Scrub Theatre Practitioner

Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and highly motivated registered practitioner (Nurse or ODP) with excellent clinical knowledge and scrub skills to join a core multidisciplinary team. You will be required to work across a variety of specialties such as Breast, General, Urology, robotic surgery, ENT, Max Fax, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Paediatrics.

In return for your dedication, you will benefit from in-house training to develop your core competencies, together with opportunities to undertake further courses in support of your ongoing development. We have a Preceptorship Programme and excellent PBEs and Clinical Educators on hand to support. Newly qualified nurses and ODPs are encouraged to apply.

Main duties of the job

• To develop to become an autonomous practitioner across all specialties with the indirect support of senior staff.
• Participate in staff rotation through the various specialities.
• Plan the day's activity relating to surgery regarding equipment and patient care.
• Provide peri-operative care in a systematic planned process using a series of integrated steps, focusing interventions on individual patients' needs.
• Establish and maintain the sterile field ensuring minimisation of risk of infection through effective procedures.
• Accountability for swabs, needles, instrumentation and other equipment used during the procedure.
• Safe labelling and transportation of specimens.
• Prepare and return instruments for decontamination to the third party sterile services provider, with appropriate paperwork and reporting any missing items or other defects.
• Provide skilled support to the scrubbed practitioner in the role of circulator.
• Maintain responsibility for the identification of own continuing educational needs and development and take part in annual appraisal.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement.

Whether you are beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working. You will be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds.

At MFT, you will find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

Details
Date posted: 23 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year Per Annum, Pro Rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-WTWA-8300371-RL3

Essential Person Specification

• Registered Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner
• Degree or Diploma
• Scrub Skills
• Experience of working on own and as part of a team
• Ability to supervise and support junior staff
• Evidence of teaching and assessing skills/ability
• Awareness of clinical audit
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to problem-solve
• Ability to organise workload and delegate tasks appropriately
• Dexterity and accuracy in physical skills
• Knowledge of current nursing issues and clinical governance
• IT/Word Processing

Desirable

• Degree
• Mentorship Qualification
• Anaesthetic and Recovery Qualification
• Evidence undertaking a mentor/preceptor role
• Experience in relevant area of practice

Contact: Theatre Lead Lisa Warrington, lisa.warrington@mft.nhs.uk, 01612916524

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship are welcome. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.