Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1.            To use a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to communicate effectively with patients undergoing treatment.   The Practitioner requires adept interpersonal skills to carry out this role.

2.            To ensure the maintenance of effective communication within the team and across multi-disciplinary and organisational boundaries.

 3.   

3.           To utilise specialist knowledge across operating department practice underpinned by theoretical knowledge (the base qualification for this role is in curriculum laid down by the College of Operating Department Practitioners) enhanced by relevant practical experience, further study and qualification(s).

4.            To attend meetings and study sessions and to demonstrate an interest in clinical audit and furthering of own professional development by ensuring that own professional knowledge is widened and enriched.

5.            To work within limits of competency and level of training and to participate in the Performance Development Review (PDR) system and along with AHP comply with the CPD Process as a requirement through the regulating professional body.

6.            As a qualified, autonomous professional, the post holder is required to organise the provision of medical equipment and to make judgements involving a range of facts or situations, which require analysis or comparison of a range of options.  For example, the post holder is required to make operational recommendations, based on findings from pre-use testing.  Monitoring of complex anaesthetic/surgical devices, analysing this data and acting on the information to provide high quality care.

7.            The post requires highly developed physical skills within a specialised field where a high degree of precision and/or speed and high levels of hand, eye and sensory co-ordination are essential.  For example, in performing the role of Senior ODP – Specialist Practitioner: Anaesthetics and Emergency Care, the post holder will be required to be analytical and competent in intermediate/advanced airway management, defibrillation, Advanced Life Support/Paediatric Life Support and peripheral venepuncture, cannulation, intraosseous access and in providing a specialist support service to the other clinicians during these procedures.

8.            In the emergency situation, pending the arrival of an Anaesthetist, the Practitioner will be expected to commence emergency resuscitation i.e. CPR, cannulation, intraosseous access, intermediate/advanced airway management, defibrillation and administration of emergency drugs within own individual scope of practice.

9.          The post holder will be expected to co-ordinate the safe transfer of critically ill patients, in-line with the Intensive Care Society, HCPC and regional SCITT/ Critical Care Network guidelines.

10.          To prepare and utilise complex equipment relevant to their expertise e.g. cell saver/PCA/syringe pumps and anaesthetic machines.

11.          This post involves communicating confidential/complex medical information throughout the peri-operative episode.

12.          To contribute ideas to encourage good practice and to assist in research projects.

13.          The post requires a broad knowledge and understanding and practice of skilled airway management of the unconscious and semi-conscious patient and monitoring and recording of vital signs and recognises and acts on complications of those vital signs.

14.          The post holder will maintain airway, recognising airways that are compromised e.g.  laryngeal spasm and airway obstruction.  Dealing with compromised airways effectively, with prompt knowledge and skill and know when to call for medical assistance.

15.          The post holder will be required to be skilled in intravenous drug administration and blood transfusion administration and in providing skilled assistance to the clinician during critical airway management.  To provide highly specialist clinical technical services in assisting the Anaesthetist and/or Surgeon as required.  To initiate/calculate/participate in the checking and administration of prescribed drugs including controlled drugs and other substances in accordance with Trust policy.

16.          To ensure the maintenance of a safe, comfortable, therapeutic environment for patients and a pleasant, receptive climate for patients’ relatives in accordance with the provisions set out in the NHS Plan.