function, ensure they are functioning properly, and provide care as necessary.
- Patient Advocacy and Emotional Support:
- Emotional Support: Offer emotional support to patients and families before, during, and after surgery, helping them manage anxiety and addressing concerns about the procedure and recovery.
- Patient Advocacy: Ensure that the patient’s wishes and needs are communicated to the healthcare team, and advocate for the best possible care throughout the surgical experience.
- Family Communication: Communicate with patients’ families regarding their loved ones’ progress, providing updates during surgery and after recovery, and explaining any changes in the patient’s condition.
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team:
- Teamwork: Work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, surgical technologists, and other nursing staff to provide comprehensive care to surgical patients.
- Interdisciplinary Communication: Participate in team meetings to discuss patients’ progress, plan for discharge, and review care outcomes.
- Documentation and Record-Keeping:
- Accurate Documentation: Ensure that patient records are accurate and up-to-date, documenting everything from the preoperative assessments, consent, procedure details, and postoperative recovery progress.
- Legal and Ethical Compliance: Maintain compliance with NMC guidelines (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and ensure patient confidentiality in all records.
- Emergency and Critical Care:
- Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to emergencies during surgery, such as cardiac arrest, anaphylactic reactions, or surgical complications, following established protocols.
- Critical Care: If the patient requires intensive care after surgery, work closely with critical care teams to monitor and manage the patient’s recovery.
- Professional Development and Education:
- Ongoing Education: Engage in professional development activities, such as attending courses on the latest surgical techniques, continuing education in surgical nursing, and staying up to date with best practice guidelines.
- Mentoring and Training: Support the training of junior nurses or students in surgical nursing techniques and practices, offering mentorship and guidance when necessary.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Registered Nurse (RN) Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or equivalent).
- Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Experience in Surgical Nursing:
- Experience in surgical nursing or a specific surgical specialty (e.g., orthopaedic, general surgery, cardiothoracic).
- Experience in operating theatres and recovery rooms is highly desirable.
- Clinical Skills:
- Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques, sterile procedures, and infection control.
- Proficiency in wound care, pain management, and patient assessment.
- Ability to monitor vital signs and manage critical situations that may arise during or after surgery.
- Communication Skills:
- Strong communication skills to effectively explain procedures to patients and families and to collaborate with the surgical team.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, especially when explaining complex surgical procedures or recovery plans to patients.
- Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Ability to work well within an interdisciplinary team, sharing information, and contributing to the decision-making process regarding patient care.
- Ability to take direction and assist the surgical team while also demonstrating initiative when needed.
- Critical Thinking and Decision-Making:
- Ability to assess patient needs, make critical decisions, and respond effectively to complications during surgery or in the postoperative period.
- Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills:
- Strong attention to detail to ensure the safety and accuracy of all procedures, as well as good organizational skills to manage patient care in a busy environment.
- Compassion and Patient-Centred Care:
- A compassionate, empathetic approach to patient care, particularly in helping patients deal with the anxiety or emotional stress related to surgery.
All applicants need to living in the United Kingdom (with residency in the UK, such as UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa)