Senior Theatre Practitioner – Anaesthetic & Recovery

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Theatre Practitioner to join our high-performing perioperative team, specialising in anaesthetics with rotational responsibilities in recovery. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) or Registered Nurse (NMC/HCPC registered) who is ready to take the next step in their career. You will play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care while supporting the leadership and development of the anaesthetic and recovery service. As a senior practitioner, you will act as a clinical role model, supporting the coordination of theatre activities and deputising for senior team members when required; contributing to service development, education, and clinical governance.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Leadership & Patient Care
  • Deliver expert perioperative care across anaesthetics and recovery, with rotational or service-led allocation.
  • Act as a clinical lead for anaesthetics/recovery on a shift basis, supporting safe and effective list management.
  • Assist with anaesthetic procedures, including airway management, patient monitoring, and emergency situations.
  • Provide high-quality post-anaesthetic care, including patient assessment, monitoring, and safe discharge in line with agreed criteria.
  • Take responsibility for the assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of patient care across the perioperative pathway.
  • Anticipate and respond to changing clinical priorities, ensuring patient safety at all times.
• Team Leadership & Management
  • Support the day-to-day coordination of theatre activity, ensuring efficient patient flow and utilisation.
  • Deputise for the Lead/Deputy Theatre Practitioner as required.
  • Provide visible leadership, particularly in high-pressure situations.
  • Supervise, support, and mentor junior staff, students, and non-registered team members.
  • Contribute to staff induction, preceptorship, and ongoing development.
  • Promote a positive team culture, addressing challenges constructively and professionally.
• Clinical Governance & Quality
  • Maintain high standards of care in line with national and local guidance, including NICE guidance, NatSSIPs / LocSSIPs, NCEPOD recommendations, and Royal College standards.
  • Actively participate in audit, quality improvement, and service development initiatives.
  • Ensure all incidents, risks, and near misses are reported and managed appropriately.
  • Contribute to the development and review of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure smooth running of operating lists.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and colleagues, maintaining professionalism at all times.
  • Support coordination between departments to optimise the patient journey.
• Education & Professional Development
  • Act as a mentor/practice assessor (or work towards this qualification).
  • Support teaching, supervision, and competency development within the team.
  • Maintain and develop specialist knowledge in anaesthetics and recovery.
  • Engage in continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• Operational & Resource Management
  • Ensure safe and effective use of equipment and resources.
  • Support stock control, procurement processes, and equipment maintenance.
  • Contribute to efficient theatre utilisation through accurate documentation and resource management.
  • Participate in the on-call rota and demonstrate flexibility to meet service needs.

Person Specification

Essential

• Registered Practitioner with NMC or HCPC registration (ODP or Nurse)
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in an operating theatre setting
• Experience in both anaesthetics and recovery
• Demonstrable experience in anaesthetics, with a primary focus in this area and regular participation in recovery to maintain skills and support service demands
• Strong clinical reasoning skills across a varied patient caseload
• Proven ability to support and supervise a team in a clinical environment
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Competent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel) and electronic patient record systems.
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• ILS certification
• ALS certification (or willingness to work towards)
• Commitment to high standards of patient care and safety

Desirable

• Mentorship or Practice Assessor qualification
• Postgraduate qualification or relevant specialist training (e.g. sedation)
• Experience in audit, service improvement, or change management
• Leadership development or supervisory experience