Pre- Assessment Staff Nurse

The staff nurse or ODP in POAC is responsible for the pre-operative assessment of adult patients having a planned surgical procedure for their fitness for general anaesthetic and surgery within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder will be responsible for patient-centred assessments which includes liaising with patients, their carers, and the multi-disciplinary team. The pre-assessment covers the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient.

This assessment extends to identifying issues that can be resolved or optimised prior to surgery, in- order for the patient to have the best possible surgical outcome; and initiating plans of care to be facilitated within secondary care or within a community setting as appropriate.

With strong support from the team the post holder will liaise with anaesthetists, surgeons, specialists, GPs, theatres and appropriate departments to avoid potential perioperative problems from arising.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced staff nurse to join the pre-operative assessment team.

We provide detailed medical and nursing assessment for elective procedures both in day theatre and main theatre for all patients due to undergo a general anaesthetic. You will be part of a small supportive team but will need to be able to work independently within a clinic, managing a potentially complex caseload of patients. The successful candidate will have an interest in peri-operative care and be able to thrive in a busy area with many time pressures and deadlines. However,this post also provides a great deal of job satisfaction and a chance to provide one on one patient care.

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London. There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!