Trainee Cardiac Theatre Surgical Care Practitioner

A new opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Applicants should be keen to learn and dedicated to developing themselves as well as the future SCP team. The successful candidate will undertake a three year Masters level SCP training with a mentor surgeon and SCP. After completion, they will be appointed as a qualified SCP at Band 7.

Main duties of the job:

• Enrol in a three-year Master’s degree in Surgical Care Practice focusing on Cardiothoracic Surgery.
• Acquire the knowledge, skills, and clinical competencies required to qualify as an SCP, under guidance of the SCP team and consultant cardiothoracic surgeons.
• Perform a range of specialist surgical activities relating to cardiac and thoracic surgery, including autonomous conduit assessment, conduit harvest, and specialist endoscopic harvesting techniques.
• Act as expert first and second assistant and camera operator for minimal access and port access surgeries.
• Perform closure of surgical wounds, selecting appropriate suture materials and techniques.
• Perform advanced clinical skills such as sternotomy and thoracotomy closure, including in emergency situations.
• Provide expert advice, opinions, and training to other professionals.

Working for our organisation:

The Trust provides services to 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, and offers specialist tertiary care for cardiac and haematology patients. Blackpool is a coastal resort with numerous attractions and a supportive community. The Trust is committed to flexible working to support staff in maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Harvest surgical conduit using an endoscopic technique.
• Harvest surgical conduit using an open technique and independently decide when to convert for safety.
• Handle delicate tissues and instruments during both independent operating and as first/second assistant.
• Assess potential sites for conduit harvest using ultrasound and physical assessment.
• Perform venous and arterial conduit harvest with complex dissection and haemostasis.
• Act as expert first and second assistant during cardiac and thoracic surgery and emergency operations.
• React calmly in emergencies with precision and speed.
• Close surgical wounds with appropriate suturing techniques.
• Perform advanced clinical skills including sternotomy and thoracotomy closure.
• Provide expert advice and act as a role model.

Person specification:

Education and Qualification:

• Registered General Nurse Level 1 or Operating Department Practitioner Level 3.
• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council or Health Care Professions Council.
• Qualified Cardiothoracic Surgical Care Practitioner.
• Masters level education or historical equivalent.
• RCS Basic Surgical Skills Course.
• Teaching and Assessing Qualification.
• Registered Independent and Supplementary non‑medical prescriber or willingness to work towards.
• Cardiac Advanced Life Support (CALS) and/or Immediate Life Support (ILS) certification.
• Leadership Qualification.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Two years’ specialist experience in cardiothoracic surgery post accreditation.
• Decide autonomously on conduit harvest location using ultrasound, history, and examination.
• Harvest conduit using both open and endoscopic methods.
• Assist for all cardiac and thoracic operations, including emergency procedures.
• Evidence of effective leadership and developmental work at senior level.
• Advanced knowledge of cardiac and thoracic anatomy and management.
• Act as a role model.
• Work autonomously and as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Lead and partake in audit and clinical research.
• Evidence of service innovation.
• Commitment to training, education and support for junior staff.
• Develop and implement local policies and procedures.
• Integrate departmental, trust and national guidance into local practice.
• Use good interpersonal and communication skills with team, patients and relatives.
• Excellent documentation and record‑keeping skills.

Skills and Ability:

• Handle sharp and delicate instruments with precision.
• Work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Work safely in a potentially hazardous environment.
• Sound decision‑making ability.
• Act within guidelines and protocols.
• Aware of own limitations.
• Committed to personal professional development and the SCP role.
• Maintain intense concentration for long periods.
• Remain calm and work under high pressure in intense clinical situations.

The Trust offers a strict non‑smoking policy. No interview expenses are provided unless indicated. Equal Opportunity Statement: We welcome and encourage applications from anyone with protected characteristics, supporting reservists and veterans. Flexible working arrangements are available, including part‑time, self‑rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours, term time, reverse term time, and flexitime.