Theatre Recovery Practitioner

Job summary
We are a friendly, dynamic recovery team that has vacancies for trained nurses or ODPs.

If you are committed to provide a high standard of patient care. Theatre recovery can give you an opportunity to develop your critical care and high dependency skills within a friendly and supportive environment. You will need to demonstrate the ability to manage acutely ill patients; skills include airway management, pain management and care of unconscious post-operative patients. The unit provides post-operative care for a wide range of specialties including: orthopaedics, urology, gynaecology, general and sub-specialty surgery, emergency and trauma.

We are looking for registered Nurse/Operating Department Practitioners with excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly in a demanding environment. You are a person who uses their own initiative but also works effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and who will provide high quality patient care. Previous experience is an advantage, but support is available from the line managers, variety of trainings and professional development team to further your skills and knowledge.

Main duties of the job
To work as part of the Main theatres Recovery/CTC Recovery team and carry out patient care to the highest possible standard. The new posts have been created with Operational project of Vanguard Theatres recently approved as an extension to the Main Theatres in SRH. To be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of patients in the operating theatre recovery suites.

The organisation and supervision within a designated area of the department. To participate in promoting an environment conducive to learning and to assist senior staff with the teaching of learners as required. To participate in the setting and monitoring of quality standards in relation to clinical practice.

About us
Working for our organisation. At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

Date posted: 23 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 279-8236586-OCT26
Closing date: 05 November 2026

Job responsibilities
Professional:

• Maintain personal and professional knowledge and competence and practice within the Nursing and Midwifery Council Codes of Conduct & Health Professionals Council Standards of Proficiency.
• Provide evidence based individualised patient care to a high standard and in accordance with the Trusts policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective communication skills to support high quality patient care.
• Be aware of Health and Safety requirements and to assist in promoting the safety and well-being of other staff and patients. It is the responsibility of every employee to take care of their own health and safety and the safety of anyone who may be affected by what they do.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver skilled care for all patients and participate in the monitoring of the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised patient care.
• Participate in setting and maintaining agreed standards of patient care.
• Ensure all records and documentation are compiled and maintained accurately and in accordance with the NMC Standards for Record Keeping.
• Use resources effectively and economically.
• Report accidents, complaints and incidents in a timely manner using the Datix system.

Demonstrate a professional attitude at all times and comply with the Trusts Uniform.

Visa sponsorship: This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential):

• Registered Nurse or Registered Operating Department Practitioner
• Experience/Qualification - Nursing Diploma/ODP
• Skills - The ability to complete Recovery related competence. Ability to work as an effective team member. Ability to work well under pressure. Organisational skills - ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
• People management and development - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Show evidence of/awareness of the need for professional development.
• Health related diploma/ODP NVQ level 3/C&G 752
• Evidence of achievement of subset of KSF outline for Band 5 theatre nurse/ODP post. Or, if new to Band 5, the ability to achieve this within one year

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (Essential):

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address: SRH Main Theatre, Spitalfield Lane, Chichester, PO19 6SE, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

For questions about the job, contact:
Lead Theatre Practitioner, Vanya Shishkova, Vanya.Shishkova@nhs.net

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